Transfer of Credit
Students may transfer credit into the MPA program from graduate courses taken at other institutions or taken at Mason in nondegree status. Transfer credit is subject to university and college policies and must be approved by the MPA director and the dean. Students who enroll initially through nondegree studies should submit their application to the MPA in the first semester of study. Only 9 credits taken in nondegree status may be transferred to the degree program.
Degree Requirements
The required courses emphasize the development of knowledge about public policy and management, as well as analytical problem-solving and communication skills, and third-party governance. Through these courses, students develop a shared knowledge base and skill set. The elective courses can be used by students to focus their knowledge and skill development within one concentration. Alternatively, the electives can be used to extend the breadth of study with courses drawn from a variety of concentrations or from other departments and schools across the university.
The MPA curriculum is arranged in a sequential manner. PUAD 500 level courses are foundation courses, 600 level courses are intermediate courses, and the 700 level courses are advanced courses. Students must take PUAD 500 level, or foundation courses, during the first two semesters, followed by 600 level classes. The PUAD 700 level courses should be taken during the last semester or two of enrollment in the MPA program.
For example, a full-time student should enroll in PUAD 502 and two other 500 level courses, such as PUAD 511 and PUAD 520, during the first semester. In the second semester the student should enroll in PUAD 540 and two intermediate courses such as PUAD 662 and a 600 level elective course.
Part-time students taking two courses a semester should take PUAD 502 and either PUAD 511 or 520 during the first semester, followed by either 511 or 520 and PUAD 540 in the second semester.
Requests for taking a course out of sequence must be made in writing to the student’s advisor and must be approved by the advisor before enrollment.
Master’s International
The Master’s International (MI), a joint program between Mason and the Peace Corps, enables participants to prepare for Peace Corps volunteer service while earning the MPA. Students apply separately, but at the same time, to the Peace Corps and to Mason. Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits prior to their Peace Corps service; this will give the student a foundation to enhance their value as a Peace Corps volunteer. Six credits are earned as internship credits for the Peace Corps service. The internship requires a project, agreed upon by the student and his/her advisor, and includes a presentation delivered to faculty and students after the student returns to the U.S. Upon completion of the two years of service, the student will receive a tuition grant for the six internship credits. Students return to Mason after their two years of service to complete the remaining coursework required for the 36-credit MPA.
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