MPA FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I visit campus?

    Yes. We are an online program with a physical campus. If you would like to meet your MPA faculty or tour campus, contact the MPA Program’s Administrative Associate to schedule an appointment.

  • Is the MPA program accredited?

    Yes. As part of Sam Houston State University, the MPA program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The MPA program is also a member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

  • Can I complete the MPA program while I work full-time?

    Yes. The MPA program is designed to accommodate the needs of full-time professionals. Faculty design their courses to ensure students have adequate time to complete the course readings, video lectures, and assignments. 

  • Do I need professional experience to be admitted to the MPA program?

    No. While most of our MPA students have professional backgrounds, work experience is not required for admission to the MPA program. We encourage students who lack professional experience to complete a professional internship with a public or nonprofit organization prior to graduation. Students that complete internships approved by the Program Director may receive academic credit for their internship work.

  • What type of undergraduate degree do I need to be admitted to the MPA program?

    Any Bachelor’s Degree. The MPA program does not require applicants to have a specific type of bachelor’s degree to be considered for admission. Our students have bachelor’s degrees in the fields of political science, general studies, law, sociology, geography, criminal justice, economics, and psychology, to name a few. The core MPA curriculum provides all students an introduction to the field and tools of public administration.

  • Do I need to take the GRE to be admitted to the MPA program?

    No. MPA applicants are not required to submit GRE scores.

  • What grade point average (GPA) should I have to be admitted to the MPA program?

    2.50 or higher. However, applicants whose GPA for their last degree awarded or applicants whose last 60 credits is below 3.00 must support their application in one of two ways. First, as part of their personal statement the applicant can include a paragraph or two that describes why they are prepared for graduate level work. Second, the applicant can submit a GRE score from a test completed within the last two years.

  • What should the personal statement component of the MPA application address?

    The personal statement is one of the most important aspects of the MPA application process. The personal statement should be between one and two single-spaced pages. Applicants should use the personal statement to: 1) describe their professional goals; 2) describe why they want to earn their MPA from Sam Houston State University, 3) describe how an MPA will help them to obtain their professional goals; and 4) describe how their personal and professional experiences have prepared them for graduate level work.

  • What type of writing sample do I need to submit for my MPA application?

    Varies. The MPA Admissions Committee will accept any type of professional writing that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to organize and communicate an argument. Examples include an undergraduate or graduate paper or written work that has been submitted for professional purposes.

  • How do I submit my application to the MPA program?

    Create and submit your application at www.ApplyTexas.org

  • What is the application fee for the MPA program?

     Yes. The current fee can be found at Admission Fee.

  • When are the application deadlines for the MPA program?

    Deadlines Vary. The MPA program accepts applications year around. Depending upon when an applicant plans to start their studies, the MPA program has the following application deadlines. We encourage you to apply as soon as you can. Upon request, applications submitted after the deadline can be rolled to the subsequent semester.  For more information about the MPA application process, please contact Dr. Fatih Demiroz or Dr. Wen-Jiun Wang.

  • Who reviews my application to the MPA program?

    The MPA Admissions Committee. For more information about the MPA application process, please contact Dr. Fatih Demiroz or Dr. Wen-Jiun Wang.

  • How much time will pass before I know if I am admitted to the MPA program?

    1 to 2 months. The MPA Admissions Committee reviews applications on a rolling basis. Depending upon when applications are finalized by the applicant, and number of applications under review, it can take the MPA Admissions Committee up to 2 months to finalize and notify applicants about outcomes.

  • What technologies and software are needed to take MPA courses?

    Commonly used technologies and software. The MPA program is offered online. Students must have access to a desktop or laptop computer, webcam, microphone, updated versions of commonly used software, and have reliable internet access. A list of recommended system specifications can be found here. Additional questions about technology requirements and issues can be directed to the SHSU Online Support Desk at (936) 294-2780.

  • Does the MPA program offer summer courses?

    Yes. The MPA program offers core and concentration courses, as well as the comprehensive examinations, during the summer semester.

  • How long are the MPA program’s semesters?

    16 or 10 weeks. The MPA program offers courses year-round. The fall and spring semesters are both 16 weeks long. The summer semester is 10 weeks long.

  • How many credits are required to graduate from the MPA program?

    36 credits. The MPA degree requires students to successfully complete 36 course credits (24 core credits and 12 concentration credits) and pass the comprehensive examinations.

  • How long will it take me to graduate from the MPA program

    2 years, on average. Due to their personal and professional obligations, most of our students take two courses each semester.

  • Can I pursue a different MPA concentration?

    No. The MPA program only offers a single graduate concentration in Disaster and Emergency Management.

  • Can I transfer credits completed at other universities into my MPA Degree plan?

    Yes. Graduate courses completed at other accredited colleges and universities may be applied as transfer credit toward a graduate degree at Sam Houston State University at the discretion of each graduate program and the college in which it is housed. Transfer credit is not automatically conferred and must be requested by the MPA Program Director.

  • Can I transfer credits earned from FEMA courses into my MPA degree plan?

    No. Only graduate courses completed at other accredited colleges and universities may be applied as transfer credit toward a graduate degree at Sam Houston State University at the discretion of each graduate program and the college in which it is housed. 

  • Who can I contact about my application?

    The MPA Program’s Administrative Associate. Our MPA program is committed to responding to the needs of our prospective and students. If you reach out to us, we will respond. 

  • Who can I contact to discuss whether the MPA program fits my needs?

    The MPA Program Director. Our MPA program is committed to responding to the needs of our prospective and current students. If you reach out to us, we will respond.