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Sample MPA Program Schedule

You can complete the MPA program in two years. You may accelerate your program by taking a combination of both online and on-campus courses, including summer and winter courses. If that doesn't suit your schedule, you may choose to take a less intensive approach. The course sequence below is a sample based on previous program sequence and does not necessarily represent the upcoming schedule.

Fall and Spring Semesters: 8-week courses, including 2 weeks of online work
Winter and Summer Sessions: Online only, 5 weeks in Winter, 6 weeks in Summer
Courses are offered on campus in Shippensburg -or- online
6-credit hour internship required (If you are employed full-time in a professional position in the field, you can apply to have your internship requirement waived and replaced with one additional elective)

Consult the Graduate Catalog for specific course details and requirements.

Part-Time Schedule

Part-Time: One night a week for two years

Includes courses in summer and winter (ideal for people working full-time)

Fall Year 1

PLS 501: Organization Theory
PLS 503: Public Budgeting and Financial Management

Winter Year 1

Elective Course (online) or no course

Spring Year 1

PLS 502: Public Personnel Management
PLS 603: Policy Analysis

Summer Year 1

Elective Course (online)

Fall Year 2

PLS 601: Research Methods
Elective Course

Winter Year 2

Elective Course (online) or no course

Spring Year 2

Elective Course
PLS 605: Capstone: Applied Public Management

Summer Year 2

Internship (6 credits)

Full-Time Schedule

Full-Time: Three courses per semester

No summer or winter classes (Ideal for people pursuing a traditional approach)