In addition to the necessary course work, you must successfully complete either a master's thesis or comprehensive examination in order to fulfill the requirements for an MPA degree. This decision should be made in consultation with your academic advisor by the midpoint of your academic program, after you have completed two to four graduate courses. Changing from one option to the other (comprehensive examination to thesis or thesis to comprehensive examination) is allowed only before taking the comprehensive examination or submission of a completed thesis. Exceptions will be granted by petition to the MPA Graduate Studies Committee only under extraordinary circumstances.
The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to evaluate your ability to (1) integrate and demonstrate knowledge of the diverse subject matter in the field of public administration, and (2) think critically and incisively.
The comprehensive examination is offered twice each academic year -- usually during the first week in January (for students completing degree requirements during the Fall Semester) and in April (for students completing degree requirements during the Spring Semester).
In order to take the comprehensive examination you must have completed (or be about to complete during the current semester) at least 39 units of coursework that will be credited toward the MPA degree, including all required courses.
If you wish to take the Winter MPA Comprehensive exams which are scheduled for January 2 and 4, 2008, please submit a letter of intent to the MPA Director specifying: 1) your name, 2) address, 3) student ID number, 4) home and work phone numbers, 5) E-mail address and 6) your current employer and position at your place of employment by November 30, 2007.
The MPA Director will review your file to verify that you are eligible to take the comprehensive exams. You will receive a letter confirming your eligibility and an explanation of the procedures for the exams.
The examination has two parts. Part I, scheduled over a two-day period, examines comprehension of material in the following seven subject areas:
- First day
- Organizational and Administrative Theory
- Quantitative Analysis (open book and notes)
- Public Finance
- Public Service Ethics (Required for students admitted Fall 1998 or later)
- Second day
- Public Policy Analysis
- Public Personnel Administration
- Public Agency Budgeting
Normally, one or two questions will be provided in each subject area from each instructor who has taught the course. You must answer one question in each area (for a total of seven questions).
Part II of the examination is a Case Study problem, selected by the MPA Comprehensive Examination Committee. It is taken home for individual research and analysis. The written response is due at a specified date and time (about one week later).
