2000 Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

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Graduate programs in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies are described in detail in this chapter.

See subsections for specific program information as well as policies and procedures.

2010 General Information

The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies strengthens communities across the globe through policy research, scholarships, public engagement, and the development of leaders. Degree programs in criminal justice and criminology, economics, public policy, public administration, social work, and urban studies prepare students for careers in public services.

The school is committed to quality education, offering a variety of academic undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as nondegree training programs. It engages in basic and applied research and outreach addressed to the ongoing management of policies and programs, as well as effective delivery of human welfare services. The school houses prestigious research centers focusing on the practical needs of governmental, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations in Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and the broader national and global communities.

2010.10 Office of the Dean

2010.20 Accreditation

The Master of Public Administration degree is accredited by The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. The School of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

2010.40 Academic Resources and Services

Academic Advisement

Office of Academic Assistance
55 Park Place N.E., 2nd Floor
404-413-0021
aysps.gsu.edu/oaa/

The Office of Academic Advisement (OAA) supports the school’s commitment to quality education in the field of policy studies by advising seniors and coordinating the recruitment, admission and advising of graduate students. The OAA also serves as the administrative and regulatory office for student programs within the Dean’s Office in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.

Academic advisement is required of all students in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. The school has developed a system of advisement that integrates the Office of Academic Assistance and faculty advisors within the school. Through the advisement process, students learn to identify and use university resources effectively to: satisfy degree requirements; plan programs of study; and, discover how interests, skills and goals connect to fields of study and careers. In person and virtual advisement appointment dates and times can be found at the AYS OAA site aysps.gsu.edu/oaa/.

AYSPS Career Services & Alumni Relations

55 Park Place N.E., 2nd Floor
404-413-0069
career.aysps.gsu.edu

The Andrew Young School provides career support and leadership development services to all AYSPS current students and alumni. Students are invited to attend career events and workshops as well as meet one-on-one with a career coach to discuss individual career questions. Career Services can help with the career exploration and search process, resume writing, interviewing skills, developing a LinkedIn profile, navigating the job or internship search process, and networking. To see a listing of current career events, please visit: career.aysps.gsu.edu/calendar. 

Make the most of your education by utilizing these great resources!

2010.60 Student Organizations

Student organizations within the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies and GSU can be found at: https://aysps.gsu.edu/organizations/ as well as: https://engagement.gsu.edu/get-involved/student-organizations/.

2020 Graduate Admissions

All documents and other materials submitted by or for persons in connection with their interest in consideration for admission to a program become the property of this institution and cannot be returned at any time. It is the responsibility of each applicant to follow the application procedures completely and correctly and to be certain that all required materials have been submitted to the Office of Academic Assistance by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

No guarantee regarding admission can be made before an applicant’s file is complete and has been reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee. Applicants must assume responsibility for all costs related to applying for admission regardless of the admission decision.

Admission is for entry in a specific program or status and for a specific semester. The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies does not offer deferment of enrollment.

2020.10 Graduate Admissions Committee

The Graduate Admissions Committee for each degree program is composed of faculty members from the relevant department. Membership on the committees varies, depending on the academic program. The charge of each admissions committee is to review and make admissions decisions on the completed applicant files for a particular graduate program. Hereafter, all references to the “Graduate Admissions Committee” refer to one of these admissions decision-making bodies.

2020.20 Retention of Records

If an applicant does not complete enrollment for the semester in which admission is sought, the applicant must reapply. Additional credentials and information may be required. Incomplete application files are retained for a maximum of one year.

A student who earns credit in a master’s-level program and later becomes inactive may be required to reestablish his or her file. The Office of the Registrar will maintain a transcript of graduate credit earned at  Georgia State University indefinitely.

2020.30 Application Deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline to allow time for processing and ensure applicant files are complete.

If an application deadline falls on a weekend or university holiday, online applications and all supporting documents must be submitted online by the deadline.

Note: No applications, except transient and nondegree, will be accepted for summer semester.

Admission into the Master of Social Work program will occur twice each year. For both the two-year, full-time program and the part-time programs, students will be admitted only for fall semester. Please see the School website aysps.gsu.edu/social-work/ for current information about admission years.

For the Advanced Standing Program (B.S.W from an accredited program required for application), students will be admitted during the summer session. 

2020.40 Application Procedures

The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies uses self-managed applications to its graduate programs. The application process begins with the completion of the online application: gradapply.gsu.edu/apply/. It is the applicant’s responsibility to collect all required materials other than test scores and submit them online within the application.

Self-Managed Applications

This procedure eliminates any question about whether the applicant’s transcripts or other documents have been received. It also requires careful planning by the applicant well in advance of the desired semester of entry. There is no provision for temporary or trial admission pending completion of the application procedures. The closing dates for receipt of all application materials for each of the academic terms are listed under the “Application Deadlines” heading above.

All inquiries should be made to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Georgia State University
Phone: 404-413-2444
Email: Gradapply@gsu.edu

To apply online, visit our website gradapply.gsu.edu/apply/. The following supplemental materials are required. (Refer to the degree-specific application checklists at the end of this section for a summary of requirements for each degree program.)

Committees may occasionally request additional materials for the purpose of clarification and credential review. You will be notified if additional materials are necessary to complete a thorough review of your application.

Transcripts

The Andrew Young School of Policy studies uses a completely online application process.

All applicants must upload copies of transcripts online and directly into their application from each postsecondary college/university attended by the application deadline. Transcripts uploaded should meet the requirements stated below. Failure in following these requirements will delay or void your application from being reviewed for admission.

1. Upload transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended directly into your application.​
   • This includes transcripts from community colleges and study abroad programs.
   • If you received college level credit, a transcript should be submitted for review, regardless of length of time you attended, whether grades are listed, or where your final degree(s) were received.
2. Instructions for uploading transcripts:
   • If you do not have a current copy of your transcript, request an official transcript from each institution to be sent to yourself.​
     • Paper transcripts: scan transcript and upload to your application.
     • Electronic transcripts: save to your desktop and upload to your application.
   • If adding transcripts before you submit your application: upload directly to your application in the Academic History section.
   • If adding transcripts after you submit your application: transcripts must be uploaded in the Upload Materials section of your application status page.
3. Transcripts must include:
   • Your name and the institution’s name.
   • One or more of the following features: Registrar’s seal, Registrar’s signature, or watermark of the institution.
   • Degree and data conferred if from institution(s) granting a degree.
   • Separate diploma or degree certificate page if degree conferral is not listed on the transcript.
   • Current term of study if you are currently enrolled in a degree program.
   • All pages must be complete, legible, and grades clearly listed.
   • International Credentials:
     • International transcripts must be in English and include mark sheets and course listing with grades, degree certification, and the signature of the Registrar.
     • If the institution does not provide an English translation, a copy of a certified English translation must be attached at the end of the scanned copy of the original transcript.

The following documents are not accepted:

Do not upload the following documents.

• Self-printed academic histories
• Web-based academic evaluations
• Anything hand-written
• Documents that are password-protected or contain macros
• Unclear, illegible copies

Requirements for submitting official transcripts for full admission:

Official (hardcopy or electronic) transcripts of all previous college work from each institution previously attended are required if an applicant is admitted into the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University. Admission is contingent upon submitting official transcripts from every postsecondary institution attended. Each set of transcripts must be in an envelope from the institution, closed with the institution’s official seal, and must be submitted unopened to the address listed below.

An applicant who may have been granted admission pending completion of the undergraduate degree must file an official copy of a supplementary transcript showing the awarding of the degree as soon as it is available but at the latest by the first day of classes for the term admitted. International students must submit proof of degree earned if not clearly listed on transcript.

If official transcripts have not been received by the first day of classes, a registration hold will be placed on students’ account. This hold will prevent students from progressing beyond the first semester until all official transcripts have been received by the Graduate School for Georgia State University.

Official electronic transcripts are electronically delivered official transcripts sent securely from the issuing academic institution by email or through the use of a transcript ordering site to the Graduate School:

• Email: gradapplytranscripts@gsu.edu
• Order Site Institution Name: Georgia State University - Graduate Programs

Official hardcopy transcripts should be sent to the address below:

Regular Address:
Office of Admissions - Graduate Programs
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 4018
Atlanta, GA 30302
USA

In-Person Address:
Office of Admissions - Graduate Programs
Georgia State University - Sparks Hall 200
33 Gilmer Street, SE
Atlanta, GA 30302

Express/Overnight Delivery:
Office of Admissions - Graduate Programs
Georgia State University - Sparks Hall 200
33 Gilmer Street SE
Atlanta, GA 30303

Test Requirements

All applicants to the graduate programs must submit official scores on the entrance test required for the program they are requesting. Submit scores as early as possible so that scores are received by the University before the application deadline for the desired semester of enrollment. (Refer to the sections below for test-specific requirements.)

Test scores must be reported directly from the Educational Testing Service to our institution code of 5251; candidate’s copies will not be used. When taking these tests, applicants must indicate on the test application that their scores should be reported to Georgia State University - institution code 5251. GRE scores may not be more than five years old at the desired semester of entry; TOEFL or IELTS scores may not be more than two years old at the desired semester of entry. To arrange to take a test or to have scores reported from a previous administration, contact the appropriate testing service.

Graduate Record Examination

GRE/ETS www.gre.org (have scores reported to code 5251)

Applicants for the following graduate and certificate programs must submit official scores of the aptitude section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) of the Educational Testing Service:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy

English Proficiency Requirement

TOEFL/ETS www.toefl.org (have scores reported to code 5251)

IELTS www.ielts.org (have scores reported to E-Delivery Account Name, Georgia State University Graduate Admissions)

International applicants who are non-native speakers of English must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. Proof of English proficiency can be demonstrated through one of the following:

• Proof of baccalaureate or graduate degree completion inside (from an accredited institution) or outside the U.S. where English is the official language of academic instruction - see list of countries below
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (paper or Internet based) submitted to institution code 5251
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores submitted to E-Delivery Account Name, Georgia State University Graduate Admissions
• Completion of a University System of Georgia approved ESL program

Any applicant whose country of birth is an English-speaking country identified on the list below is not subject to the English Proficiency requirement.

*For the most up to date list please visit the international applicants page at graduate.gsu.edu/how-to-apply/#international.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are required of applicants to all (M.A., M.I.S., M.P.A., M.P.A./J.D., M.S., M.P.P., M.S.W., and Ph.D.) programs with the exception of the graduate certificate programs. All letters should be processed and submitted through the online graduate application.

Professional Goals Statement (Master’s Applicants) or Biographical/Statement of Interest (Doctoral Applicants)

Applicants to the master’s degree programs of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies must submit a statement of personal and professional goals as they relate to the degree program sought. Most applicants write the equivalent of approximately one to two typed pages, summarizing their work experience, the reason they have chosen the degree program, why they want to attend Georgia State University and how the degree fits their career goals. Applicants to the Ph.D. programs statement of professional and academic goals should contain fields of interest and how the program will contribute to those goals.

Academic Writing Sample for Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and Criminology

This can be a chapter from a thesis, an honor’s paper, a sole authored published paper or a term/research paper limited to 35 pages. Academic writing samples are not required for application to any other graduate program in the Andrew Young School.

Interviews

Interviews are usually not part of the admissions process for the master’s degree programs. Prior to final decisions for admission to the doctoral programs, selected applicants may be interviewed either in person or by telephone. If an interview is needed after the Graduate Admissions Committee has reviewed the applicant’s file, the applicant will be contacted to arrange an appointment for this purpose. Applicants are therefore encouraged to provide complete answers to all questions asked on the applications.

Applicants who have questions about the information in this catalog concerning admissions, the programs, application instructions, or related matters, are encouraged to contact the Office of Academic Assistance at any time during the application process.

Immunization Certification

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia requires that accepted applicants who have never attended Georgia State University submit proof of immunization before being allowed to register for classes. If this requirement remains unfulfilled by the first day of classes during the semester of admission, a hold will be placed on the student’s account. A form for providing this certification to the Georgia State University Department of Health Services may be obtained online at health.gsu.edu/general-information/103-2/. Forms may also be submitted online via the Patient Portal.

International Applicant Immigration Form (International Applicants Only)

International applicants who are admitted to Georgia State University must also provide federally required financial documentation showing they have enough funding to attend the University. Only after the financial information is approved will an I-20 document be issued. Forms are provided online through the iStart portal. More information is located at isss.gsu.edu/incoming-students/step-1-admissions/learn-about-istart/. Questions about the requirement may be directed to International Student and Scholar Services (252 Sparks Hall, 404-413-2070), Email: isss@gsu.edu.

Lawful Presence Requirement

Please see the sections 1100 Graduate Admissions  and 1120 Lawful Presence for In-State Tuition  of the Graduate Catalog.

Program-Specific Application Checklists

Graduate Certificate Programs

1. Online application.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
5. Goal statement.

Master of Interdisciplinary Studies - Criminal Justice Administration

1. Online application.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
5. Goal Statement.
6. Two letters of recommendation.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

1. Online application.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
5. Three letters of recommendation.
6. Goal statement.

Master of Arts in Economics

1. Online application.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
5. Three letters of recommendation.
6. Goal statement.

Master of Public Administration

1. Online application.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
5. Three letters of recommendation.
6. Goal statement.

Master of Public Administration/Juris Doctorate

Applicants to the joint Master of Public Administration/Juris Doctor degree program must be separately admitted to both the J.D. and M.P.A. programs and must request admission to the joint program. The Andrew Young School will permit a law student to begin the joint degree program only if he or she has completed 40 or fewer hours of coursework. The College of Law will allow M.P.A. students to begin the joint program only if they have completed 20 or fewer hours of coursework.

1. Online application.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
5. Three letters of recommendation.
6. Goal statement.

Some required materials, including transcripts and test scores, may be obtained from the applicant’s College of Law application file. The applicant is responsible for requesting materials be sent to the Office of Academic Assistance from the College of Law. Applicants who have not completed their application to the College of Law at the time they apply to the M.P.A. program must submit all required materials directly to the Andrew Young School. To apply to the Georgia State University College of Law, go to law.gsu.edu/admissions/.

Master of Public Policy

1. Online application.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
5. Three letters of recommendation.
6. Goal statement.

Master of Social Work

1. Online Application.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
5. Statement of Purpose.
6. Three letters of recommendation.

Master of Interdisciplinary Studies - Urban Studies

1. Online Application.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
5. Goal statement.
6. Two letters of recommendation.

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice and Criminology

1. Online application.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
5. Academic paper/writing sample submitted online.
6. Three letters of recommendation.
7. Statement of professional and academic goals.

Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

1. Online application form.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. Official GRE scores.
5. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
6. Three letters of recommendation.
7. Personal/goal statement.
8. Resume/Curriculum Vitae.

Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy

1. Online application form.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. Official GRE scores.
5. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
6. Three letters of recommendation.
7. Biographical Statement.
8. Personal/goal statement.

Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy (Joint GSU/GA Tech)

1. Two online application forms (apply to GSU and apply to GA Tech).
2. Georgia Tech online application fee.*
3. Copy of transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. Official GRE scores.
5. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only).
6. Three letters of recommendation.
7. Biographical statement.
8. Statement on interest.

*After GA Tech application is submitted and application fee is paid, submit the GSU joint Ph.D. Public Policy application and complete this online form to process your application fee waiver for the GSU application.

Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Studies

1. Online application form.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
5. Two letters of recommendation.
6. Personal/goal statement (1-2 pages).
7. Biographical statement (2-3 pages).
8. Resume or CV.
9. Potential interview.

Non-degree Status

1. Online application.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Copy of transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
4. Official GRE scores.
5. TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only)
6. Goal statement with list of courses applicant wishes to take in the Andrew Young School.

Transient Status

Refer to the “Transient Student” heading below for detailed information on this status.

1. Online application.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. Letter/Certification of Good Standing from the applicant’s home institution.
4. List of courses applicant wishes to take in the Andrew Young School.

2020.50 General Admissions Criteria

The Graduate Admissions Committee determines the eligibility of each person who applies for graduate-level admission. Admission decisions are competitive. Each applicant is evaluated individually and among the current group of candidates. In this evaluation, consideration is given to the applicant’s academic record, scores on the entrance test(s), educational background, educational objectives, narrative information, work experience, professional activities, and character. These elements together must indicate a favorable prospect of success in graduate study for an offer of admission to be made. In making the decision, the committee must consider at all times the optimum number of students in the program. This could result in the denial or deferral of otherwise qualified applicants. Please see the Georgia State General Admissions statement in section 1100 Graduate Admissions  of the Graduate Catalog.

A bachelor’s degree in any field of study from a regionally accredited college or university is required for admission to all of the degree programs. Only coursework from institutions with accreditation equivalent to that granted by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is considered in evaluating an applicant for admission.

In reviewing the past academic work of applicants, the Graduate Admissions Committee evaluates both the overall undergraduate GPA and the junior/senior GPA, taking into consideration the institution(s) attended and program of study completed. In evaluating scores on the GRE, the committee looks for a balance between verbal, quantitative and analytical writing scores in addition to considering the total score, because all of the graduate programs require strong communication skills and quantitative ability.

In cases where the applicant has done additional accredited undergraduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree or has done accredited graduate work, a “most recent two-year GPA” will be calculated. This is defined as the most recent ninety quarter hours or sixty semester hours of coursework (to the nearest whole term). If this GPA shows more academic promise than the overall GPA, it will be given more weight in the admission consideration.

Applicants are not required to submit a general certification of their state of health but are required to submit proof of immunization in accordance with the immunization requirements at Georgia State University.

At the discretion of the Graduate Admissions Committee, some applicants may be required to complete undergraduate pre-requisite coursework. Relevant work experience, recommendation letters, and the applicant’s statement of professional objectives will weigh heavily in these admission decisions. A student who is required to complete pre-requisite coursework must earn on their first attempt a grade of “B+” or better in each of the courses specified by the Graduate Admissions Committee, and/or complete other requirements specified by the Graduate Admissions Committee. Students who are admitted with prerequisite requirements will receive an outline of these requirements as part of their admission decision letter. Students who do not fulfill their pre-requisite requirements will be permanently excluded from the program and will not be permitted to complete the degree.

Admission decisions are communicated in writing to applicants as soon as practical after all application materials have been received and evaluated. Admission decisions cannot be given by telephone, nor can they be given to any person other than the applicant without written release from the applicant to do so.

2020.55 Detailed Requirements for the School of Social Work

Requirements include the following:

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by a regional agency recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Education.
2. Have earned an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate course work attempted OR have earned a grade point average of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale for the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate course work.
3. Complete a liberal arts perspective which generally should include two courses in humanities, 12 semester hours in the social sciences, one course with human biology content, two courses in English composition, and college algebra or higher-level math. In addition, students must have one course in statistics and a second in research methods.

Advanced Standing Social Work Program

Admission to the Advanced Standing Program will be available to students who meet all of the above admission requirements and who also:

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The bachelor’s degree must have been earned within five years of the time applying to Georgia State University’s Master of Social Work program.
2. Have earned an overall grade point average of at least a 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, with no less than a grade of “B” in any graded field education course or at least the equivalent of “satisfactory’ in an ungraded field education course.
3. Have earned a grade of “C” or better in the following courses: Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Research Methods, Social Welfare Policy, and Social Work Practice.

Transfer Admission for the School of Social Work

Students who have successfully completed one full academic year of M.S.W. course work and at least 400 clock hours of field placement in a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education are eligible to apply to the Advanced Standing program. All other transfer requests can be made on a case-by-case basis, not to exceed 6.0 hours of approved transfer credit. Students wishing to transfer are advised to contact the Director of Student and Community Services.

2020.60 Master’s-Level Non-degree and Postgraduate Status Transient Students

The master’s-level non-degree and postgraduate classifications are provided by the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies in recognition of the fact that education is a lifelong process, and that people may wish to enroll in one or more graduate courses at various times for personal or professional reasons without completing an entire degree program.

Neither non-degree status nor postgraduate status in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies is provided for students who intend to qualify for any degree, certification, or other status in another college of Georgia State University. Students with this goal must, at the first opportunity, contact the appropriate graduate admissions office for procedures and criteria for establishing graduate status in that college.

Definition of Non-degree Status: Non-degree students are those who have followed the same admissions procedures and met the same admissions deadlines and criteria as applicants to the various master’s programs, but do not wish to pursue a graduate degree. These students are admitted to enroll in graduate courses of their choice in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. They may enroll for credit or for audit. International students will not be admitted in non-degree status.

Note: The School of Social Work does not accept graduate students in the non-degree category.

Definition of Postgraduate Status: Postgraduate students are those who have received a graduate degree from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies and wish to reenter to take additional graduate courses in this school, but do not wish to pursue another graduate degree. They may also enroll for credit or for audit. Students seeking postgraduate status must submit an application seeking non-degree status and submit all required materials for non-degree status.

Responsibilities/Continued Enrollment: Non-degree and postgraduate students are responsible for meeting all academic regulations of the school and the university, including the requirements for maintaining good academic standing. It is therefore important that those students be familiar with the provisions of the Graduate Catalog in effect at the time of their enrollment in either status. Students may continue to enroll in non-degree or postgraduate status for two consecutive semesters as long as at least a 3.00 GPA is maintained. No more than six hours of coursework taken in non-degree or postgraduate status, however, may be subsequently applied toward a graduate degree of this school.

Non-degree and postgraduate students must follow proper registration procedures each semester they wish to enroll; these classifications do not waive the responsibility to register correctly and on a timely basis. All prerequisites to any course taken must be met. These classifications are not intended as a means to circumvent proper course sequencing.

Changing from Non-degree or Postgraduate Status to Degree Status: Students who wish to change to degree seeking status must file an application for the program desired and all supporting documents by the appropriate deadline for the semester for which admission is sought. Further information on application procedures for admission to degree programs in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies may be obtained from the Office of Academic Assistance: aysps.gsu.edu/admissions/.

Grades from all attempts at all courses that are taken at the graduate level will become part of the student’s GPA. This means that the non-degree and postgraduate status are not intended as a means to make attempts at courses that are anticipated to be difficult with the intention of having only the final attempt count in the GPA for the degree program.

2020.70 Transient Students

Students enrolled in a graduate degree program at another accredited institution may take graduate courses in the school. A maximum of nine semester hours may be taken as a transient student unless approval for additional hours is requested from the student’s home institution. Transients who later enroll in an Andrew Young School of Policy Studies master’s level program may apply a maximum of six appropriate graduate credit hours earned in transient status toward the requirements for the AYSPS program.

To be admitted to transient status, applicants must complete:

1. Online application.
2. Application fee of $50.
3. A Letter/Certification of Good Standing completed by the home institution. After an appropriate official at the home institution has completed this form, it should be placed in an envelope, sealed with the official’s signature across the sealed portion of the envelope and returned to the applicant for mailing.
4. A list of courses applicant wishes to take in the Andrew Young School.

A transient student should come prepared with alternative courses approved by the home institution. Georgia State University does not guarantee that a transient student will be able to secure the courses desired. If, for example, courses are full when a transient student becomes eligible for registration, the student will not be allowed to register in these classes. A transient student must meet all the prerequisites for Georgia State courses as defined by Georgia State University.

If a transcript is needed by the home institution, the student must order a transcript via the university website. The university does not automatically forward transcripts to the home institution.

A student who attends Georgia State University as a transient student normally will only be allowed to attend the semester in which acceptance was granted. A transient student who wishes to enroll for a subsequent semester must submit a new application.

The school reserves the right to request a new Certification of Good Standing before the expiration date and/or a transcript from the home institution. If this information is deemed necessary, the transient student will be notified.

Transient students who apply are cautioned that approval may not be granted by the OAA if the grade-point-average in the course(s) taken at Georgia State University is lower than 3.00, which is the minimum required to maintain good standing at the graduate level.

Deadlines for receipt of all materials required for admission as a transient student in each term are shown below:

2020.80 International Students

It is the policy of Georgia State University to encourage the enrollment of students from other countries. The institution subscribes to the principles of international education and to the basic concept that only through education and understanding can mutual respect, appreciation, and tolerance of others be accomplished. The recognition of the values of cultural exchange is inherent in our philosophy of education and is predicated on an awareness of the need to foster better cooperation, friendship, and understanding among the peoples of the world. In this regard, we welcome international students to our campus, because we believe in a cultural exchange program that will be beneficial to our own student body, to the international students involved, and to metropolitan Atlanta.

English Proficiency:

International applicants who are non-native speakers of English must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. Proof of English proficiency can be demonstrated through one of the following:

• Proof of baccalaureate or graduate degree completion inside (from an accredited institution) or outside the U.S. where English is the official language of academic instruction - see list of countries below
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (paper or Internet based) submitted to institution code 5251
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores
• Completion of a University System of Georgia approved ESL program

Any applicant whose country of birth is an English-speaking country identified on the list below is not subject to the English Proficiency requirement.

*For the most up to date list please visit the international applicants page at graduate.gsu.edu/how-to-apply/#international.

Georgia State University also requires that all accepted international applicants who do not meet the exceptions listed above demonstrate proficiency in English when they arrive on campus. This testing will be conducted during the international student orientation program that is held each semester before classes begin. Orientation is mandatory. Details can be found at isss.gsu.edu.

An accepted international applicant whose test results indicate a lack of proficiency in English will be required to enroll in and satisfactorily complete English courses deemed appropriate as a result of evaluation by the Office of Applied Linguistics and English as a Second Language (ESL). Any English courses needed as a result of this evaluation become a formal part of the international student’s degree requirements and must be given first priority in registering for courses. Detailed information on the English proficiency requirements for graduate students in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies is available from the Office of Academic Assistance.

Academic Credentials: Each applicant must present copies of “official” credentials attesting to academic achievement as to level and performance. “Official” documents will vary from country to country, but should be copies of original documents with authoritative signatures, seals, stamps, or other verifications.

When the documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by translations. These translations must be the original form and contain acceptable notarization as described above for a copy of the original documents. Translations should be made by the American Embassy, the home country Embassy, or an appropriate government official. As a general rule, documents translated by the Office of the American Friends of the Middle East (AFME) and the Institute of International Education (IIE) will be acceptable.

In some cases, the Graduate Admissions Office at Georgia State University may require that the applicant have his or her international educational credentials evaluated by an evaluation service.

Course descriptions (syllabi) and any other information submitted in an attempt to qualify for exemption from course requirements must meet the same criteria for “official” documents as described above.

Financial Resources: Georgia State encourages the enrollment of students from other countries. International applicants who are admitted to Georgia State University must provide federally required financial documentation showing they have enough funding to attend the University. Only after the financial information is approved will an I-20 document be issued. Forms are provided online through the iStart portal. More information is located at isss.gsu.edu/incoming-students/step-1-admissions/learn-about-istart/. Questions about the requirement may be directed to International Student and Scholar Services (252 Sparks Hall, 404-413-2070), Email: isss@gsu.edu.

Full-time Course Load: The international student with a student visa is required to carry a full course of study for fall and spring terms; summer is an optional vacation semester. Students who choose to enroll during the summer semester must meet the minimum course load required for an assistantship or a nonresident fee waiver if either is received during that semester.

A full course of study at Georgia State is nine semester hours for graduate students.

2020.90 Waivers of Nonresident Tuition

The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies has a limited number of out-of-state tuition waivers available for accepted applicants and students in the college. Most of these waivers are awarded at the time the applicant is accepted to the graduate program. These waivers are provided by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and are limited to full-time students. Awarding of waivers is competitive and based on academic merit.

Because these waivers are not guaranteed, international applicants cannot exclude nonresident tuition from the financial resources they are required to document as part of the admissions process. Current students in the college who did not receive a waiver as part of the admissions process may complete an online application: aysps.wufoo.com/forms/graduate-outofstate-tuition-waiver-request/. New applications are required each semester unless otherwise specified.

2020.95 Graduate Research and Teaching Assistantships

Graduate students in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies are eligible for a variety of Graduate Assistantships (GRAs). Doctoral students in the school may also be eligible for Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs).

Master’s Students

Students interested in graduate assistantships in the Andrew Young school may apply for funding consideration. Applicants should answer “yes” to the graduate assistantship question on the online application to be considered. Assistantships are decided by the academic department. Notification of an award may be included in the letter of admission or will be sent directly from the department or unit awarding the assistantship.

Doctoral Students

Doctoral students in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies are automatically eligible for Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) and Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) and are automatically considered during the admissions process. All students who receive an assistantship stipend also receive a tuition waiver. For first-year students, the average stipend award for the past two years has been approximately $18,000 a year plus a tuition waiver.

Almost all doctoral students requesting it receive some type of financial assistance. After admission to the doctoral programs, students who are seeking a GRA or GTA will be informed in writing of the type and number of appointments, if any, which they have been awarded.

Second-year students and beyond are also eligible for research and teaching assistantships, and the program has a history of continuing to fund students who are demonstrating progress in the program at a level of support equal to or greater than what they received during the first year.

Students hired as graduate research assistants work with faculty members in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies on research projects in their area of interest. (Students in the joint Ph.D. in Public Policy may also work with faculty in the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech.) The partnerships between the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, its research centers and a number of nonpartisan, nonprofit research organizations give students working as GRAs the opportunity to perform research which can have immediate application to problems of city, county, state, and federal policy-makers. Additionally, a number of GRAs have been involved in international policy projects.

2030 Graduate Enrollment

2030.10 Students’ Responsibility

Graduate students must assume full responsibility for knowledge of the rules and regulations of the school and the university, and of departmental requirements concerning their individual programs. Enrollment in a graduate program of this school constitutes students’ acknowledgment that they are obligated to comply with all academic and administrative regulations and degree requirements. Students are encouraged to read carefully the regulations that follow.

2030.15 Time Limit for Completion of Degree/Graduate Certificates

Before deciding to enroll in a graduate program at this school, students must examine seriously and realistically their abilities to adjust their personal and professional schedules to accommodate the challenge of graduate study. The maximum time limits set by the faculty for completing a graduate degree program are: six years from the first semester of admission for the master’s programs; three years from the first semester of admission for the certificate programs and seven years from the first semester of admission for the doctoral programs. Students or applicants with questions about the commitment needed to complete the graduate programs should schedule an appointment with the school’s Office of Academic Assistance.

2030.20 Changing Semester of Entry/Application

Admission to a graduate program is for the specific semester stated in the acceptance letter. An admitted applicant who does not enroll for the semester for which acceptance was granted must reapply each semester of desired entry.

Applicants who are denied admission to a graduate program and wish to be reconsidered must reapply to the desired program of entry by the applicable deadline.

2030.25 Changing Programs/Status Master’s-Level

A master’s student who wishes to change programs or status must submit an online application and required supplemental materials for consideration to the desired program by the application deadline for the desired term of entry. Application materials already on file may be used to complete the application process. For further details, students may contact the Office of Academic Assistance.

2030.30 Catalog Editions

Normally, students will be permitted to graduate under the provisions of the graduate catalog in effect at the time of first enrollment. Students may choose to graduate under the provisions of a subsequent graduate catalog; that is, they may choose to change their “catalog edition.” Students who choose to do this must meet all provisions of the subsequent graduate catalog.

Students are required to change to the current catalog edition when they change programs/statuses or after certain absences from the program, as explained below. (See also the preceding heading “Changing Programs/Status.”)

2030.35 Noncontinuous Enrollment and Requests to Re-enter

Students who have not attended Georgia State University within one calendar year are required to complete an online Re-entry Application: gradapply.gsu.edu/apply/. When starting your new applications, the application type is Graduate Re-Entry.

Students who do not attend the semester for which re-entry was originally required must complete a new reentry application for subsequent semesters.

All students who wish to reenter one of the graduate level programs or non-degree status after an absence of one year must meet the degree requirements and academic regulations of the graduate catalog current upon return, along with other reentry provisions as may be in effect.

Reentering students who have earned a minimum of 18 hours of appropriate credit at Georgia State University with a minimum GPA of 3.00 will be eligible for re-entry without being required to meet current admissions criteria.

“Appropriate credit” means assigned preparatory courses and/or other courses that are applicable to the student’s current program.

Students who have not earned at least 18 hours of appropriate credit at Georgia State University with a minimum GPA of at least 3.00 must reapply and meet current admissions criteria. The provision to meet current admissions criteria includes submission of current scores on the Graduate Record Examination if the latest score on file will be more than five years old at the time of re-entry.

All students who are approved to re-enroll will be eligible to retain all Georgia State credit (and already approved transfer credit, if any) earned previously if their program can be completed within the time limit that was applicable to their program before the absence. The cumulative graduate GPA calculations will include all attempts in all graduate courses at Georgia State. Current time limits would apply.

Students who plan not to register for a particular semester but who intend to continue the program at some later semester should discuss such plans with an academic advisor in order to facilitate re-entry at a subsequent time. Failure to comply with this request may complicate reentry in the semester preferred. An absence from the program, whether planned or unplanned, does not exempt students from the requirement to complete the program within the appropriate time limit.

2030.40 Course Load

The course load of a master’s student may vary with the circumstances of the program and individual student each semester. A graduate student is considered full time if enrolled in nine semester hours; enrollment in less than nine hours is considered part-time status. For the M.S. Criminal Justice, M.A. Economics, M.P.P. and M.P.A., enrolling in more than 9 hours is not recommended and students should seek advisement with the Office of Academic Assistance prior to registration unless employed as a graduate assistant with the university. For the M.S.W. program, full time students typically enroll in up to 12 hours. A full course of study for graduate students at Georgia State University is nine semester hours.

In determining each semester’s course load, a student must balance other time constraints (work, family, civic, and other responsibilities) with the need to make reasonable and timely progress toward completion of the program. The maximum time limits set by the faculty for completion of a degree program are: three years for certificate programs; six years from the first semester of admission for the master’s programs; seven years from the first semester of admission for the doctoral programs.

2030.45 Enrollment in Approved Courses

Students must enroll for courses that are part of the approved curriculum for the program to which they have been accepted. Students who do otherwise are subject to loss of credit and/or loss of eligibility to continue to register. For students to follow the program of study for an AYSPS degree, they must qualify for admission to the AYSPS program.

2030.50 Computer Use Policy

Each student enrolled at Georgia State University must have access to a computer, and any course offered at the University may require computer-based work. Further, the student’s computer must provide access to email accounts, and the internet using a current browser, and spreadsheet and word processing software. Departments and other units may establish minimum machine capability and software requirements, including the requirement that a student in a certain degree program must own a computer. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure his or her access to a computer. Computers are available in the open access computer laboratories on campus that provide the basic level of computer capabilities, but these laboratories are heavily used and cannot guarantee a student access to a computer at a particular time.

Courses in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies frequently incorporate assignments that require computing skills, and at the graduate level, for some courses, it is essential that the student have computer skills. Courses requiring special skills are listed in this catalog. Overall, the Department of Public Management and Policy requires students to have access to Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Students who believe they lack either basic or advanced computing skills are expected to acquire this knowledge through whatever means they deem most appropriate before they enter a course.

There are several computer labs on campus available for students with varying hours including some locations that are open 24 hours a day.

2030.55 Separate Graduate and Undergraduate Programs

Except for the circumstances described in the regulation below titled “Policy on Allowing Undergraduates to Take Graduate Courses,” the graduate and undergraduate programs of the school are entirely separate and only those persons who have been admitted to a graduate program may enroll in courses numbered 6000 or higher. No undergraduate course credit, including that obtained in required background work for a graduate degree, may be applied toward any of the graduate-level programs.

2030.60 Policy on Independent Studies/Directed Readings at the Master’s Level

Enrollment in independent study/directed readings is limited to graduate students with a grade-point average of 3.50 or higher. A student may not take more than one independent study or independent readings course to count toward fulfillment of degree requirements. An independent studies/directed readings course may not be substituted for a core course requirement. Faculty will assign letter grades, rather than “S” or “U,” for all independent studies and directed readings. A faculty member may seek the assessment of a second faculty reader on any independent study paper. This choice is wholly at the discretion of the faculty member who is principally responsible for supervising the independent work.

Students interested in enrolling in independent studies/directed readings should contact the Office of Academic Assistance three weeks in advance of registration for the semester they wish to take the course. A form for directed reading must be completed by the student and processed with all the appropriate approval signatures to be considered for authorization to register for an independent studies/directed readings course.

2030.65 Policy on Transfer Credit at the Master’s Level

Transfer of credit will be approved under the following conditions. The course, if completed at an institution in the United States, must have been completed at an institution recognized by a regional accrediting body as degree granting for higher education at the time the course was taken.

• The course must have been restricted to graduate students only.
• A grade of “B” of higher must have been received in the course.
• The content of the course must correspond to that of a Georgia State University course required or permitted in the student’s program.
• Credit completed elsewhere after enrollment in the current Georgia State program will be considered for transfer credit if it is within the time limit allowed for completion of the current program.
• Transfer credit will be limited to a maximum of 6 semester hours.

A request for transfer credit form must be completed. The request must indicate the specific course(s) for which transfer credit is sought. A copy of the other institution’s catalog and course syllabus must be submitted to verify that the course was limited to graduate students only. The Office of Academic Assistance must have an official transcript on file showing course completion for the course being requested. Requests for transfer of graduate credit cannot be processed until all necessary information has been received.

Transfer credit will not be considered for master’s students admitted in special status or provisional status until the student has completed the special coursework requirements. Once the student has completed these requirements, he or she may follow the procedures outlined above to request transfer credit.

Transfer credit is not considered for graduate certificate programs.

2030.70 Out-of-Residence Credit and Graduation

Students who wish to take graduate courses at another institution to complete the coursework for their Georgia State degree should provide the information listed above (except the transcript) to the Office of Academic Assistance before enrolling at the other institution. Advance approval will ensure that the transfer credit can be granted if a “B” or higher is earned in the course(s) and the coursework is completed within the time limit allowed for the student’s degree program. Such students should plan to graduate at least one semester after the quarter/semester in which the last course to be transferred has been taken. This will allow adequate time for the necessary transcript to be received and for the transfer credit to be processed. Please refer to the graduation office website for complete instructions and information concerning applying for graduation and the graduation fee: registrar.gsu.edu/graduation/. A letter certifying completion of degree requirements and stating the date the degree will be conferred can be furnished to the student by the Office of Academic Assistance.

2030.75 Grade Requirements for Graduation

A cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher is required for graduation in all attempts of graduate courses taken while a student at Georgia State University. No grade of “C-” or below is acceptable. No course in which a grade of “B” or higher has been earned may be repeated for degree credit.

For a master’s student, no more than three credit hours of coursework with a grade of “C” or “C+” may be counted toward the degree. For a doctoral student, no more than six credit hours of coursework with a grade of “C” or “C+” may be counted toward the degree. A grade of “C-” or below will not count towards degree requirements. Students can repeat a course one time. When a course is repeated, both grades count in the student’s cumulative grade point average.

2030.80 Multiple Master’s Degrees

A student may participate in a particular master’s degree program only once. However, a student who holds a master’s degree of this school may qualify for a different master’s degree of this school. To so qualify, he or she must meet all admission requirements in effect for the second degree and thereafter fulfill all requirements for the second master’s degree. Along with all other requirements, the student must meet the 24-hour minimum residence requirements for the second degree with appropriate grades and coursework that has not been applied in satisfaction of the requirements of any other degree.

2030.85 Standards of Performance

The dean or associate dean of the school may require that a student withdraw from a particular course or courses, from a graduate program, or from the school because of unsatisfactory academic work or for any other adequate reason. To continue in a graduate program, a student must make reasonable and timely progress in terms of grades, courses, and other requirements toward the degree concerned.

The student’s progress may be reviewed each semester. As a result of this review, any student whose scholastic performance does not indicate appropriate progress may be required to reduce the course load or may be required to withdraw from the program.

2030.90 Scholastic Discipline: Master’s Programs and Status

Each student admitted to a graduate program, as a non-degree seeking student, or as a transient student of the school must maintain a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) in the program of 3.00 or higher in all attempts at all courses numbered 6000 and higher. (This means that the original grade in a course that is repeated is not dropped from the cumulative GPA for purposes of determining good academic standing.) Also included in this GPA are all graduate level courses at the university in addition to those in another degree program.

The GPA calculation on the university transcript includes all attempts of all graduate courses taken at Georgia State University. This means that for a student who has previously taken graduate courses, the cumulative GPA may differ from the GPA for the current program. To graduate, a student must have a cumulative GPA in all graduate courses completed at Georgia State University of 3.0 or higher.

Questions about the calculation of the GPA for determining academic standing should be directed to the Office of Academic Assistance. Any student with unusual circumstances (such as credit lost due to the time limit for completing a program) must contact the Office of Academic Assistance for further information. The interpretation of the school’s scholastic discipline policy as it applies to unusual situations is the responsibility of the dean of the school as represented by the Office of Academic Assistance.

2030.95 Scholastic Warning, Exclusion and Termination (Master’s-Level)

A master’s student in the school whose cumulative grade point average falls below 3.00 at the end of a semester will be placed on “scholastic warning.” After being placed on scholastic warning, a student must attain a 3.00 cumulative grade point average within two consecutive semesters of enrollment; otherwise, the student will be terminated from the master’s program.

Students who are admitted to provisional status in a master’s program who fail to meet the special admission requirements for the program as outlined in their admission decision letter will be permanently excluded from that program.

Doctoral students should refer to the “Scholastic Warning and Termination” heading in the “Doctoral Programs” section of this chapter.

2040 Student Appeals Procedures

The appeals procedure for graduate students in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies will follow different courses, depending on the nature of the student’s appeal. The various types of situations and the appropriate appeals avenues are as follows:

2040.10 Admissions Appeals

Please refer to 1140 Graduate Admissions Appeals .

2040.20 Student Complaints, Petitions for Policy Waivers and Variances, and Appeals

The appeals procedure for students will follow different courses depending on the nature of the student’s appeal. Please refer to University Information Section 1050.80  under Polices and Disclosures in this catalog or visit registrar.gsu.edu/contact-us/student-assistance/ for details.

2040.30 Appeal of Exclusions and Terminations

Terminated or excluded graduate students with questions about their status should first discuss their situation with an advisor in the Office of Academic Assistance. Following this discussion, students who believe they have extenuating circumstances may submit a written appeal of their termination or exclusion to the director of the Office of Academic Assistance. The director will review the information submitted in support of the appeal and the student’s total record. The director will then make a recommendation to the associate dean for academic programs, who will make the decision regarding acceptance or denial of the appeal. The student will receive a written response from the school normally within 10 workdays of the date the appeal is received. (Workdays are counted as Monday through Friday except university holidays.)

Having been enrolled in too many courses relative to job requirements or other responsibilities, or having continued to enroll while experiencing personal, work, or health-related problems very rarely constitutes such extenuating circumstances.

Requests for such consideration must be submitted, in writing, to the director of academic assistance within 10 workdays (defined as Monday through Friday except university holidays). Students should write their appeals completely, but concisely, and include all facts germane to their case. Documentation should be provided, where possible, to substantiate statements made. Specific dates of the beginning and ending of particular problems should be included. Only circumstances described in the written and signed appeal as initially submitted will be accepted from the student; oral appeals are not permitted, nor are requests to submit additional information after the appeal has been reviewed. Appeals must be dated, signed, and include the student’s home address and telephone numbers (work and home).

2040.40 Petitions

A master’s student requesting course substitution within the M.P.A., M.P.P., or PMAP Graduate Certificate programs may complete a petition form. This form is available online at aysps.gsu.edu/oaa/student-forms/#grad-student-forms.

A master’s student within the M.S. Criminal Justice, M.A. Economics, or M.I.S Urban Studies programs must submit an updated and approved Program of Study form for any changes to their curriculum.

M.S.W. students wishing to substitute a Social Work elective must submit a petition. This form is available online at aysps.gsu.edu/oaa/student-forms/#grad-student-forms.

A doctoral student who believes that unusual circumstances invalidate any of the regulations or requirements relating to the degree may write a petition letter to the doctoral coordinator for exemption or change in the policy. If the doctoral coordinator supports the request, a letter of support will be submitted to the director of the Office of Academic Assistance for a decision after consultation with the associate dean.

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