Candidates
for the master of public administration (M.P.A.) degree complete 42
credits, including a core curriculum of 21 credits, 3 Capstone and 18 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
University or at partner universities (e.g., New Jersey Institute of
Technology) 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. Transfer credits should be discussed
with the program director. A maximum of 12 credits can be awarded for
transfer credits and can only be applied toward elective credit requirements.
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. In order to qualify for
financial loans, student must take a minimum of 6 credits (two courses).
All students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.0 to remain in good standing in the program.
For more information on requirements or policies pertaining to the M.P.A. program, please visit our student handbook at https://spaa.newark.rutgers.edu/academic-policies-procedures-forms.
Degree Programs and Courses 
