Eligibility Criteria
For consideration of an internship waiver, it is strongly recommended that MPA students submitting a request have completed 4-5 core classes, has a minimum 3.0 GPA, and meets one of the following criteria:
(a) have at least 3 years of substantial and relevant full-time managerial or supervisory experience in a government or non-profit organization
(b) is a U.S. Active Duty Military, Reserves, or National Guard member or Veteran
(c) is currently a Coverdell Fellow or served at least 1 year in the Peace Corps
Individuals who do not meet the above criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Graduate Programs Manager to discuss your circumstances before submitting a waiver request.
Disclosures:
- Students who are approved of an internship waiver must complete a 3-unit elective course in lieu of receiving internship credit.
- Students who are currently an SGPP Fellow (Keane, Valdez, Tucson) must complete 6 units of internship credit and are therefore ineligible to request an Internship Waiver.
- Students who are Coverdell Fellows prior to Fall 2022 will receive an automatic internship waiver, and therefore do not need to apply for this new waiver process.
- Students who are currently in an ROTC program are ineligible to request an Internship Waiver at this time.
- Students who are currently pursuing a dual degree program may not be subject to the internship requirement; please check the dual degree requirements posted at https://mpa.sgpp.arizona.edu/dual-degree-program-options.
Requirements
All students requesting an internship waiver must submit the following documents into ONE continuous PDF file via Qualtrics:
- Internship Waiver Request Cover Sheet
- Personal Statement
- Current Resume/CV
- Additional documention that supports eligibility criteria
Instructions
Career Students with Managerial/Supervisory Experience
Provide a current resume & personal statement that discusses your professional experience and why you believe it is relevant or comparable to an internship experience.
Guidelines for Personal Statement:
(a) 1-2 pages in length, 10-12 point font, single or 1.5 spaced
(b) Include an integration of coursework knowledge with professional experiences, demonstrating an understanding of public administration topics as presented during core lectures.
(c) Examine how your managerial/supervisory position relates to the field of public administration and/or area of study.
Additional examples of professional work and other documents that support your request may be included for consideration.
Military/Veteran Students
Provide the following documents:
(1) a current resume
(2) a personal statement that discusses your experience and why you believe it is relevant or comparable to an internship experience
(3) DD-214 form or verification letter from commanding officer regarding your services
Guidelines for Personal Statement:
(a) 1-2 pages in length, 10-12 point font, single or 1.5 spaced
(b) Include an integration of coursework knowledge with professional experiences, demonstrating an understanding of public administration topics as presented during core lectures.
Additional examples of professional work and other documents that support your request may be included for consideration.
Coverdell Fellows and Peace Corps Service Members
Provide the following documents:
(1) a current resume
(2) a personal statement that discusses your experience and why you believe it is relevant or comparable to an internship experience
(3) one of the following:
(a) verification letter of service from a direct supervisor at the Peace Corp site
(b) verification letter or documentation from Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Office at the Graduate College that you are currently a Coverdell Fellow
(b) verification letter or documentation from Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Office at the Graduate College that you are currently a Coverdell Fellow
(c) other documentation that verifies Peace Corp service
Guidelines for Personal Statement:
(a) 1-2 pages in length, 10-12 point font, single or 1.5 spaced
(b) Include an integration of coursework knowledge with professional experiences, demonstrating an understanding of public administration topics as presented during core lectures.
Additional examples of professional work and other documents that support your request may be included for consideration.
Submit your MPA Internship Waiver Request with ALL required documents in ONE continuous PDF at: https://uarizona.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7aGZG7x9xKmBPpk.
Page created 8/25/2022.
