Newsroom 2005

July 2005

Governors State University
Master of Public Administration (MPA) Cohort Program
For Firefighters
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the name of the degree? Master of Public Administration (MPA). The mission of the Master of Public Administration program is to prepare students to serve effectively as citizens and as professional managers in the administrative branches of American governments (federal, state, and local).

What is a "cohort?" At GSU, a cohort is a group of students that are in pursuit of the same degree, taking all of the courses at the same time, and generally at a location other than the GSU campus. The reason such a program is delivered to a cohort is because we promise to deliver it until all students have completed the program. It is not offered as a traditional program-in this case meaning that students cannot enter and exit the cohort program at will-because typically there are not enough students at the selected location for GSU to make a commitment beyond the one group of students, in this case firefighters.

Can anyone join the Cohort at any time? No, the cohort is a self-contained group taking the same courses at the same time. There is one occasion when additional students are permitted entry into the Cohort. For example, if the Cohort began in Fall 2005 we may allow new entrants in Winter 2006. In the event a student is permitted entry other than previously described, the student would be asked to sign a statement indicating that s/he is aware that the Cohort will disband at a certain date and all future courses would have to be taken at another GSU site.

Where will the program/classes be held? Classes will be held at the South Suburban College, University and College Center, 16333 South Kilbourn, Oak Forest, IL (within 5 minutes of I-80 and I-57 and 167th Street).

When will classes be held? At present, the sentiment of the majority of firefighters who have attended the two information sessions is that the program be delivered on Wednesday night from 6:00 to 10:15 p.m.

How long will it take to complete the degree program? Using a model of delivery similar to one that is currently being offered to police officers, it would take 2 years to complete the degree.

What is the estimated tuition and fees? Off-campus, graduate tuition for Fall 2005 is $157.00 per credit hour. Fees include: Technology Fee-$26.00/semester; Strategic Academic Fee-$33.00/semester; Extended Learning Fee-$15.00/credit hour.

How many credit hours does it take to earn the degree? Core degree requirements are 36 credit hours/12 courses. 9-12 preparatory (credit hours/3-4) courses may be required depending on student's previous academic accomplishments.

What are the requirements for admission? 1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution with a GPA of at least 2.50; 2. be in good standing at the last institution attended.

How do I get admitted to the program? Submit an admissions application and official transcripts from all other schools attended to Bonnie Lunde, Governors State University (GSU), University Park, IL 60466.

What is the deadline for submitting my application and transcripts? They should be received by GSU by August 5.

When will I know if the cohort program will be offered? Based on the number of applicants admitted (20 minimum), a decision will be communicated on August 22, 2005.

Who do I contact for more information about the program? Contact Bonnie Lunde as indicated below or Stephanie Wenzel at 708-534-4934 or s-wenzel@govst.edu.

Bonnie Lunde
Coordinator of Academic Services
Governors State University
College of Business and Public Administration
708-534-4933
b-lunde@govst.edu