Academic Policies
The USC Catalogue is the official document governing degree requirements and academic policies. The Catalogue that governs each student's program is the Catalogue that was in affect during the year in which the student was officially admitted to USC and to the degree program. (Since many Washington DPA students enrolled in courses prior to their formal admission, the Catalogue that applies to their academic program may not be the one that was in affect when they first started taking classes.)
Students who take the required coursework to receive the MPA may have two different Catalogues governing their program of study — one that was in affect when they were admitted or re–admitted to the DPA and one that was in affect when they declared the MPA. Official academic policies can be found in the USC Catalogue. Information on SPPD's doctoral program can be found on the Doctoral Degrees page in the SPPD section of the USC Catalogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be sure what USC has on record for me?
What is the time limit for completion of the DPA degree?
What do I do if I'm up against the time limit?
How many sections of PUAD 794 do I need to take?
What do I do if I can't register in a given semester?
Is it possible for me to receive the MPA?
How can I be sure what USC has on record for me?
USC allows students the opportunity to view their own records through the Online Academic Student Information System (OASIS). OASIS can also be accessed directly from the USC Home Page. OASIS provides the following information:
To access OASIS you will need to know your USC ID number and your pin number. Your USC ID number is generally your social security number and your pin number is your numerical birth date. For example, if your birth date is February 5, 1965, your pin number is 020565. Be sure to check your USC records on OASIS and report any discrepancies via e-mail.
What is the time limit for completion of the DPA degree?
The time limit for completing the doctoral degree is eight years. An academic department may grant an extension of up to one year at a time for a maximum of two additional years.
What do I do if I'm up against the time limit?
You will need to complete a School of Policy, Planning, and Development petition requesting an extension of time. Include with this petition your timeline plan, that is signed off by your chair with a statement of support, indicating when you expect to complete the degree and what steps you intend to follow to ensure the dissertation will be completed within the agreed upon timeframe.
How many sections of Doctoral Dissertation (PUAD 794) do I need to take?
You need to enroll in Doctoral Dissertation (PUAD 794) (beginning with 794a, then 794b, 794c, 794d and 794z) once you complete all of your coursework and pass your comprehensive and qualifying exams. You need to enroll in the 794 Dissertation Seminar until you complete your dissertation. It is expected that students will enroll in at least two semesters of PUAD 794. Once you have completed PUAD 794d, you should enroll in PUAD 794z for the remaining semesters. (Note: 794z's will not give unit credit towards degree unit requirement.)
What do I do if I can't register in a given semester?
You will need to request a formal leave of absence with USC. To do so, complete the School of Policy, Planning, and Development petition and indicate why you will not be able to enroll. A leave of absence will need to be requested by the end of the third week of class of the fall or spring semester. If you find you need to take a leave of absence for the Fall 2004 semester, your request will need to be received before September 10, 2004.
Failure to file a leave of absence on time will require that you submit paperwork for readmission. Along with your request, you will need to file a detailed plan for the completion of your program. The readmission decision is not automatic. The recommendation of your dissertation supervisor should be sought before the Dean makes a decision on the readmission.
Is it possible for me to receive the MPA?
If you have passed the qualifying exam and have successfully completed the requisite courses, you may be eligible to receive the MPA. To receive the MPA, you will need to file a graduation application. Direct all questions regarding the MPA to Ms. Cynthia Clayton via e-mail or (213) 740-0525.
