Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a copy of the MPA Student Guide?

It is posted on our web page under the Studetn Guide Link and can be printed from there.

What do you mean by theory?

Research papers are to be guided by findings and recommendations of authors in the academic literature related to your research topic.  Such as those theories discussed in your coursework.  The research paper can be used to validate or refine existing theories or models.

See the section under Research Paper Helps called "Theoretical Framework".

Yes, this is your proposal for the research you wish to conduct.  This information allows the faculty advisor to assist you in designing and conducting high quality research.

See Sections 2 & 3 in the MPA Student Guide.

This is between you and your faculty advisor.

How many pages does my final paper have to have?
 

A rule of thumb is 15 pages per number of credit hours you are enrolled in for PSC 5950 - Research Problems.  Your paper may differ based on consultation with your faculty advisor.

To whom do I submit the final paper?
 

Your prospectus and your final research paper must be submitted to electronically to your Faculty Advisor. You may also wish to submit an electronic copy to Deborah Snider, in the MPA Office (dsnider@ou.edu). They will keep track of the papers and make sure you get credit for completing them.

How do I submit my papers?

We prefer the papers be submitted as an email attachment.

What are the deadlines?

See the MPA Student Guide for the various deadlines.  The last day of classes on main campus are considered the last day of the semester.  All incomplete "I" make-ups must be completed by then.  This date can be found on the OU web page: http://www.ou.edu/admissions/home/academic_calendar.html.

An "Incomplete" because permanent one year from the end of the semester in which you originally enrolled.  (i.e.  You enroll in PSC 5950 in the summer 2009 semester.  At the end of the summer 2010 semester, the Incomplete is now permanent if the grade is not changed to a Satisfactory - indicating the final Research Paper has been approved.)

If you don't finish the research paper the semester you enroll in it, do you have to re-enroll the next semester?

No, you have one year to complete your PSC 5950.

If you used this enrollment to satisfy being enrolled the semester you take your comprehensive exam and do not pass the exam, you will then have to be enrolled in something else the semester you retake your exam.  You will still have one year to complete the research paper.

If you do not complete your research paper in the one year, you will have to re-enroll in it and pay for it again.

How many hours to I have to be enrolled in if I receive a tuition waiver from the University?

You must be a full time student.  You must be enrolled in nine hours in the fall and summer and six hours in the summer.

Please contact Deborah Snider (dsnider@ou.edu) if you have questions or need additional assistance with enrollments.