- What do people say about the ASU School of Public Affairs?
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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?
- How much is tuition?
What do people say about the ASU School of Public Affairs?
"ASU offers so many opportunities if you are creative and entrepreneurial; you can really do anything if you set your mind to it. What I like about SPA is the focus on interdisciplinarity and respect for and appreciation of other disciplines."
Afsaneh Nahavandi, Professor of Public Administration and Associate Dean, College of Public Programs
"I found in ASU’s MPA program a close-knit community, regular interaction with professors and small classes in a competitive, high quality academic environment.”
Kimberly Yee, M.P.A. ’01, Deputy Cabinet Secretary, State of California
"I felt lost on the Tempe campus but when I came Downtown, I was welcomed with open arms and for the first time felt like the faculty and staff had a vested interest in my success academically and professionally.”
Erica Schwartzmann, B.A. ‘08, Urban & Metropolitan Studies
"I chose the MPA program at ASU because it provides resources and opportunities for local government managers you can’t find in any other school or community in the U.S.”
Will Barnow, M.P.A. ‘08, Marvin Andrews Fellow, Management Analyst, Maricopa County
"The one thing that I love about being at ASU is the diversity. Meeting people from so many different backgrounds and ethnicities has increased my awareness and appreciation of different cultures."
Meghna Sabharwal, Ph.D. '08, Post-Doctoral Fellow, City University of New York – City College
"The students here are really wonderful. I’ve been so impressed with the energy, openness and intellects that they bring to the classroom—that it’s usually after a full day at the office is humbling.“
Tom Catlaw, Assistant Professor, ASU School of Public Affairs
Can I take classes without being admitted to the program?
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. 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?
A schedule of classes offered by the School of Public Affairs can be found at http://spa.asu.edu/new/schedule/default.htm. Undergraduate courses are 400 level and below; graduate courses are 500 are 600 level. Some classes require pre-requisites. See http://spa.asu.edu/schedule/Courses.htm for a list of courses offered by the School and their descriptions.
What are the requirements for admission?
Admission requirements for the MPA program can be found at http://spa.asu.edu/new/mpa/admissions.htm. MPP applicants can find admission requirements at http://spa.asu.edu/new/mpp/admissions.htm. Admission requirements for the Ph.D program are found at http://spa.asu.edu/new/phd/phdadmissions.htm. Undergraduate students must apply for admission through the ASU Admisisons Office - see for more information.
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 |
ASU School of Public Affairs |
Undergraduate Admissions |
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?
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, 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 |
July 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 Admisisons Office for information on application deadlines.
How do I register for classes?
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.
There are three ways to register for classes at ASU: Pre-registration, ASU Interactive, and In Person. Information on how on pre-registration and registration can be found at http://students.asu.edu/registration.
Where are the Registrar Sites?
Downtown campus |
Tempe campus |
Information on registrar sites at the other ASU campuses can be found at: http://students.asu.edu/contact/office-university-registrar.
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?
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 UMS students work full-time as well. UMS classes are scheduled to meet the needs of both working aduts 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?
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-weekend format. Class will meet Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM twice during a semester. Because of the structure of the class, students will 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 accomodate 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?
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?
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 directions on filing the 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 directions on filing the iPOS.
In what order should I take my classes?
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 four core classes (PAF 600, PAF 601, PAF 602 and PAF 603) within the first year in the program. Other courses are taken upon the recommendation of the student's program of study committee and/or the Doctoral Director. Download the Ph.D Program - Step by Step information sheet.
Will I have to do an internship?
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..
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.
Can I get credit for my internship?
Admitted MPA and MPP students can receive a maximum of 3 credit hours for completing an internship. This can be used as one of the electives for the MPA or MPP program. Students must register for the internship course, PAF 584, either during the semester they are doing the internship or in the semester immediately following. To be cleared to register for the class, students must submit to the department a letter from their internship supervisor with the following:
- a statement that the student is an intern with the department or organization;
- when the internship began and when it finished (or is scheduled to finish);
- approximate number hours worked per week (students must complete or be in process to complete a minimum of 300 hours to receive credit);
- a listing of intern duties and responsibilities;
- affiliation agreement between sposnsoring organization/department and ASU [ word ] [ pdf ].
Students will not be permitted to register for the course until all the materials above have been received from their internship supervisor.
Doctoral students who are interested in receiving internship credit should discuss that with either their advisor or their Program of Study committee chair.
All students completing an internship for academic credit must submit an affiliation agreement [ word ] [ 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.
What kind of job will I be able to get when I graduate?
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?
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.
- Pay your graduation fee at the University Cashier's Office (in Tempe: Students Services Building - 2nd Floor, in Downtown Phoenix: University Center Building, Suite 166, Enrollment Services Office). Graduate Fee - $45.00, Undergraduate Fee: $40.
- Complete the Graduation Survey distributed by the Cashier's Office.
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Present your graduation fee receipt and completed survey to the Graduation Section of the Registrar's Office.
Graduation Deadlines:
| May |
March 31st |
| August |
July 1st |
| December |
October 15th |
You may also apply for graduation by mail. Print the Application for Graduation, complete the form and mail with payment to the address listed on the form.
Please note that all MPA and MPP students MUST submit a Report of Final Master's Culminating Experience [word] [pdf] to the School of Public Affairs in order to be considered for graduation.
If I graduate in August, can I walk in the May ceremony?
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.
- Ask for the “almost Alumni Handbook” at the graduation counter in the Student Services Building room 140. It includes graduation information, dates and times of the college convocations and of the university commencement.
- 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 July 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.
Students graduating in August will have their names listed in the Fall Commencement/Convocation program but can elect the walk in either the May or December ceremonies.
For more information see the following web sites:
College of Public Programs Convocation
ASU Graduation
Office of University Commencement
ASU Bookstore Graduation
Information on parking at all ASU Campuses can be found at Parking Services. There is also information on non-ASU parking available throughout the Copper Square 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
Drop/Add: If you have registered for a semester and wish to change your schedule, you may drop or add one or more classes using ASU Interactive, SunDial or in-person through the end of the first week of the semester or through the first two days of a summer session. Courses that are dropped do not appear on your transcript and fees paid are refunded, depending on how many hours you have remaining on your schedule. If you wish to drop your only class or all of your classes, you must follow the complete withdrawal procedure (see below).
Course/Complete Withdrawal: A student may withdraw with a grade of "W" from one or more classes beginning with the second week of classes through the tenth week of classes for the Fall and Spring semesters. For summer session classes, a student may withdraw with a grade of "W" from one or more classes beginning with the second week of classes through the third week of classes. To withdraw from all classes a student must request a Complete Withdrawal.
Students seeking a course or complete withdrawal need to
1. Access the ASU Interactive website or
2. Complete the Withdrawal Form.
3. Have the form processed at any Registrar location.
What is a listserv? How do I subscribe?
A listserv is an electronic mailing list that is sent by email to subscribers. The School of Public Affairs has three listservs with three seprate 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.
SPAFORUM is an electronic mailing list for those interested in the discussion of ideas, views, concepts, and topics relating to public administration and affairs. All those interested in sharing their ideas and thoughts 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.
For directions on subscribing to any of these listservs, visit http://spa.asu.edu/new/resources/listserv.htm. 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?
To be considered for financial assistance from the School of Public Affairs, students submit all application materials by February 1st. Students receiving awards are notified by late March or early April. To apply for a graduate reserach/teaching assistantship - please submit the following application to the School of Public Affairs: [word] [pdf]
The School of Public Affairs also offers the Marvin Andrews Fellowship and ICMA Graduate Management Internship in Performance Measurement for MPA and MPP students. Application information can be found on the program websites.
Many students supplement the cost of a graduate education with student loans. Graduate students seeking loans or financial aid counseling should contact the main ASU Student Financial Aid Office in the Student Services building at (480) 965-3355 or by email to financialaid@asu.edu.
International students are not eligible for federal student loans. However, they can apply for graduate assistantships and graduate academic and tuition scholarships from the department. International students should also visit http://www.asu.edu/graduate/financial/international.htm for some useful links.
What types of scholarships are available from the School of Public Affairs?
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 are being accepted for the Cayer, Pfister, Barrett, Traaen and SPA Fellowship scholarships. Eligibility requirements fior each scholarship are listed below. To apply, students must submit a 1-2 page essay addressing financial need and academic merit. Include student name, program and 10-digit ASU ID number. Please address essays to SPA Scholarship Committee.
Submit essays (hard copy only) to Jeanne Gushock, University Center 435 by 5:00 PM on Monday. November 2nd. Essays can be mailed to ASU School of Public Affairs, Mail Code 3720, 411 N. Central Avenue, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85004-0687.
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.
Procedure: To be announced
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.
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.
Procedure: To be announced
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.
Procedure: To be announced
What about other scholarships and fellowships?
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.
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.
