Important info about registration, internships and degree benchmarks
Important info about registration, internships and degree benchmarks
CPS  
The College of Public Service at Tennessee State University

Department of Public Administration
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REGISTRATION TIME is here again

You can register for summer and fall courses in myTSU now. As you consider your schedule, please consult our handy-dandy 3-semester course plan. It has checklists of your course requirements by program, as well as information on what courses will be offered Summer 2018, Fall 2018, and Spring 2019. Most PADM courses are NOT offered every semester - so look ahead to consider what you need and when it will be offered. If you don't see a course you need to graduate this Summer or Fall, please contact Dr. Stanley or Dr. Streams ASAP so plans can be made. Not sure what to do? Email your advisor, always a good idea to check your course selection!
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BE PROACTIVE!

When should I seek advising?

All students should request a meeting with their advisor AT A MINIMUM in the 1st semester of course-taking to complete a DRAFT program of study; a 2nd time after completing after 3-6 credits (for certificates) or 9 credits (for degrees) to do FINAL program of study form, and a 3rd time before your last semester, to prepare for graduation. Programs of study forms are online: healthcare program of study; nonprofit program of study; public policy program of study; MPA program of study. All students should check in with advisor at least via email before registering for classes EVERY SEMESTER to ensure timely progress. 

Who's my advisor?

Program advisors and contact information are listed at www.tnstate.edu/cpsua/advisors.aspx and at the bottom of this email.

Using our Graduate Certificates as a bridge to the MPA Degree

Students who successfully complete all 6 certificate courses from a graduate certificate in the TSU Department of Administration with a 3.33 GPA or better can be considered for admission to the MPA program without GRE scores. The grades from all six courses must appear on the unofficial transcript before admission is possible.Contact your advisor in the last semester of your certificate coursework to discuss the process. You may not take courses in a program to which you have not been officially admitted without permission of the department chair.

Internships

If you hope to pursue an MPA internship for credit this summer, contact Dr. Stanley ASAP if you have not done so already. You may not agree to an internship you plan to take for credit without prior approval. Learn more in handbook section VIII.The MPA internship requirement and exemption. We maintain a listing of internship and job openings. The Career Development Center at TSU also offers resources for internhsip and job-seekers - sign up for TigerTrack to be notified of opportunities.  Just be sure to check with Dr. Stanley or Dr. Streams prior to committing to an internship you learn about, to ensure it will meet necessary criteria, and make sure you understand the requirements for receiving MPA internship credit.

Staying on track

A 3.0 cumulative TSU graduate GPA is required to complete any TSU graduate certificate or graduate degree
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FINISHING UP NEXT SEMESTER?

Those of you planning to complete your program(s) in the upcoming semester, please note deadlines and necessary steps as you begin your final semester - MPA students should read the handbook sections and associated FAQs for important information: VIII.The MPA internship requirement and exemption; IX. The MPA writing portfolio requirement; X. The MPA comprehensive exam; XI. Preparing to graduate.  Comprehensive exam dates are posted online: MPA comprehensive exam dates. Those completing a certificate, please consult this FAQ - About to begin your last semester?  Getting ready to graduate (for MPA and/or Certificates).
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RESOURCES AND POLICIES

Below are resources for the MPA and the certificate programs you should be familiar with.  These resources are all available on our website on the relevant degree program page. Note in particular that all graduate students taking classes in the College of Public Service should be aware of the Graduate School policies detailed at the beginning of the Graduate Catalog, which pertain to all TSU graduate students, as well as the relevant parts of the College section of the Catalog.  All students are expected to be familiar with and to adhere to both Graduate School policies and specific departmental requirements for their degree and/or graduate certificate.  A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in all graduate courses taken at Tennessee State University is required for successful completion of graduate certificates or graduate degree programs; individual programs may also have more restrictive policies as detailed in their Catalog  section. We abide by Graduate School policies including those regarding retention, probation, suspension, and time limitations for degrees (see the front matter of the relevant Catalog).  Per Graduate School policy, a given course in our programs may be repeated one time only, and the second grade will replace the first. A student may repeat a maximum of two (2) courses in a given program for the purpose of improving grades. 

ADVISORS

Seek advising as you proceed through your studies. 
Nonprofit Management Certificate & MPA (or certificate only)
  • Dr. Ken Chilton |   email |  615-963-7017  | Fall/Spring
  • Dr. Rodney Stanley |   email |   615-963-7241 | Summer

Healthcare Administration & Planning Certificate & MPA (or certificate only; not accepting new students)
  • Dr. Meg Streams |   email | 615-852-7112  | Fall/Spring
  • Dr. Rodney Stanley |   email |   615-963-7241 | Summer

Public Policy Certificate & MPA (or certificate only)
  • Dr. Meg Streams |   email | 615-852-7112
  • Dr. Rodney Stanley |   email   |   615-963-7241 | Summer   

MPA, no certificate; or Public Admin Exec Leadership cert. | Dr. Rodney Stanley |   email   |   615-963-7241

HELPFUL DOCUMENTS


Frequently asked questions (also available in the MPA Handbook)
College of Public Service, Tennessee State University
330 10th Ave. N, Mail Stop 139, Suite E-400 | Nashville, TN 37203-3401
phone 615.963.7201 | fax 615.963.7245
pcameron@tnstate.edu | lstokes4@tnstate.edu
www.tnstate.edu/cps
Tennessee State University
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