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School of Public Affairs FAQs

What do people say about the ASU School of Public Affairs?
Can I take classes without being admitted to the program?
Where can I find a schedule of classes?
What are the requirements for admission?
Is the GRE required?
When is the deadline for admission?
How do I register for classes?
Where are the Registrar Sites?
When do classes begin?
Will I be able to take classes while working full-time?
What are intensive and internet courses?
Once I'm admitted, do I have to register each semester?
When should I file my Program of Study?
In what order should I take my classes?
Will I have to do an internship?
Can I get credit for my internship?
What kind of job will I be able to get when I graduate?
How do I apply for graduation?
If I graduate in August, can I walk in the May ceremony?
What about parking?
How do I drop a class?
What is a listserv? How do I subscribe?
What types of financial aid are available for graduate students?
What types of scholarships are available from the School of Public Affairs?
What about other scholarships and fellowships?
What about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness?
How much is tuition?


 What do people say about the ASU School of Public Affairs?back2top.gif

 

 


Can I take classes without being admitted to the program?      back2top.gif

The School of Public Affairs will allow students to take up to nine credits (three classes) in the MPA or MPP program as a non-degree student before they must be a fully admitted student. Students with graduate coursework taken outside of ASU may transfer in up to 9 credits as well provided the courses are approved upon review of the program director. These nine credits do not include deficiency courses in statistics (e.g., PAF 401), economics (e.g. PAF 504), and/or American Government (e.g., POS 310) that a student may have to take. See MPA/MPP prerequisite information.

Only students admitted to the Ph.D or other doctoral programs may take Ph.D core classes (PAF 600, 601, 602, 603). 

In order to register for classes at ASU as a non-degree student, you must fill out a non-degree application available on-line. If you are an Arizona resident, make sure to submit the Residency portion of the application (to be considered for in-state tuition). Finally, all students must submit proof of measles immunization requirements (to be eligible to register for classes). The ASU Graduate College will charge a late application processing fee for applications submitted after certain dates.

 


Where can I find a schedule of classes?back2top.gif

A schedule of classes offered by the School of Public Affairs can be found online.  Undergraduate courses are 400 level and below; graduate courses are 500 are 600 level.  Some classes require pre-requisites.  See our course catalog for a list of courses offered by the School and their descriptions.

 


What are the requirements for admission? back2top.gif

MPA and MPP applicants can download the Admission Guide.  

Applications to the Graduate College can be submitted on-line.  Visit http://asu.edu/graduate/admissions/apply.html for a degree seeking (regular admission) application.

Undergraduate applicants can also apply on-line.  Visit http://students.asu.edu/my-checklist for more information and the necessary documents.

Application materials that need to be submitted by mail should be sent to the following addresses.

Graduate College
Arizona State University
Administration Building, B Wing, Suite 285
PO Box 871003
Tempe, AZ 85287-1003

ASU School of Public Affairs
Mail Code 3720
411 N. Central Avenue, Ste. 400
Phoenix, AZ 85004-0687

Undergraduate Admissions
ASU at the Downtown Phoenix campus
Enrollment Services
411 N. Central Avenue, Suite 166
Phoenix, AZ 85004-2120

 

 

 Is the GRE required? back2top.gif

The GRE is required for all applicants to the MPA, MPP and Ph.D. programs regardless of educational background. The GRE test is available through University Testing Services, Monday through Saturday. Applicants requesting the GRE be waived in place of other standardized exams (like the GMAT) need to contact the School of Public Affairs at 602-496-0450.

 


When is the deadline for admission? back2top.gif

The MPA and MPP have a rolling admission which means applications are accepted and processed throughout the year.  Students can be accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.  While there is no official deadline from the School of Public Affairs,  applications do need to be processed and reviewed - it is recommended that students have their completed application on file by:

November 1st

Spring Admission

April 1st

Summer Admission

June 1st

Fall Admission

The deadline for Ph.D applications is January 15th.  Completed Ph.D application packets must be in the Doctoral Office by that date.  Applications are reviewed by the Doctoral Admissions Committee only once each year during the Spring Semester.

The ASU Graduate College will charge a late application processing fee for applications submitted after certain dates.

Undergraduate students should refer to the ASU Admissions Office for information on application deadlines.

 


How do I register for classes?back2top.gif

Before you can register for classes, you need to make certain you have fulfilled the measles immunization requirements.  Students can verify their eligibility status on-line under Interactive Services.  

After admission, you should check your enrollment appointment. This is the date and time that you can begin registering for the upcoming semester. While you can register anytime from the beginning of your enrollment appointment through the end of the registration period, ASU strongly encourages you to register as soon as possible. Newly admitted freshmen will have their enrollment appointment on the day they attend their Orientation Program. You can sign in to My ASU to view the date and time of your enrollment appointment. Note: enrollment appointments are not required for summer sessions. Consult the Academic Calendar for more information on important dates and deadlines.

 


 Where are the Registrar Sites?back2top.gif

Downtown campus
Phone: 602-496-4372
E-mail: registrar@asu.edu
Location: University Center Building, Room 166
Mailing Address: 411 N. Central Phoenix, AZ 85004
M-F, 8AM-5PM

Tempe campus
Phone: 480-965-3124
E-mail: registrar@asu.edu
Location: Student Services Building, Room 140
Mailing Address: PO Box 870312 Tempe, AZ 85287
M-F, 8AM-5PM

Information on registrar sites at the other ASU campuses can be found at: http://students.asu.edu/contact/office-university-registrar.

 


When do classes begin?back2top.gif

The university academic calendar can be found at http://www.asu.edu/calendar/academic.html. Please note intensive courses will have different starting dates than the regular semester, check the School's class schedule for dates for the intensive courses.

 


Will I be able to take classes while working full-time?back2top.gif

Most of our students in the MPA, MPP and Ph.D program work full-time while going to school. The majority of our classes are offered in the evenings from 5:40 to 8:30 PM. Many undergraduate students work full-time as well. SPA classes are scheduled to meet the needs of both working adults and full-time students.

We offer MPA classes at two locations:  ASU Tempe campus and at the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus. In addition, the School offers some of its course work on-line over the internet and in an intensive format to better accommodate the needs of our working students.

See the class schedule for course locations and formats.

 


What are intensive and internet courses?back2top.gif

In addition the the classes offered during the traditional 15-week semester, the School of Public Affairs also offers courses in an intensive format. Generally, intensive courses are offered through a two- or three-weekend format.  Class will meet over the weekend twice or three times during a semester.  Because of the structure of the class, students will usually be sent a syllabus at the beginning of the semester and be expected to come prepared for the first class meeting (i.e., with text(s), completed reading/assignments).  Following the first weekend, students will be expected to complete the assignments/readings for the second class meeting.

Please note that although intensive courses will have different starting dates than the regular semester, students must follow the university semester calendar for important dates such as registration, drop/add, tuition refunds, and course withdrawals even if the intensive class has not yet met for the semester.

The School of Public Affairs does offer some classes online to accommodate the needs of our students.

See the class schedule for course locations and formats.

 


Once I'm admitted, do I have to register each semester?back2top.gif

MPA & MPP Students
If you do not enroll for even one Fall or Spring semester after admission, then you must submit an application to reapply to ASU. A student in a master’s degree program who does not enroll for one calendar year is considered withdrawn from the university and must fully reapply for admission to resume his or her degree program.

PhD Students
Once admitted to a doctoral degree program, the student is expected to be enrolled continuously, excluding summer sessions, until all requirements for the degree have been fulfilled. Students must be enrolled in courses that meet the program requirements, which may include coursework, 792 Research, or 799 Dissertation. Credits that do not meet program requirements will not count toward continuous enrollment. If no additional credit is required toward the doctoral degree, the student may enroll for 795 Continuing Registration. Continuing Registration does not carry credit; no grade is given.

If a program of study must be interrupted for one semester, the student may apply for leave status. However, this leave status cannot exceed one semester. A petition for a leave of absence, endorsed by the members of the student’s supervisory committee and the head of the academic unit, must be approved by the dean of the Graduate College. This request must be filed and approved before the anticipated absence.

A student who interrupts a program of study without obtaining leave status may be removed automatically by the Graduate College, under the assumption that the student has decided to discontinue the program. A student removed by the Graduate College for this reason may reapply for admission; the application is considered along with all other new applications to the degree program.

 


When should I file my Program of Study?back2top.gif

MPA and MPP students are required to have a Interactive Program of Study (iPOS) on file before registering for the capstone class. The Graduate College requires students to submit their POS online when 18 credits have been scheduled. Students must complete all required core courses before registering for PAF 509 or PAF 579.  Any exceptions to MPA or MPP policy must meet with MPA Director permission.  The program of study is filed online at through My ASU.  If for any reason a student must make changes to the Program of Study, a Petition to the Graduate College must be filed.  Program of Study forms should be completed with the consultation of the advisor.
View instructions on filing your iPOS.

 

Ph.D students must set up a Program of Study committee after passing the screening exam.  The committee determines which courses the student will take to fulfill the areas of specialization.  The Interactive Program of Study (iPOS) is filed online at through My ASU. The Program of Study must be approved by the Program of Study Committee, the Doctoral Director, and the Dean of the Graduate College.
View instructions on filing your iPOS.

 


In what order should I take my classes?back2top.gif

Any students who have been admitted with any deficiency courses (prerequisite coursework) needs to complete those within their first semester of admission. Once those are met, most MPA and MPP students begin with the introductory core classes: PAF 501 and PAF 503.  Students should plan on meeting with their faculty advisor within their first semester of classes to map out a preliminary program of study.  Elective courses should be taken with the advice of the faculty advisor.  Any exceptions to MPA policy must meet with MPA Director permission.

For a listing of suggested classes, view the MPA/MPP POS Guide.

Ph.D. students must complete the core classes within their first years in the program.  Other courses are taken upon the recommendation of the student's program of study committee and/or the Doctoral Director.  See more information on the Ph.D. curriculum. 

 


Will I have to do an internship?back2top.gif

Completing an internship is not a requirement in the MPA, MPP and Ph.D programs, as many students do have relevant work experience.  However, it is highly recommended for all "pre-service" students.  For students with no previous professional or government experience, the internship provides valuable exposure to employment within their chosen fields.  Students may earn three credit hours for completing an internship and PAF 584 Internship.

All students in the PSPP and UMS program are required to do an internship for a minimum of 3 credits. PSPP and UMS students can receive 3 or 6 credits of PAF 484 or URB 484 for their internship experience based on the number of hours they complete (or in process of completion): 3 credits requires 125 hours and 6 credits requires 250 hours.

For more information about the internship program, download the internship information packet.  Current internships are posted on the school's listservs.  If you would like more information, please call the School at 602-496-04506 or email spa@asu.edu.  ASU Career Services also offers an internship resource guide.

Students can also find internship opportunities on various organization websites:

If your department or agency would like to include your internship/volunteer page in the links above, please send the link to spa@asu.edu.

 


Can I get credit for my internship?back2top.gif

All students in the PSPP and UMS program are required to do an internship for a minimum of 3 credits. PSPP and UMS students can receive 3 or 6 credits of PAF 484 (PSPP students) or URB 484 (UMS students) for their internship experience based on the number of hours they complete (or in process of completion): 3 credits requires 125 hours and 6 credits requires 250 hours.

Admitted MPA/MPP students can receive a maximum of  3 credit hours for completing an internship (minimum 300 hours). This can be used as one of the electives for the MPA/MPP program. Students register for the internship course, PAF 584, either during the semester they are doing the internship or in the semester immediately following.

Register for Internship Class
All students
: To be cleared to register for the internship class, all students must submit to the department the following:

  • Internship cover sheet (make sure to include both Student and Employer information; supervisor signature required) [pdf] [word].

  • Student Placement Agreement [pdf]. All students completing an internship for academic credit must submit a student placement agreement [pdf] to the School of Public Affairs. This form explains the legal liabilities of the university and those of the employer regarding the placement of an ASU student. The affiliation agreement is a contract between ASU/State of Arizona, you, and your supervisor/mentor. This is true for any paid or unpaid internships for which you wish to receive academic credit.

Submit all documents to Linda Garcia at linda.garcia@asu.edu or deliver in person to UCENT 400. Scanned or faxed documents are acceptable provided they are legible. Students will not be permitted to register for the course until all the materials above have been received.

Doctoral students who are interested in receiving internship credit should discuss that with either their advisor or their Program of Study committee chair. 

 


What kind of job will I be able to get when I graduate?back2top.gif

Graduates of public affairs programs have a wide range of skills. They are prepared for many different jobs yet they have something in common. They understand the challenge, anticipate the excitement and accept the responsibility that comes with managing the public sector.  The purpose of a graduate program in public administration is to prepare individuals for positions of leadership in the public sector. The core curriculum covers the following areas: 

  • Political and legal institutions and processes 

  • The economic and social systems and forces 

  • The organizational and managerial skills and practices 

  • Concepts and techniques of financial administration 

  • Techniques of analysis, including quantitative, economic and statistical methods and computer systems 

 

These core elements constitute the building blocks for a diverse field of study. The choices range from city management and international affairs to personnel administration and strategic planning.  Visit the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration to find out more about careers in the public service.

The School of Public Affairs posts current jobs on the school's listservs.  You can also check out more employment links at http://spa.asu.edu/new/resources/useful_links.htm.

 


How do I apply for graduation? back2top.gif

The following steps are required by all graduating students to complete the graduation process. For more information, see the Registrar's Graduation page.

  • Register for your final semester of classes.

  • Be sure all degree requirements will be completed prior to the degree conferral date.

    a. Graduate students must have an approved Plan of Study on file. Be sure to complete any needed course changes.

    See Graduate Students Graduation Deadlines and Procedures for additional information.

    b. Undergraduate students be sure to review your Degree Audit Report regularly.

  • Apply to graduate online from MyASU (from Graduation tab in My Programs and eAdvisor).

Graduation Deadlines: 

May 

February 15th

August 

June 15th

December 

October 1st

 


If I graduate in August, can I walk in the May ceremony?back2top.gif

If you plan to attend the university commencement ceremony, or an individual college convocation, in May but have additional coursework to complete over the summer sessions (12 credits or less), follow these instructions:

  • Purchase your cap and gown at the bookstore.

  • RSVP your attendance at the May convocation ceremony through the College of Public Programs convocation site.

  • Register for your final classes.

  • Apply for August graduation before June 1st.

At the College of Public Programs Convocation ceremony, you will fill out a “reader card” that you will carry across the stage.  Your name will be read.  You will shake the hands of the dean and the chair/director of your program.  Your photo will be taken. You will be given a memento and you will then be seated.

Names of August graduates appear in the fall commencement book, but may choose to participate in either the spring or fall ceremony

For more information see the following web sites:

 

College of Public Programs Convocation

ASU Graduation

Office of University Commencement

ASU Bookstore Graduation



What about parking?back2top.gif

Information on parking at all ASU Campuses can be found at Parking Services.  There is also information on non-ASU parking available throughout the Downtown Phoenix and Tempe areas.

Downtown visitor parking is located in the University Center garage located at 411 N. Central Avenue.  Visitors will need to enter off of Polk and 1st Street or Polk and Central. Visitors will need to pull up to the gate, push the button for a ticket and enter the garage. They should park on the second floor or roof. When they leave the building they will need to take their ticket, on foot, to the gold cashiers booth located on the north side of the first floor to pay. Cash or ASU validation stamps only. A barcode card will be issued by the cashier which will be slide through a barcode reader to exit. Fees are currently $2 per hour up to $8 maximum per exit.

 


How do I drop a class?back2top.gif

Once registered for a semester, students can drop or add classes online by signing into My ASU or in person at any registration location until the published drop/add deadline. During this time, students may drop one or more, but not all of the classes they are registered for. Classes that are dropped will not appear on students’ transcripts and any fees paid will be refunded. Students wishing to drop all of their classes, must process a complete withdrawal (see below). If students completely withdraw from classes after the drop/add period, a grade of "W" will appear on their transcript for all withdrawn classes.


Course Withdrawals

After the drop/add deadline through the 10th week of a fall and spring semesters, students can withdraw from any class and receive a grade of "W." Classes with alternate beginning or ending dates (such as summer or winter session classes) may have an adjusted withdrawal deadline. Students can request a course withdrawal online by signing into My ASU or in person at any registration location.

Classes from which students withdraw will remain on their transcript with a grade of "W." Please consult the Tuition Refund Policy to determine whether withdrawing will or will not generate a tuition refund.

Students should be aware that nonattendance will not automatically result in being dropped/withdrawn. Instructors have the right to exercise this option at their discretion. Students unable to complete a class must officially drop or withdraw themselves from the class prior to the appropriate deadline. Failure to withdraw from a class may result in a final grade of "E" being assigned for that class.


Complete Withdrawals

Students can request a complete withdrawal from the university until the semester transaction deadline, please consult the Academic Calendar for appropriate deadline dates. Complete withdrawals should be viewed as a last resort as there may be serious academic and financial consequences in processing a complete withdrawal. Because making a complete withdrawal from the university is a difficult decision, the university has many resources in place to help.  Beginning the first day of classes (for the fall and spring semesters), undergraduate students are required to work with a Student Retention Coordinator to facilitate the withdrawal process or explore other potential options.  For more information on Complete Withdrawals, contact the University Registrar’s Office at studentretention@asu.edu.


Medical/Compassionate Withdrawals Special Circumstances

 

Medical withdrawals are available for students needing to withdraw from one or more classes due to medical reasons. This policy covers both physical and mental health difficulties. Students requesting a medical withdrawal must submit the Medical Withdrawal form to the dean's representative (medical/compassionate withdrawal designee) of the college of their major, along with appropriate documentation for review.

Compassionate withdrawals are available for students needing to withdraw from one or more classes due to significant personal reasons not related to the student's health. Examples are caring for a seriously ill child or spouse, or death in their immediate family. Students requesting a compassionate withdrawal must submit the Compassionate Withdrawal form to the dean's representative (medical/compassionate withdrawal designee) of the college of their major, along with appropriate documentation.

 

Approved medical withdrawals may be eligible for a refund of tuition if approved within two years of the end of the semester.  Refer to the Tuition Refund Policy or Student Business Services for additional information.

 


What is a listserv? How do I subscribe?back2top.gif

A listserv is an electronic mailing list that is sent by email to subscribers.  The School of Public Affairs has two listservs with two separate purposes:

ASUSPAN is an electronic mailing list used to disseminate information relating to the School of Public Affairs (e.g., class and university information, job and internship announcements, event notices, etc.). All graduate students are encouraged to subscribe to this mailing list. 

PADOC is an electronic mailing list for students, alumni, and faculty interested in the discussion of ideas, views, concepts, and topics related to the Ph.D. Program.  All Ph.D. students are encouraged to subscribe to this mailing list.

View directions on subscribing to any of these listservs.  Or email spa@asu.edu.  In your email, indicate which listserv you would like to join (there is no limit).  Also include your name and email address you wish to use.

 


What types of financial aid are available for graduate students?back2top.gif

Many students supplement the cost of an education with student loans. Students seeking loans or financial aid counseling should contact the ASU Student Financial Aid Office at (480) 965-3355 or by e-mail to financialaid@asu.edu.

The School of Public Affairs also offers the Marvin Andrews Fellowship for MPA and MPP students. View more information.

In addition, the School of Public Affairs offers various scholarships for graduate students. The due dates and application process for these scholarships are announced on the school’s listservs. See below for more information.

 

 


What types of scholarships are available from the School of Public Affairs?back2top.gif

In addition to Graduate Tuition and Graduate Academic Scholarships (see above), there are other scholarships available from the School of Public Affairs. Please note: due dates and procedures for these scholarships are announced yearly on the ASUSPAN listserv. The school will not accept unsolicited applications for these scholarships. Applications for the scholarships are now being accepted from SPA graduate students only.

How to Apply:
SPA graduate students (MPA, MPP and PhD) are encouraged to apply. Download the application form [pdf] [word] and submit to SPA by March 15, 2012. Please complete all sections of the application. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Scholarship awards are based on a number of criteria depending on the scholarship type and funding source. These can include academic program, academic merit, and/or financial need. 

N. Joseph Cayer Public Affairs Scholarship
This fund was established in 1994 by gifts from staff and faculty of the School of Public Affairs along with alumni and friends.  Income supports an annual scholarship to a deserving MPA or PhD student.

Kenneth A. McDonald Scholarship
This fund was established in 1983 with a gift from Kenneth A. McDonald.  Income provides financial support to a full-time student with an interest in city management and who is enrolled in the MPA program.

Frank and June Sackton Endowment
This fund was established in 1997 with a gift from Frank and June Sackton.  Income provides financial support to a School of Public Affairs student. Make a contribution.

Pfister Family Scholarship
This fund was established in 1997 with a gift from Jack and Pat Pfister.  Income will provide financial support to a MPA student in the School of Public Affairs.

Barrett Endowed Scholarship
This fund was established in 1997 with a gift from Barbara Barrett, an alum of the School of Public Affairs.  Income provides financial support to a MPA or MPP student in the School.

Don and Lucy Traaen Scholarship Fund
This fund was established in 2005 with a gift from Teresa Traaen and Frank Morris.  Income is used to assist MPA and MPP students enrolled in the School of Public Affairs in attaining the academic credentials to enter public service/public sector work.

SPA Fellowships
This fund is based on contributions by the School of Public Affairs faculty and staff. Funds are intended to provide a fellowship for a master's or doctoral student in the School of Public Affairs.

Cynthia J. McSwain Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a doctoral candidate in the School who is writing or intends to write a dissertation that explores primarily a theoretical, philosophical, and/or historical issue in public administration in the United States or around the world. Students must be enrolled in the doctoral program in public administration in the School of Public Affairs and, ideally, should have defended their dissertation proposals by the time of the awarding of the Scholarship

John J. DeBolske Scholarship
This fund was established in 1997 with a gift from the League of Arizona Cities and Towns in honor of John J. DeBolske.  Additionally, funds were received from friends of Mr. DeBolske in the occasion of his retirement.  Income provides financial support to an MPA student with a demonstrated interest in local government management.

Pat Manion Scholarship Endowment

This fund was established in 1997 with gifts from friends and family in memory of Pat Manion.  Income will provide financial support to an MPA student interested in municipal government. 

 

 


What about other scholarships and fellowships?back2top.gif

In addition to the above mentioned scholarships, there are other types of scholarships that are available to graduate students from sources outside the School of Public Affairs.  For a list of some of these types of scholarships, visit:  http://www.asu.edu/graduate/financial/index.htm

The Office of National Scholarship Advising (ONSA) helps students from ASU prepare to compete for national and international awards of merit. While its goal is to aid students in securing through these awards the means to advance their undergraduate or graduate studies, its educational mission is more broad: to use these awards and their application processes as means to help students enrich their educational experience and so realize their fullest potential and highest aspirations.

For a listing of fellowships and scholarships available through ONSA, visit:  http://honors.asu.edu/w-Awards_Organized_through_LWFONSA-84.aspx

The Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) awards two annual scholarships of $2,000 each to graduate students in Arizona who aspire to a career in local government management. Visit the ACMA site for more information.      

         


What about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness?back2top.gif

Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a new program for federal student loan borrowers who work in certain kinds of jobs. It will forgive remaining debt after 10 years of eligible employment and qualifying loan payments. Only non-defaulted loans made under the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program are eligible for loan forgiveness. The borrower must have made 120 payments as part of the Direct Loan program in order to obtain this benefit. Only payments made on or after October 1, 2007 count toward the required 120 monthly payments. 

Who can get Public Service Loan Forgiveness? This program is for people with federal student loans who work in a wide range of "public service" jobs, including jobs in government and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. In most cases, eligibility is based on whether you work for an eligible employer. Your job is eligible if you:

  • are employed by any nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization;

  • are employed by the federal government, a state government, local government, or tribal government (this includes the military and public schools and colleges); or

  • serve in a full-time AmeriCorps or Peace Corps position.           

For more information: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/PSF.jsp



How much is tuition?back2top.gif

Tuition varies based on residency status, academic program and academic standing. To view tuition and fees, visit http://www.asu.edu/sbs/tuition_semester_selection.html.  To view the requirements for Arizona residency, visit http://students.asu.edu/residency

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