How many courses should I take?
Some students attempt too many courses at one time, a practice that adversely affects their performance. The university states that 12 credits--a very heavy load--is full time, and this load is required for students on graduate assistantships with tuition waivers. Students who work full time should take no more than six credits each semester. Nine hours is a full load for someone working part-time.

What kind of workload should I expect in classes?
In graduate work, for every one hour spent in class substantially more than three should be spent out of class (the "three-hour rule" is for undergraduate work). Nearly every course will require a major paper of at least 20 pages. Each paper should take at least 80 or more hours to do. Expect to study six nights a week. When students work hard we can say so in our letters of reference; these letters are often more important than grades in securing employment.

What should I expect to pay for books?
Since graduate study necessitates substantial amounts of reading, do not be surprised if the cost for books per course is at least $150, more for some classes, less for others. The faculty is concerned with these expenditures, but has a responsibility to ensure a quality education. Aspiring professionals should be accumulating a professional library. Expenditures for new and used texts may be tax deductible.

I work 40 or more hours per week. Should I be expected to complete all course requirements expected of a full-time student?
Yes; to do otherwise would reduce the value of your degree and your investment.

What about attendance?
We try to be understanding of work demands but absences are to be avoided. The university Bulletin states that "students are expected to attend all classes." Students absent for two weeks or more may be dropped or assigned a grade of "F." Notify us in advance. Some professors require class attendance or it counts against your semester grade. Check with each instructor for his or her specific policy on attendance.

Do I need to bother with various style requirements in written assignments?
Yes, definitely.

How do I keep in touch with what is going on in the School?
Each student is expected to have an email account and will be assigned a regular mailbox as well. Most of the School notices on jobs, curriculum changes and other news go out via email through PA Student serv. This should be checked regularly.

What happens to the student evaluations of faculty?
About half of each faculty member's annual evaluation is based on teaching effectiveness and the student evaluations play a major role in this. The School personnel committee reviews these each year in judging teaching performance.

I am interested in taking courses during the summer. How extensive are the offerings?
Summer offerings are not as extensive as those during the academic year. Most MPA core courses are offered, but a very limited number of electives are likely.

What is the national reputation of the Askew School?
A 2004 study of scholarly productivity ranked the Askew School faculty fourth in the nation. Since 1981, in surveys of members of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration published in places like U.S. News and World Report, we have consistently been ranked in the top 10% among over 200 programs nationwide.

How much flexibility is there in program requirements?
Every effort is made to tailor a student's coursework to his/her needs, so long as a coherent program of studies results. Baseline standards, however, must be adhered to maintain accreditation.

What about the internship and job placement?
If you have less than a year of full time, post-baccalaureate, professional work experience, expect to do an internship. We provide assistance in finding placements for internships and jobs following graduation. The internship can start as early as the second term.

When should I begin my Action Report?
A formal proposal, preceeded by a conference with the instructor, is due prior to the term in which the Action Report is taken. As you proceed through the program, be thinking about topics that might be developed into a major applied research project. The Policy Development class is a good place to start work on a topic that can be developed into an Action Report.


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