Academic and Professional Standards: An average of B is required for all courses attempted in the program. There is a time limit for completion of the degree. Only the course work earned within the six calendar years before the final completion of degree requirements will apply toward graduation.

The program of study is 36 semester credit hours. Of the 36 hours, 24 hours (eight courses) constitute the core requirements. The remaining hours are selected from among the elective offerings, culminating in a capstone course of 3 semester hours.
Prerequisites: For the applicant who has insufficient academic preparation in political science, enrollment in an American government course is a requirement. The prerequisite can be satisfied by taking POLS 1101. Before enrolling in either PA 6500 or 6600, computer literacy must be demonstrated. Computer literacy can be determined by having taken computer science or information management courses as an undergraduate.
Internship: An internship experience is required by the MPA program for those students who lack a significant professional work background. For those who are working in a public or non-profit agency at the time of their enrollment in the MPA program, a separate internship program is not required. The student will utilize his or her professional work experience as the basis for completing the thesis/capstone paper. Students who have never worked in a public agency or non-profit organization will be matched with an appropriate organization for a six-month internship. This internship is the basis for the student's thesis/capstone paper.
Thesis/Capstone Paper: The purpose of the thesis/capstone paper is to have the student demonstrate his or her ability to apply the knowledge acquired in the two years of study to an actual work setting and to utilize skills of observation and analysis as demonstrated in a formal paper.
Comprehensive Examination: The comprehensive examination is designed to measure the candidate's knowledge of and competency in the field of public administration. This oral examination is scheduled after the student has taken all core curriculum courses and has completed at least nine of the twelve courses required for graduation.

Summary
Track #1: MPA students who are working full time in a public sector agency, or those who have had significant public agency experience and have had the internship requirement waived.