Public Policy and Administration
Doctoral
Doctor of Philosophy
College
College of Arts and SciencesGraduate Coordinator
Dr. Mike Pottermp2146@msstate.edu
Overview
The Department of Political Science and Public Administration offers the Ph.D. in public policy and administration with a diverse faculty maintaining a broad research agenda. In addition, a significant number of the department's faculty members possess governmental service experience. The degree program has a favorable faculty-to-student ratio that permits close contact with faculty. Students are encouraged and given the opportunities to engage in a variety of research projects in many areas of public administration and public policy. Ph.D. students are especially encouraged and allowed to do funded research work with faculty members and have opportunities to teach. Teamwork and collegiality are highly cultivated values in this environment.
Requirements
A student admitted to the Ph.D. program must have earned a graduate degree from an accredited university with a master’s level grade point average of at least 3.35. ; three letters of recommendation; a current résumé, two samples of previously written research (e.g., graduate thesis or capstone analysis) or analytic work completed in their professional career; and a statement of professional intent. The Ph.D. committee interviews most applicants. Any international applicant whose native language is not English must submit scores that are not more than two years old from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Language Testing Systems (IELTS). These applicants must achieve a score of 600 PBT (100 iBT) or better on the TOEFL or 7.5 on the IELTS.
Master's
Master of Public Policy and Administration
College
College of Arts and SciencesGraduate Coordinator
Dr. Mike Pottermp2146@msstate.edu
Overview
The Department of Political Science and Public Administration offers the Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) degree in two separate program formats: a traditional face-to-face on campus setting and an entirely online format. The MPPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). The program prepares persons to serve effectively as public administrators at the national, state and local levels of government.
Requirements
Applicants must have a 3.00 grade point average on the last two years of undergraduate work, and a 3.00 on any graduate coursework. The GRE is not required. Applicants submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation and a Statement of Purpose. Non-native English speakers need a TOEFL score of 600 PBT (250 CBT or 100 iBT) or an IELTS of 7.5.
