Arkansas State online MPA Review

[rebel100]

And the ACE/SL may be fine....but I would confirm. I can't count the number of times I've heard from admissions counselors that don't understand ACE and think it's a purely military thing.

[cardiacclep]

Yes, I would confirm before taking a random ACE course. ASU does accept many CLEP exams so that should suffice. I find renting books the cheapest way to go. It amazes me that books can be almost as expensive as a graduate course. To answer your other question; the acceptance time is relatively quick, a few weeks. For any others questioning this program; the best way to describe a MPA is that it is essential a MBA for the public sector. Here is NYU's FAQ about how a MPA differs from other masters: MPA in Health FAQ | NYU Wagner

Good luck with the application process.

[KittenMittens]

Yes, I would confirm before taking a random ACE course. ASU does accept many CLEP exams so that should suffice. I find renting books the cheapest way to go. It amazes me that books can be almost as expensive as a graduate course. To answer your other question; the acceptance time is relatively quick, a few weeks. For any others questioning this program; the best way to describe a MPA is that it is essential a MBA for the public sector. Here is NYU's FAQ about how a MPA differs from other masters: MPA in Health FAQ | NYU Wagner

Good luck with the application process.

Thanks, I applied 2 days ago in part due to your review. I initially wasn't planning on continuing graduate work, but with the price, convenience, and suitability for government work, I could do this over a few years piece by piece.

When you finish your degree, btw, how do you expect the MPA to better enhance or promote yourself career-wise? I see a lot of information about MPAs being useful in government and non-profit work, but I don't see a lot of positions through state and federal jobs (at least not in the military) that specifically utilize an MPA. Perhaps that's due to the nature of the degree where it isn't occupation specific, but some data and statistics on success rates and ROI would be valuable to know.

[defscarlett]

Thanks, I applied 2 days ago in part due to your review. I initially wasn't planning on continuing graduate work, but with the price, convenience, and suitability for government work, I could do this over a few years piece by piece.

When you finish your degree, btw, how do you expect the MPA to better enhance or promote yourself career-wise? I see a lot of information about MPAs being useful in government and non-profit work, but I don't see a lot of positions through state and federal jobs (at least not in the military) that specifically utilize an MPA. Perhaps that's due to the nature of the degree where it isn't occupation specific, but some data and statistics on success rates and ROI would be valuable to know.

Understanding the Value of the MPA and MPP Degree

[KittenMittens]

Understanding the Value of the MPA and MPP Degree

It's like I thought then - it's more of a supplementary degree. You have to be in government working for a few years and when managerial kind of position pops up, the MPA will satisfy some work experience condition or be a pre-requisite for a higher level job. That's fine for me since I'm already vested in the state, but given how hard it is to get a government job (at least in my experience), I could see MPAs struggling a bit if they're not in the system. It's practically required to have worked/working in government for at least a few years racking up work experience before the MPA's value will kick in since job criteria will typically state having something like 4-5 years of experiencing in such and such department. In NY at least, for a lot of positions, it seems to shave off a year of "work experience" for higher pay grade positions.

[cardiacclep]

Makes sense if you are already in government. This program will be ideal for you and looks like tuition will be nonexistant with your tuition benefits. I think a MPA is pretty versatile degree. I have seen it used in government, health care, nonprofit and profit. Much like a MBA, experience is the key with these degrees. After one accrues experience the degree gets less important but still a must have in this economy.

Companies that hire MPAs: 15 Top Companies that Hire MPA Grads | MPADegree.org

Famous MPAs: Distinguished MPA/MPP Alumni - NASPAA *The Global Standard in Public Service Education*

[KittenMittens]

Makes sense if you are already in government. This program will be ideal for you and looks like tuition will be nonexistant with your tuition benefits. I think a MPA is pretty versatile degree. I have seen it used in government, health care, nonprofit and profit. Much like a MBA, experience is the key with these degrees. After one accrues experience the degree gets less important but still a must have in this economy.

Companies that hire MPAs: 15 Top Companies that Hire MPA Grads | MPADegree.org

Famous MPAs: Distinguished MPA/MPP Alumni - NASPAA *The Global Standard in Public Service Education*

So I found another program worth looking into as well. I'm almost decided on going into the MPA program through Arkansas as the faculty are really friendly and supportive, but wanted to mention that next best program worth looking into (from a price to utility standpoint) is University of Missouri's online Master's in Public Affairs which is the same thing as the MPA just titled slightly differently. It's about $3,000 more, and has the title "University of" rather than "XXX State" not that I really care too much, and there was another thread I saw that mentioned people preferring that. More importantly, that program is only 3 credits let but about $3,000 more or so, but I think Arkansas State is still the better option.

[KittenMittens]

Makes sense if you are already in government. This program will be ideal for you and looks like tuition will be nonexistant with your tuition benefits. I think a MPA is pretty versatile degree. I have seen it used in government, health care, nonprofit and profit. Much like a MBA, experience is the key with these degrees. After one accrues experience the degree gets less important but still a must have in this economy.

Companies that hire MPAs: 15 Top Companies that Hire MPA Grads | MPADegree.org

Famous MPAs: Distinguished MPA/MPP Alumni - NASPAA *The Global Standard in Public Service Education*

What are the most valuable skills you think you've gained from the MPA? You mention it's a versatile degree and "used" in different industries. Do you mean more that it was a requirement for certain positions, or more that whatever skills you gained could be applied.

[chapmanp1]

Do you know who reads the Statement of Purpose?

Are they tenured professors or will instructors see the SOP as well?

[Faith32]

Cardiacclep Hi, I have some questions about Arkansas State University Online. I start in May 2016 and you stated most classes have 15 to page papers and with other assignments?