MPA Curriculum
Class Scheduling
SPPD's schedule of classes accommodates full-time students and working professionals. Students may enroll in MPA classes at the University Park Campus in Los Angeles and at the USC State Capital Center. Classes in Los Angeles are scheduled in both weekly and intensive semester formats, whereas USC State Capital Center classes are generally scheduled on the intensive semester format only.
Weekly Format Classes
Weekly format classes are typically scheduled in the afternoons and evenings, and meet once each week. The regular time for afternoon classes is 2:00-5:20 p.m.; for evening classes, 6:00-9:20 p.m. Occasionally, graduate classes are scheduled 8:00-11:30 a.m.
Intensive Semester Format
The intensive semester involves a different approach to both class scheduling and to the learning process. This format is divided into three distinct parts:
- an initial increment of approximately five weeks of directed, preparatory reading and concept development
- two separate sessions of eight full days of class, generally scheduled around two weekends (usually Thursday through Sunday), four to six weeks apart; or another similar configuration equivalent to the total number of hours required for the course based on the unit value
- an application period involving the preparation of a project or paper in which the student applies class learning to work-related or other field situation