What is the national reputation of the Askew School?
A study published in the January 2005 issue of the Journal of Public Affairs Education revealed that the Askew School faculty ranked 4 th nationally in numbers of refereed articles published in major public administration journals. Earlier published studies of faculty publishing also tabulated us as ‘top ten' in frequency of refereed articles published. In the 2012 survey done by US News , the Askew School was ranked 16 th among more than 260 programs nationally in the general category of ‘public affairs.'
How many courses should I take?
Some students attempt too many courses at one time, a practice that
adversely affects their performance. The university states that 12
credits--a very heavy load--is full time, and this load is required
for students on graduate assistantships with tuition waivers. Students
who work full time should take no more than six credits each semester.
Nine hours is a full load for someone working part-time.
What kind of workload should I expect in classes?
In graduate work, for every one hour spent in class substantially
more than three should be spent out of class (the "three-hour
rule" is for undergraduate work). Nearly every course will require
a major paper of at least 20 pages. Each paper should take at least 80
or more hours to do. Expect to study six nights a week. When students work hard we can
say so in our letters of reference; these letters are often
more important than grades in securing employment.
What should I expect to pay for books?
Since graduate study necessitates substantial amounts of reading,
do not be surprised if the cost for books per course is at least $150,
more for some classes, less for others. The faculty is concerned with
these expenditures, but has a responsibility to ensure a quality education.
Aspiring professionals should be accumulating a professional library.
Expenditures for new and used texts may be tax deductible.
I work 40 or more hours per week. Should I be expected to
complete all course requirements expected of a full-time student?
Yes; to do otherwise would reduce the value of your degree and your
investment.
What about attendance?
We try to be understanding of work demands but absences are to be
avoided. The university Bulletin states that "students are expected
to attend all classes." Students absent for two weeks or more
may be dropped or assigned a grade of "F." Notify us in
advance. Some professors require class attendance or it counts against
your semester grade. Check with each instructor for his or her specific
policy on attendance.
Do I need to bother with various style requirements in written
assignments?
Yes, definitely.
How do I keep in touch with what is going on in the School?
Every FSU student is assigned an email account. The school sends official notices to students and provides other information as well through the public administration student listserv called ‘pastudt.' Email communications should be checked regularly. ‘Hard copy' folders are also available outside the school's main office for students and faculty members to use to leave materials for one another.
What happens to the student evaluations of faculty?
About half of each faculty member's annual evaluation is based on
teaching effectiveness and the student evaluations play a major role
in this. The School personnel committee reviews these each year in
judging teaching performance.
I am interested in taking courses during the summer. How extensive
are the offerings?
Summer offerings are not as extensive as those during the academic
year. Most MPA core courses are offered, but a very limited number
of electives are likely.
How much flexibility is there in program requirements?
Every effort is made to tailor a student's coursework to his/her needs,
so long as a coherent program of studies results. Baseline standards,
however, must be adhered to maintain accreditation.
What about the internship and job placement?
If you have less than a year of full time, post-baccalaureate, professional
work experience, expect to do an internship. We provide assistance
in finding placements for internships and jobs following graduation.
The internship can start as early as the second term.
When should I begin my Action Report?
A formal
proposal, preceeded by a conference with the instructor, is due prior to the term in which the Action Report
is taken. As you proceed through the program, be thinking about topics
that might be developed into a major applied research project. The Policy Development class is a good place to start work
on a topic that can be developed into an Action Report.
Where do Askew School students do their internships?
Being located in the capital city of the nation's fourth largest state, which also has outstanding professionals in local governments, the opportunities for internships in Tallahassee are many. Most of our students do their internships with agencies of the State of Florida, with local governments, and with nonprofit organizations in the area. Our students are often selected for highly competitive internships with the Florida Legislature and Office of the Governor. Some of our students do their internships elsewhere in local and federal organizations, as well as with domestic nonprofit organizations and occasionally with internationally oriented NGOs (nongovernmental organizations). Placement assistance in finding internships in international settings is available through FSU's International Programs Office.
What is the graduation rate for students in the MPA program?
In 2012, the Askew School did a study of the cohort of students who began their MPA studies in 2007. We learned that 77% of those students had graduated by 2012. Most had graduated within 2-3 years but others who work full time took a while longer.
What is the placement rate for MPA program graduates?
A survey done in 2012 of the graduates of the previous two years revealed the following patterns of employment – Federal 7%; State 26%; Local 15%; Foreign Government 3%; Domestic Nonprofit 16%; Internationally-oriented NGOs 3%; For Profit 20%; Seeking Further education 7%; Unemployed & seeking 3%.