MPA Frequently Asked Questions
Prospective Students
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Will we ever have class “live” in person?
As a fully online program, you will generally not meet in person. We have students from all over the country and therefore, do not meet in person as a group very often. However, we welcome students anytime to visit Clemson and meet with local faculty or MPA program staff. Students may also choose an in person orientation instead of an online orientation if they would like to come to campus. Throughout the program many students come to campus to discuss Internships, Capstone projects and/or other issues. We welcome students anytime. We also strongly encourage groups of students to get together in their regions to meet and network.
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Do I ever get to see my professor?
It depends on what you mean by "see". Generally the professor will be on camera during class and you will interact with them as if you were in person. Most of the courses will have the students on webcam during discussions as well. Occasionally, students and/or off-campus faculty choose to come to campus. We always welcome campus visits and in person meetings with students, faculty and MPA program staff.
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What does it mean that the MPA is an online program?
MPA Classes are conducted through Zoom in a live, online format, meaning that classes are offered in real time. You attend class just like you would in a traditional classroom. Classes meet live online using the Zoom application once a week (per class) between 6:30 and 9:10 (this stretches to 9:45 for summer courses). You are together virtually instead of physically. Each instructor is committed to conducting small discussion groups, team sessions, presentations, online office hours and other innovative uses of this technology.
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Does it cost more if you're an out of state student?
No. The Clemson University MPA program charges a flat-rate tuition for all students whether in-state or out of state. There is no out of state surcharge on courses or the program in general. For more information please see the Online Programs Graduate Tuition per Credit Hours
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If I apply for the certificate program do I qualify for financial aid?
No. A certificate or non-degree seeking student is automatically ineligible for financial aid.
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What is required to qualify for financial aid? What is required to qualify for financial aid?
To qualify for part-time financial aid you must take at least 5 credit hours. To qualify for full-time financial aid you must take at least 9 credit hours. Please visit the financial aid website for more information.
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Does Clemson accept the VA 33 payment for their Masters Program?
Yes, any student approved for Chapter 33 benefits through the VA can use these benefits while attending Clemson University. Visit the Registar's Office website to find out how.
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How long do I have to complete the MPA program before losing credits?
A student has 6 years to complete the MPA degree before they begin to lose credits. Most students complete their degree in approximately 2 years or 7 semesters (including summer).
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What are the concentrations / specializations for the MPA program?
The MPA program has five specializations that meet the needs of a diverse range of public administration and non-profit professionals. They are:
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How many graduate level courses can I transfer from another institution and how old can these courses be?
With approval by the MPA program director, a student can transfer a maximum of 4 courses or 12 hours of graduate level credit from another approved institution. By the time your graduate from Clemson these credits cannot have been earned more than 6 years prior.
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Do graduate transfer credits have to be taken within so many years of my enrollment and/or graduation from Clemson?
Yes. With the approval of the MPA Program Coordinator, Clemson University allows for up to 12 hours of graduate transfer credit. Once enrolled at Clemson, graduate transfer credits cannot be more than 6 years old from the time you graduate with your Clemson graduate degree. For example, if you graduate in December 2014, your graduate transfer credits cannot be acquired any later than Fall 2008.
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If I am a Clemson University undergraduate and I am applying to the Clemson MPA program do I need to request an official transcript from Clemson?
No, this is done automatically if you are a graduate of Clemson.
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I am a Clemson employee and would like to apply for the MPA program. Is there an application fee waiver?
We do not offer an application waiver fee at this time, however the Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP) is available for qualifying employees.
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If I am accepted for the Certificate in Public Administration Program, what steps would I need to take to transition into the full-degree MPA program?
Contact Bianca Schuster for an application fee waiver code once you are close to or have completed 4 classes. She will let you know what steps you need to take to move towards the full degree program.
Newly Admitted Students
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What happens after I am admitted?
The Journey from Admitted to Enrolled has several twists and turns so please review this check list carefully and make sure you complete all of your steps. This journey begins when the MPA program accepts you into the department. From there expect the following things to happen:
- After the Graduate School accepts you, a student should expect an official decision letter posted to the student’s status check 48 hours after the GS decision is submitted.
- Once a student sees this decision letter they must confirm their intent to enroll (this is required in order to register)
- Within 48-72 hours of a student’s confirmation, an email is sent to the student with their ID, activation code, and registration information.
- Students log in for the first time with this ID and activation code. Once there students receive their username and set up their CU password.
- From there you can go to iROAR and register for classes
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I've received my username from Clemson, but I can't access anything. What do I do?
Upon receiving your username from Clemson you need to change your default password before you can access anything else. To do that go to: https://idp.app.clemson.edu/password/change.php. Your default password is the last five (5) digits of your social security number. After changing it you should be able to access your online courses, but should you continue to have problems Contact Us.
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Is it possible to change the semester I was accepted for to start the MPA program sooner or to delay my entry?
Yes, contact Bianca Schuster, who can assist you with a Change of Term Form.
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If I am admitted into the MPA Program, for how long is my admission status and/or submitted application valid?
An application is valid for up to one year from your anticipated start date—for example, if you were to apply for Spring, that would mean that you must matriculate (start your coursework) by Spring the following year.
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Do MPA students need to choose a specialization or can students take a blend of electives?
No, students do not need to choose a specialization. A student can earn a general or specific concentration in the MPA program and many of the Selected Topics classes can be cross-listed for more than one of the 5 areas of concentration.
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Who is my advisor for the program and how is advising managed for new and current students?
MPA Student Services Coordinator Bianca Schuster is the principal advisor for all MPA students. New students participate in a mandatory advising sessions before beginning the program. After that, students are welcome to seek out advising services with Bianca Schuster at any point during their time in the program.
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When are student bills available each semester?
Your student bill will be available online approximately one month before the beginning of the term.
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Can I get financial aid for Summer classes?
Please visit the Financial Aid site for information and contact their office with questions.
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I've been accepted to the MPA program. Do I need to complete the Student Immunization Forms on the Redfern Health Center website?
No you do not. If you are enrolled only in an online course(s), you do not need to comply with medical clearance requirements. However, if you receive notices of non-compliance, contact Bianca Schuster (bianca@clemson.edu) or the Health Information Manager at Redfern Health Center.
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How do I get class links and general course information once I am registered?
Program staff will provide all students with class links, book information, and other course resources via email before classes begin each semester.
Current Students
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Who is my advisor for the program and how is advising managed for new and current students?
MPA Student Services Coordinator Bianca Schuster is the principal advisor for all MPA students. New students participate in a mandatory advising sessions before beginning the program. After that, students are welcome to seek out advising services with Bianca Schuster at any point during their time in the program.
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How do I access my course in Zoom?
At the beginning of each semester, the student services coordinator will post the Zoom link to your course in Canvas. Once you click on the link to your course, if you have not downloaded Zoom you will be prompted to download and run Zoom. Please follow the instructions to do so. You will only be asked to do this once and can then access the course by just opening Zoom.
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How do I access my Canvas courses?
Go to Canvas and click on the Sign In button under Clemson Faculty & Students. You will use your Clemson username and password to log in.
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Do MPA program classes have a specific attendance policy?
The majority of students in the MPA program are full-time working professionals and as such we understand that students may have to travel or other commitments from time to time. We ask that students keep the lines of communication open with their professors and that they let them know as soon as reasonable about conflicts with class. If a student has a regular conflict, for example City Council the first Tuesday of the month, we ask that the student let the faculty member know in advance of the semester and the faculty member and the program director will work to develop a plan for that student regarding attendance and coursework. All classes are recorded so students will be asked to review all lectures that they miss and keep up with any missed assignments.
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Which classes are covered on the comprehensive exam?
Public Policy Process, Perspectives, Administrative Leadership, Public Personnel Administration, and Public Financial management are covered on the comprehensive exam. All students in the program should save their books, notes, PowerPoints, etc. from these classes until they have taken the comprehensive exam or completed their capstone.
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How long do I have to complete the MPA program before losing credits?
A student has 6 years to complete the MPA degree before they begin to lose credits!
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What is the procedure if I need to take some time off from the program?
Students may submit a Leave of Absence Form from the University for up to one year at a time. Students that need to do this must email Dr. Lori Dickes and Bianca Schuster, who will provide the form and guidance on the next steps.
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What do I do to re-enter the MPA program after taking a leave of absence?
Please either contact Bianca Schuster or fill out the Re-Entrance Form on the Graduate School website under Forms and send the completed top half of the form to Bianca. This form requires your signature and the program director, Dr. Lori Dickes.
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Does the MPA program offer Summer courses?
The MPA program offers a full 11 or 12 week Summer session of both core and elective courses. Classes run a little longer each week, from 6:30 – 9:45 PM, due to the shorter semester length.
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If I am working towards a specific concentration area, will my diploma say Master of Public Administration with a concentration in that area?
No, your diploma will not specify your specialization. Your diploma will say Master of Public Administration. Your concentration is supported by your transcripts. You are encouraged to report your specific concentration and/or classes on your resume.
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Can I get financial aid for Summer classes?
Under certain circumstances you can. When you apply for financial aid for the entire academic year it does include some (but not necessarily all) monies to put toward Summer term. When you accept your aid package you have two options: you can accept the entire amount and save the money for Summer or you can only accept a partial award and let Financial Aid know the specific portion you are denying is for Summer Term use. Once you register for Summer Term, you must fill out a request form to use these funds. The form is here. Follow the instructions at the link. Students will need to contact Financial Aid directly regarding Summer aid.
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Does Clemson accept the VA 33 payment for their Masters Program?
Yes, any student approved for Chapter 33 benefits through the VA can use these benefits while attending Clemson University. Visit the Registar's Office website to find out how.
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If I apply for the certificate program do I qualify for financial aid?
No. A certificate or non-degree seeking student is automatically ineligible for financial aid.
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What is required to qualify for financial aid?
To qualify for part-time financial aid you must take at least 5 credit hours. To qualify for full-time financial aid you must take at least 9 credit hours. Please visit the financial aid website for more information. You may also call the office between 8 am and 1 pm at 864-656-2280 or email them at finaid@clemson.edu.
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Can I review MPA syllabi from past semesters?
Yes, you can access any of the previous semesters’ MPA syllabi through the public access tab here - https://syllabus.app.clemson.edu.
