FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is the Executive Master Program for?
The typical Executive Master Program degree candidate is a public policy or public-sector management professional with at least five years of professional experience after completion of an undergraduate degree. Degree candidates come from federal and state agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. Program candidates will have shown an expressed and demonstrated commitment to public sector management and policy-related service.

What degree will I graduate with if I pursue the Executive Master Program?
Successful degree candidates will graduate with a Master of Public Management degree from the University of Maryland School of Public Policy.

When and Where are classes held?
Classes are conducted at the Council for Excellence in Government, located at 1301 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C., twice a week from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

How long will it take me to complete the Program?
The Executive Master Program requires completion of 10 prescribed courses, 30-academic credits and can be completed in under two years. The Program is considered a part-time program, with classes offered in the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. An instensive course will be provided in the January terms, two courses in each of the Spring and Fall semesters, and one course in the Summer terms. If you follow the prescribed curriculum, completing all courses with your cohort, you will begin the program in January and complete the degree by the summer of the following year.

Why is the Program offered on a cohort basis?
One of the benefits of the Executive Master of Public Management Program is the opportunity to learn from the varied and rich experiences of your colleagues, established leaders in public sector management and policy analysis. A cohort-driven program allows for greater discussion during class sessions and opportunities to build a strong network of academic and professional contacts.

If I miss a semester, will I be able to re-join my cohort for the remainder of the Prgram? Can I take classes with another cohort.
Yes. It will be possible for you to miss a semester and still re-join your cohort to complete the remainder of the Program. To make-up the classes you will have missed, you can, upon the approval of the Program Director, either choose to make up the needed class/classes on the College Park campus or join another cohort to complete the Program on-sequence.

What types of enrichment activities will be available to me?
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Executive Master of Public Management Program is participation in the enrichment activities sponsored by the University of Maryland and the Council for Excellence in Government. Organized brown-bag lunches, speaker forums, conferences, and symposia at Council facilities, in and around Washington, D.C., and on the College Park campus will provide you with a well-rounded approach and perspective necessary for successfully operating within today's interrelated policy and management environments.

Is participation in enrichment activities required for graduation?
No, participation in enrichment activities is not required for graduation, but your involvement in such activities is greatly encouraged. Enrichment activities are an excellent opportunity to supplement your academic coursework with seminars, roundtable discussions, etc. intended to provide a closer look at the most current issues facing public management leaders today. Such activities are also an excellent opportunity to establish, develop, and maintain professional contacts.

What type of guidance/support will I have throughout the Program?
You will benefit from the guidance of an academic program director, an established member of the School's faculty that will coordinate enrichment activities and provide academic counsel as you move throughout the degree Program.

In addition, you will have the support of a dedicated staff that will help you to manage the admissions process and, once enrolled, will continue to support you by coordinating your registration, course materials, and all other logistical matters throughtout the course of the Program.

Must I complete all ten prescribed courses or can I pursue other MSPP courses on the College Park campus?
Upon the approval of the Program Director, it may be possible for you to vary the prescribed schedule and take classes on the College Park campus. While this is not encouraged, the School does make allowances, in some instances, for students who, for example, might have to complete the degree program earlier due to professional commitments, etc. Please contact us for further information.

Do I have access to activities and facilities on the University of Maryland, College Park campus? (i.e. computer labs/library/career services)?
As an Executive Master Program degree candidate you will have access to University system library resources and computer facilities. In addition, you will have access to all academic activities on the College Park campus, including lecture series, seminars, symposia and forums.

Can I apply for Federal Student Financial Aid?
Degree seeking candidates, earning 6 credits or 24 Graduate Units, have the opportunity to apply for federally sponsored student loans. As a part-time student enrolled in the Executive Master Program you will be eligible to apply for federal student financial aid. Please visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ for additional information and to download the free application for student aid (FAFSA). In addition, please visit the University's Office of Financial Aid for further requirements.

Are there opportunities for fellowships/graduate assistantships?
Opportunities for fellowship and/or graduate assistantships are available for Executive Master Program degree candidates. Please contact us for additional information on these opportunities. To be considered, please submit a short statement with your application stating the reasons why you are seeking fellowship/graduate assistantship.

Does the Maryland School of Public Policy accept transfer credit?
The Maryland School of Public Policy will consider the transfer of credits (up to a maximum of 6 credits) based on the following conditions: (a) The course work must be no more than seven years old at the time of graduation; (b) the graduate director and the advisor must indicate to the Dean of the Graduate School that the course work taken has been revalidated by the students demonstration that the knowledge contained in the course(s) remains current. Each course for which revalidation is requested must be justified separately. Under no circumstances will any transfer credits be accepted that are more than seven years old at the time of graduation.

Can I take a course in the Executive Master Program without being enrolled in the Program?
Yes, you can participate in a course, space permitting, offered through the Executive Master Program at the Council's facility in downtown Washington, D.C. Students who wish to take individual courses through the Maryland School of Public Policy may do so by applying for Advanced Special Student status. This is a non-degree seeking status for students who meet the University's admissions criteria. To apply as an Advanced Special Student, simply apply on-line at: http://www.vprgs.umd.edu/gems/admissions.htm.

Students who are already degree-seeking candidates at the School, but that are not enrolled in the Executive Master Program, may, upon the approval of the Program Director, take a maximum of two courses in this Program.