Once a student has received the Master of Public Administration degree, additional specializations may not be added to the transcript or diploma. Students may take additional course work as non-degree students, but this work will not count toward an additional specialization or degree.
Comprehensive Examinations
All Master of Public Administration degree candidates are required to pass a written comprehensive examination in their final semester at Kentucky State University. The comprehensive examination is normally offered during the fall and spring semesters. Limited availability of faculty resources makes it difficult to schedule a comprehensive examination in the summer session. It is the individual student's responsibility to complete an application for a comprehensive examination. The application must be approved by the student's advisor and submitted to the dean of the School of Public Administration for placement on the comprehensive examination list. The student's request to participate in the fall semester examination must be made no later than September 15. Requests to participate in the spring semester examination must be made no later than February 15.
Grades
Grades below "C" may not be presented for Master of Public Administration graduation credit, nor shall graduation be approved for students with grade point averages below 3.0. Students may not graduate with more than 6 semester credit hours of courses with a grade of "C" or below. This regulation does not apply when a grade of "C" has been superseded by successful completion (grade of "B" or better) of a particular course at a later date.
Probation and Dismissal
A. Initial Procedures for Conditionally Admitted Students
B. Any conditionally admitted student who fails to perform satisfactorily while initially enrolled will be dismissed from the program. To remain in the program all conditionally admitted students must do the following:
1. Attempt at least nine (9) hours of MPA coursework within one year of admission.
2. Earn a GPA of at least 3.0 on the first nine or more hours attempted, with no grades of "D" or "F."
Conditionally admitted students who fail to meet either of these initial performance requirements (1 or 2) will be permanently dismissed from the program. Conditionally admitted students who meet these initial performance requirements will be automatically converted to regular status in the program. They will then be subject to the same probation and dismissal procedures imposed on other students.
Procedures for Other Students
A student is placed on probation when his/her grade point average falls below 3.0. A student placed on probation may subsequently enroll in up to 9 semester credit hours of graduate level coursework. In taking the subsequent 9 semester credit hours of courses, the student must bring his/her overall grade point average up to at least 3.0 to continue in the program and to remain in good academic standing.
A dismissed student may, after one year, appeal in writing to the dean of the School of Public Administration for re admission. If re admission is granted, the student will be placed on probation for up to 9 semester credit hours of courses. A student who does not bring his/her overall grade point average up to at least 3.0 in taking the subsequent 9 semester credit hours of courses will be permanently dismissed from the University without appeal.
Time Limit for Completion of Degree
All program requirements must be completed within six years of initial admission, unless otherwise approved by the Dean of the School of Public Administration. Students should consult the revised Master of Public Administration Student Handbook, available from the dean of the School of Public Administration, for further information about graduate study.
Program Course Load
Full time students carry a normal load of 9 semester credit hours of graduate level coursework per semester. (Part time students who are employed full time are advised to carry no more than 6 semester credit hours of graduate level coursework in any semester.)