|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
l |
USC-University of Charleston Combined Degree
Program:
A joint degree program offered primarily at the University of
Charleston's Political Science Department. Interested students
should apply directly to the University of Charleston |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
l |
USC-Clemson University Combined Degree Program:
A joint degree program offered at the University Center of Greenville.
The program is jointly administered by the USC MPA Program and
the Department of Political Science at Clemson University. Interested
students should apply to Clemson University, but indicate that
they are applying for the combined degree program at Greenville. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Program Mission and Objectives: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The MPA Program strives to promote teaching,
research, and service activities that will enhance the performance
of the public sector across the state of South Carolina, the
region, and the nation. In order to accomplish this goal, the
program has three more specific objectives: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. |
to provide a broadly focused graduate and professional
education that contains the managerial and analytical skills
necessary for students who seek careers in the public service
and for those already working in the public sector who want
to improve their capabilities; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. |
to advance the understanding of issues facing
the public sector and to facilitate the utilization of relevant
analytical and management skills within the public sector; and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. |
to apply appropriate knowledge and skills to
important problems and concerns facing the state, its communities,
and its citizens. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Admissions Requirements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For admission to The
Graduate School, a baccalaureate or higher degree from a college
or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency is
normally required.
Applicants
should submit a complete application packet including official
transcripts of college academic work, letters of recommendation,
and official score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
The Graduate Bulletin and
Admission Application are available on-line.
Normal admission standards are at least a
3.0 overall undergraduate grade-point ratio (on a 4.0 point
system), and a total score of 1000 on the general sections
(verbal and quantitative) of the GRE. Applicants must also
submit a statement of purpose; this one or two page document
should explain why the applicant wishes to obtain an MPA degree.
The statement of purpose can also contain an elaboration of
the applicant's academic record or administrative experience.
Fulfillment of the preceding guidelines does not necessarily
guarantee acceptance into the Program. In addition,
applicants should submit a statement of purpose. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Degree Requirements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The MPA degree is a professional degree requiring
a minimum of 39, and a maximum of 48, semester hours of credit,
depending upon the prior preparation of the student. An internship
is required of students who have not had previous substantial
administrative experience. There is no foreign language requirement.
The writing of a thesis is optional; thesis research and preparation
may be counted for six semester hours of the total required
for the degree.
The MPA Program is designed both to provide a fundamental
grounding in the basic elements of public administration (the
required core curriculum) and to permit sufficient flexibility
for students to pursue special interests and skills (the electives).
The length of the program depends upon the prior preparation
of the student. If the student has not had prior coursework
in statistics and computer use, or in American politics, prerequisite
courses must be taken in each of these areas.
Of the basic 39 hours required for graduation, six courses
are taken in the areas of administrative theory, personnel
management, financial administration, public policy, administrative
law, and data analysis. A level of government course, a capstone
seminar, and five electives constitute the remainder of the
student's coursework. Elective courses may be taken within
the MPA Program itself, in other programs in the Political
Science Department, or in other departments and colleges of
the University. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Courses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prerequisites up to 6 hours (2 courses) |
|
|
|
|
|
