{"id":775,"date":"2022-07-25T19:35:36","date_gmt":"2022-07-25T19:35:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.tarleton.edu\/publicadmin\/?page_id=775"},"modified":"2023-10-16T19:55:54","modified_gmt":"2023-10-16T19:55:54","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/publicadmin\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"M.P.A FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading advgb-dyn-c30a9c1d\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordions advgb-accordions-b826b403-a671-4b58-ad46-03af97ab00a0 advgb-accordion-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-2f635bb2\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">What is an MPA and what does MPA mean?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<p>MPA means Master of Public Administration. The \u201cpublic\u201d in MPA pertains to public sector agencies at all levels of government (local, state, federal) as well as nonprofit organizations. The \u201cAdministration\u201d in MPA pertains to management. Hence, MPA is a managerial degree for professionals who aspire to serve the public.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-19b3cfda\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">What is Public Administration and what do Public Administrators do?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<p>Public administration is a broad field that covers the administrative services needed to build and strengthen communities. The public administration field focuses on democratic governance, policy-making, and implementation, transparency, and commitment to the public interest. Public administrators serve their communities and contribute to their overall improvement. Public administrators are usually referred to as \u2018public servants\u2019 because they have a desire to serve the public, advance the common good, and create positive change.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-7a8f9def\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">Who should get an MPA?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list advgb-dyn-855a1e3c\">\n<li>Traditional students who have just graduated and who are looking to develop a career in the public or nonprofit sector.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professionals who are looking for a new career in the public or nonprofit sector.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professionals who are currently working in the public administration field and who are looking to advance their already established public service career and obtain leadership positions within their agencies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-2648c1bf\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">What can I do with an MPA?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<p>Some of the jobs held by MPA graduates include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>City manager\/Assistant city manger<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chief of Police<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human Resource Director<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strategic planning director<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community engagement coordinator<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grant writer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Director of operations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Government relations specialist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Budget analyst<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Policy analyst<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chief operating officer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nurse-administrator<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fire chief<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public relations official for a major department of state govt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Director of a Non-profit Agency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Director of Planning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-1d2e7ef9\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">Can I complete the program online?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<p>Yes, students in Texas and from across the U.S. may complete the program online. Students also have the option of enrolling in face to face classes if they choose.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-e41e7327\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">Will this degree help me enter the nonprofit sector?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<p>Yes. A significant portion of professionals with public administration degrees enter careers with nonprofit organizations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-4da35cbd\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">Do I need to take the GRE?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<p>No. GRE is not required for admission to the MPA program.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-8c82faf1\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">What kind of undergraduate degree should I have to get an MPA? Does the MPA program have any prerequisites?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<p>The MPA program does not require any specific courses. You may have an undergraduate degree in any major as long as it comes from an accredited institution.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-9b8da5e9\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">I have been out of school for more than 10 years. How difficult would it be to be a student again?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<p>Many of our students are working professionals who have been out of school for a long time (sometimes even twenty plus years). Keep in mind that our curriculum and courses are designed with the working professional in mind. Our students take core classes that are aimed to introduce them to the subject of public administration as well as reacquaint them with the practices and rigors of academic work. Students who have been out of school for many years typically love coming back to the class environment and find it challenging and yet manageable.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-bd16f0a8\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">Is the MPA expensive? What will it cost me?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<p>The MPA at Tarleton State University is less expensive than most of its peer institutions in the metroplex. For specific tuition information, please visit<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/business\/tuition-estimator\/\">\u00a0here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-77ab3718\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">Can I transfer in courses from another university?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<p>Yes. The maximum amount of credits that can be transferred from another accredited institution is 12 credits. All transfers MUST be approved by the MPA Director.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-cd8f39a5\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">How long will it take to complete the MPA?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<p>The program requires 36 semester credits. Students proceed at their own pace, but usually students take two courses each semester and one during the summer. At this pace, they can complete the MPA in about 2 years.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-2dd55f86\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">Will I have to complete a thesis to graduate with an MPA?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<p>No. You will not have to write a master&#8217;s thesis unless you choose a thesis track. Students can choose a non-thesis track and complete the Capstone Project as their culminating activity. \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-advgb-accordion-item advgb-accordion-item advgb-dyn-d4ae636c\" style=\"margin-bottom:15px\"><div class=\"advgb-accordion-header\" style=\"background-color:#4f2d7f;color:#eee;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-radius:2px\"><span class=\"advgb-accordion-header-icon\"><svg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path fill=\"none\" d=\"M0,0h24v24H0V0z\"><\/path><path d=\"M12,5.83L15.17,9l1.41-1.41L12,3L7.41,7.59L8.83,9L12,5.83z M12,18.17L8.83,15l-1.41,1.41L12,21l4.59-4.59L15.17,15 L12,18.17z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h4 class=\"advgb-accordion-header-title\" style=\"color:inherit\">I would like to meet with someone to learn more about the MPA. Who do I contact?<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"advgb-accordion-body\" style=\"border-style:solid !important;border-width:1px !important;border-color:undefined !important;border-top:none !important;border-radius:2px !important\">\n<p>We are happy to meet with you! Please email the PA Department Head, Dr. Galia Cohen,\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:cohen@tarleton.edu\">cohen@tarleton.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Frequently Asked Questions<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":580,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-fullwidth.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-775","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"coauthors":[],"author_meta":{"author_link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/publicadmin\/author\/kyle-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-3\/","display_name":"kyle"},"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 4 years ago","modified":"Updated 3 years ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on July 25, 2022","modified":"Updated on October 16, 2023"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on July 25, 2022 7:35 pm","modified":"Updated on October 16, 2023 7:55 pm"},"featured_img_caption":"","featured_img":false,"series_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/publicadmin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/775","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/publicadmin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/publicadmin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/publicadmin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/publicadmin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=775"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/publicadmin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/775\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/publicadmin\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/publicadmin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=775"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}