Masters of Public Administration (MPA)

MPA Program and Prequisites

The MPA program consists of 42 hours of graduate credit. Students take twenty-seven (27) of these hours in nine (9) core classes in the School of Public Affairs. Students take fifteen (15) additional hours of approved elective courses which may include courses offered by the School or other academic units in the University.

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. Any transfer credit must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Prerequisites
Download the prerequisite information

Students enrolling in core courses must demonstrate minimum competency in statistics and American government. Courses taken to fulfill the competency do not count toward the 42-hour degree program.

Competency in statistics is met with a grade of B or higher in one of the approved courses (PAF 401, POS 401, PSY 230, QBA 221, SWU 321, ECN 221, STP 226 or SOC 390) within the past two years or passing a diagnostic test approved by the MPA Committee. Other courses taken within the last two years may be substituted upon approval of the MPA Director.

Competency in American government is a demonstrated understanding of American government institutions and processes. Students may be required to take an undergraduate class in American government (PAF 300, PAF 340, POS 110 or POS 310). In addition, competency in computer use is expected of all students. The CLEP Exam can be used to demonstrate competency in American government. Find out more about the CLEP or about taking it at ASU (including information on costs and test schedules).

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