Public Administration Student Resources
Master of Public Administration Handbook
The Department of Public Administration seeks to improve public governance; prepare talented leaders in public, nonprofit, and private sector organizations; and improve the understanding and practice of administration and government through high-quality graduate education and scholarly research.
To that end, this document provides students with guidelines for pursuing the MPA degree, MPA program requirements, and information on the Practicum, exit exam, and financial assistance. It also highlights student awards, student advising, and other student resources.
Conference Travel Support Form
The department offers a limited number of travel awards to Public Administration students to attend widely-recognized academic conferences to present research. Students who have a paper or other research presentation accepted for a conference can apply for the PA Conference Travel Support Award. Each student can receive a maximum of $500 per academic year to cover conference and travel-related costs, such as registration fee, airfare, lodging, and food.
The student receiving the travel support must:
- complete conference registration and present a research proposal to department faculty prior to the conference
- submit all receipts and documents within 30 days of the conference conclusion in order to be reimbursed
- schedule airfare reservations with the department through the LSU-approved travel agency, Christopherson Business Travel
Students are also encouraged to apply for conference-sponsored financial aid such as a registration fee waiver or discount, scholarships, fellowships, and travel stipends. LSU also provides travel awards to qualified graduate students: Graduate Student Association Travel Award.
To apply for support from the department, Public Administration students must submit 1) a formal letter or email of proposal acceptance from conference organizers, 2) a completed PA Conference Travel Support Form, and 3) an attachment of the breakdown of requested costs to pa@lsu.edu for consideration.
Download the Conference Travel Support Form
Elective Approval for Non-PADM Courses
All students are required to take nine credits of electives in the MPA program. While PADM electives are offered, they are not required. Depending on the student’s career and educational goals, they can take their required elective credits in other departments.
Elective courses must be at least a 4000-level course, taught by a member of the graduate faculty, and approved by the PA department as complementary to the student’s MPA degree.
For non-PADM courses to count for required elective credits, students can request course approval by submitting this completed form to pa@lsu.edu.
Elective Approval for Non-PADM Courses Form
PADM 7852 - Practicum
Students will link coursework to real world experience through a practicum along with required enrollment in PADM 7852- Practicum. If you are currently working in the public sector, you'll complete the practicum coursework using your current job. Pre-service students will acquire and complete an internship.
To register for this course, students must submit the completed Practicum form, a letter from their employer or internship offer letter, and a position description, including description of duties, to pa@lsu.edu.
PADM 7800 - Independent Study Form
Students may enroll in PADM 7800 Independent Study with approval from the department. They must meet and discuss their research proposal for this course with their intended faculty advisor. Taking on PADM 7800 students is at the discretion of the faculty member, although students who have had preliminary discussions with their intended faculty advisor may submit a completed form to pa@lsu.edu .
Students looking to enroll in PADM 7800 must have an approved research project and at least 15 credit hours of graduate work. The Public Administration department will only approve a maximum of three credit hours per semester for PADM 7800 credit.
Download the PADM 7800 - Independent Study Form