Program of Study

The Program of Study is the set of classes that is recognized by ASU, the Graduate College and the School of Public Affairs as sufficient to grant a degree. Programs of Study for the MPA total 42 hours of graduate credit and include core courses, concentration courses (if applicable) and approved electives. In order to graduate, each student must submit an Interactive Program of Study (or iPOS) using an online form once 18 credit hours have been scheduled. The Graduate Advisor will assist students in planning and completing the iPOS.

No more than nine credit hours of graduate courses taken before admission to the School and approved by a student’s supervisory committee can be included in the Program of Study. Students from institutions other than ASU may transfer a maximum of 9 credit hours to their SPA program. Any transfer credit must be approved by the MPA/MPP Director. Students have 6 years from the term of their first MPA class to complete the degree.

Once admitted to a graduate degree program, students must be registered for a minimum of one credit hour (not audit) during all phases of their graduate education. Courses with grades of “W” and “X” are not considered valid registration for continuous enrollment purposes.

Students planning to discontinue enrollment for a semester or more must request approval for a leave of absence. Students may petition the Graduate College for a leave of absence for a maximum of two semesters during their entire program. A petition for a leave of absence, endorsed by the MPA/MPP Director and the head of the academic unit, must be approved by the Graduate College dean. This request must be filed and approved before the anticipated absence.

An approved leave of absence will enable students to re-enter their program without re-applying to the university. Students who do not enroll for a fall or spring semester without an approved leave of absence by the Graduate College are considered withdrawn from the university under the assumption that they have decided to discontinue their program. Students removed for this reason may reapply for admission to resume their degree program; the application will be considered along with all other new applications to the degree program.

The Master of Public Administration degree requires students to demonstrate competency for public service by synthesizing and applying core knowledge, skills, and abilities to public service problems. Students demonstrate their public service competency by earning an "A" or a "B" in the MPA capstone course, PAF 509 Public Affairs Capstone. PAF 509 is taken after completion of all required core courses. Any exceptions to MPA policy must meet with MPA Director permission. Students must submit a MPA Program of Study and obtain department approval before registering for PAF 509.

MPA 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.  Any exceptions to MPA policy must meet with MPA/MPP 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.