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Frequently Asked Questions:

About Marist's MPA Degree

Now you have a choice: On-campus or Online

1. Must I have an undergraduate degree in a specific area to pursue my MPA at Marist College?
   No. We designed the Marist MPA degree to accommodate the academic needs of working professionals with undergraduate degrees in many areas.
2. How long does it take to complete the MPA program?
   Depending upon whether you choose to join an online cohort schedule or attend classes here on our gorgeous campus overlooking the Hudson River, or do a combination of both, you can generally complete the MPA program in less than three years.
3. How long is each course?
   Classroom-based courses meet on the Poughkeepsie main campus one night per week from 6:30 p.m. until 9:15 p.m. for a 15-week semester.
   
   Online MPA courses are eight weeks long and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students access lectures, share course information, work on group projects, submit class work, and take exams - all online.
4. How are the online MPA courses structured?
   Online MPA courses are organized and presented in much the same way as in a traditional classroom. The professor posts lectures, readings, and class assignments at regular intervals throughout the course. Assignments and exams are time sensitive in that they are due on a specific date. Online students simply submit work electronically by the due date.
5. Can I take a combination of MPA courses online and in the classroom?
   Yes, you may choose to take some courses online and some in the classroom. Because of the accelerated nature of online courses (8-weeks versus 15-weeks) we advise you not to take both an online eight-week course and a 15-week classroom course in the same semester.
6. What is the MPA Online Cohort model?
   Following an online cohort schedule is clearly the fastest and most efficient approach to completing the MPA program. We schedule the entire program in advance and you take all of your classes with the same group of people in a prescribed sequential sequence. Students take a total of five courses per year - two courses in the fall (Round 1 and Round 2), two in the spring (Round 1 and Round 2) and one in the summer. Students following the cohort schedule never have to worry about missing a required course and are guaranteed to graduate within a defined period.
7. How do online MPA courses work?
   The communications capabilities are at the heart of the program and become seamless as you progress through the course. Students complete and submit all their work through the online classroom. Students submit written work as an email attachment, such as a Word document or Excel spreadsheet. There is no on-campus requirement nor is everyone expected to be online at the same time. As with a traditional class, the professor expects you to read any textbook assignments or outside reading material prior to the due date specified in the course syllabus and course calendar.
   
   Usually, there are a number of discussion questions or problems due with each assignment. These require you to answer and/or participate in class discussion. For example, the professor may ask you to express your views about the ethical aspects of a public policy. The professor expects each student to contribute their ideas in the conference room at their convenience by the due date and, where appropriate, to discuss alternative viewpoints with classmates. Everyone participates.
8. Do I have to be a computer expert to pursue the MPA program online?
   No. The only computer skills required are a familiarity with Windows and an Internet browser.
9. What kind of computer equipment will I need?
   To successfully access course content, at a minimum you will need a personal computer with a Pentium 166 processor, 32 megabytes of RAM, 28.8 modem (56K recommended). Access to the Web via MS Internet Explorer (version 5.0 or higher) or Netscape (version 4.7 or higher) is essential. In order to read attached files and to share work with other classmates you will also need Microsoft Office 97 or higher.
10. How do I access my online class?
    When your registration for your first class in the program has been finalized, you should contact the Marist Helpdesk to request a Marist Account. Your Marist Account serves as your log-on to access your online course. For new students, your initial password is the first eight digits of your social security number. You may change your password at any time. Once you have your eLearning account you can sign into your MPA course and you will have officially entered your cyber classroom!
    
    Go to http://elearning.marist.edu. Click on the "Interactive Educator Tutorial" and then click on the "Play" button to see how the eLearning system works. There is also an "Advanced Educator Tutorial" if you really want to get into the nitty gritty of how eLearning works. At the bottom of the eLearning sign-in page, you will find a link for "MPA Course Information." Click on this link to see a letter from your instructor that includes useful information regarding your course as well as textbook information. You are welcome to click on one of these course links to see a typical course letter.
11. How many online classes can I take at one time?
    Students take one online class at one time (two eight-week classes within the fifteen-week semester).
12. Can I complete the entire MPA program online?
    Yes! You can complete your entire MPA degree from the comfort of your own keyboard. Of course, if you wish to have a personal meeting with your professor, you are most welcome to do so although they are available in weekly online chats and by phone an email.
13. What is the tuition for the MPA program?
    The tuition for a 3-credit graduate course for the 2007-08 academic year is $1,995 (that is $665 per credit). Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for graduate study, so students are encouraged to check with the benefits department at their place of employment. You can pay your tuition with cash, check or credit card. Contact the Student Financial Services office at (845) 575-3231 for more information.
14. What types of Financial Aid are available?
    Need-based financial assistance is available for matriculated students in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. To apply, simply complete FAFSA as well as Marist's Financial Aid Application (for Graduate & Adult Undergraduate Students Picked for Verification). Veteran's benefits may also be available so call (845) 575-3250 for more information. For specific questions concerning financial aid, you may visit the Financial Aid Office or call (845) 575-3230.
15. What do I need to apply to the MPA program?
    The MPA admissions process is the same whether you intend to pursue your MPA in the classroom, online, or a combination of both. Submit the following materials:
    • A completed Graduate Admission Application (available online)
    • A $50 application fee (you may pay this online if you are completing the online application or you may send a check or money order payable to Marist College)
    • Official GRE score report taken within the last five years (Marist College reporting code is 2400) if required*
    • Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
    • A current resume with work credentials that demonstrate your proficiency to plan and organize activities; your ability to work collaboratively; and your experience in, or your potential to assume, a management position in a public/nonprofit organization.
    • An essay that summarizes your career objectives, indicates why you chose to apply to the Marist MPA program, and describes your personal and/or professional expectations about the program.

All applicants to the MPA program must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

*Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.0 to 2.5 and less than 10 years work experience are required to achieve a total GRE score of 800 or higher on the verbal-quantitative sections of the GRE. Students who already have a Master's Degree from an accredited institution are not required to take the GRE exam. GRE Testing sites may be found at www.gre.org. NOTE: the Marist test reporting code is 2400.

Please send all your hard copy materials to Marist College, Graduate & Adult Enrollment (see address at the bottom of this page). The Office of Graduate & Adult Enrollment will notify you when your file is complete.
16. Whom do I call if I have any questions?
    The Director of Graduate Admissions is available to assist you with any additional questions you may have. In addition, you may visit our website for specific course descriptions and other information. Call the Graduate Admissions Office at (845) 575-3800 or toll free 888-877-7900 to arrange a telephone or personal appointment.