The dissertation involves research on a public management or public policy issue. An internship is necessary for students without significant public experience. Financial support is available to qualified students through fellowships, assistantship, and research grants. Nine hours of research methods are chosen by the student with the approval of the Advisory Committee. Six hours of theory courses are selected with the apporval of the Advisory Committee.
Students enter the program with diverse set of academic backgrounds.
Competitive admission is based on a consideration of undergraduate and prior graduate grades, scores on either the Graduate Record Examination or the Graduate Management Aptitude Test, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement from the candidate explaining his or her career plans and interest in the program. Applicants must meet all requirements of the Graduate School, including a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or better. Students must successfully complete 45 hours of course work with a 3.0 GPA or better and successfully defend a capstone project. Generally, courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate working students. Separate information is available about those programs.