2001-2003 Graduate Catalog - Texas Southern University: ::em.tsu ...

The program is designed to prepare professionals to resolve the increasingly complex problems of managing urban growth.It is intended to respond to the increasing importance of planning and management as major instruments in improving anddeveloping solutions to problems of cities and metropolitan regions. The Program seeks to give students a balanced inventoryof conceptual, quantitative and professional skills. To this end, the Program’s curricular philosophy is to:1. educate students on analytical approaches to decision-making in the managerial sciences2. provide students with problem solving skills and analytical competencies thatare relevant to management positions3. emphasize a knowledge of the workings of governmental and private institutions4. develop the student’s ability to make use of academic research5. provide a foundation in computer and information technology6. sharpen writing and oral communication skills7. emphasize knowledge of basic management processes and techniquesADMISSION CRITERIAWe are seeking highly motivated, high-achieving oriented students who have a strong interest in pursuing a public servicecareer. Prospective students must first apply for admission to the Graduate School (see the General Information Section ofthis bulletin). Applicants are then referred to the department for acceptance.In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, applicants for admission to graduatestanding in City Planning or Public Administration must submit:1. The graduate application form2. A typed essay of at least 250 words which states career objectives and gives reasons for desiring admissionto the program3. Three letters of recommendation4. Test scores from the GRE5. Two copies of official transcripts from each college and graduate institutionattendedThe overall requirements for the Master of Public Administration are summarized below:1. Completion of a total of forty-eight (48) credit hours. Of the 48 credit hours, twenty-seven (27) credit hoursare required core courses. in addition to the core requirements, student are required to take nine (9) hours inspecialization courses and take a one semester full-time internship for six (6) credit hours. The remaining six(6) credit hours may be satisfied by electives or a special problems course.2. At the completion of twelve (12) hours of graduate credits, each student will prepare a degree plan in consultationwith his or her advisor. This plan of study should be drawn up and submitted for approval to theGraduate School no later than the second semester in residence.3. Satisfactory performance on the comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination will be administeredon scheduled days during the months of March and October. A student is eligible to take the examif the student has:(a) earned a 3.0 graduate GPA in public administration courses and a cumulative GPA of 3.0;(b) completed all core course requirements;(c) no outstanding incompletes;(d) filed a degree plan; and(e) successfully met the English proficiency requirement.4. Fulfillment of general requirements for graduation as outlined by the Graduate School (see the GeneralInformation Section of this catalog).96