Candidates for the master of public administration (M.P.A) degree complete 42 credits, including a core curriculum of 30 credits and 12 specialization credits. Precareer students are encouraged to complete internships. Project-based internships can be arranged for those working full time but seeking experience in a different setting or career field. Electives can be taken in a variety of specialization areas as described elsewhere in this chapter of the catalog. Students may also seek specializations and electives in other programs within Rutgers or at partner universities (New Jersey Institute of Technology and University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey) with the permission of the program director.
Students may transfer up to 12 credits from another master's degree with permission of the program director. Students with significant amounts of career experience may petition for up to 12 professional credits. The threshold for maximum professional experience is more than six years of career positions with supervisory, program, or budget authority and evidence of increasing levels of responsibility. Transfer and professional credits should be discussed with the program director. A maximum of 12 credits can be awarded in any combination of transfer and/or professional experience.
Students complete the program in two to three calendar years depending upon the number of credits taken per semester. Most M.P.A. students are working adults who take 6 credits per semester (part time), including summers. Nine credits per semester is considered full time at the graduate level.
All students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.0.
