FAQ’s
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q. What degree programs are offered at the Clinton School?
The Clinton School of Public Service offers the only Master in Public Service (MPS) degree available in the United States. Concurrent degree options include a MPS/Juris Doctorate in collaboration with the University of Arkansas, Bowen School of Law, as well as two variations of the MPS/Master of Public Health in conjunction with the University of Arkansas School for Medical Sciences, College of Public Health. In order to be accepted in any of these concurrent degree programs, the applicant must apply and be accepted into each respective school separately.
Q. What distinguishes the MPS program from other Public Policy and Public Administration programs available around the country?
The Clinton School offers a unique blend of academics (see required courses) with practical hands-on experience. In fact, 11 of the total 36 credit hours required, or nearly 30%, are earned through required public service work: the group-based Practicum, the International Public Service Project and the Capstone.
Q. Are there any prerequisite courses?
Clinton School students come from diverse personal, educational, professional and service backgrounds. The Clinton School values this diversity highly and consequently, there are no specific prerequisite courses. Some students have found their previous coursework in American government, economics, statistics/research methods to be helpful.
Q. Are there any web-based, Executive Masters or certificate classes?
Currently, the Clinton School only offers a full-time academic curriculum.
Q. How much is tuition for the program?
Tuition costs are $400 per course hour. The tuition and fees vary, and are typically less for elective classes taken at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, UALR Bowen School of Law or UAMS College of Public Health.
Q. Does an out-of-state applicant pay more tuition?
No, all applicants pay the same $400 per course hour for all classes taught at the Clinton School. Elective courses taken at our other partner campuses are charged at the in-state rate.
Q. Can this degree be pursued part-time?
No, this 36 credit degree program requires a full time commitment. Because the schedule may vary somewhat from week to week, flexibility is needed.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q. When does the program start each year?
The Clinton School Master of Public Service program begins each August with Orientation. Classes generally begin in late August.
Q. For which semester are you accepting applications?
The Clinton School is currently accepting applications for fall 2008.
Q. What is the application deadline for the Clinton School?
All application materials must be received by March 1, 2008.
Q. How do I get an application?
Applications may be completed online or are available by contacting the Admissions office at admissions@clintonschool.uasys.edu or at (501) 683-5228.
Q. What documents are required for a complete application?
The Clinton School requires that all applicants submit:
- A completed application form
- A non-refundable $50 application fee
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- Official transcripts from all baccalaureate and graduate programs attended
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably on official letterhead, with the required “Letter of Reference” form
- Three essay responses,
- Official copies of the GRE, MAT or GMAT scores if applying for the MPS only and LSAT scores if applying for the JD/MPS concurrent degree.
- International applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or whose native language is not English are required to submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Q. How will I know when my application is complete?
The Clinton School of Public Service admissions process is self-managed and students are responsible for ensuring that their applications are complete and submitted by March 1, 2008. Applicants will be notified when their application is complete.
Q. How many letters of recommendation are required?
Three letters of recommendation are required: 1) one addressing the applicant’s academic preparation, 2) one focused on the personal characteristics that make the applicant well suited for graduate education and 3) one affirming the applicant’s public/community service record. All letters of recommendation must be accompanied by a “Letter of Reference” form completed and signed by the individual writing the recommendation.
Q. What is the application fee?
A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required and may be paid by credit card (online application only), personal check or money order made out to the Clinton School of Public Service.
Q. What graduate admission tests are required?
The Clinton School accepts the GRE, the MAT and the GMAT. For those applicants applying for admission into the concurrent JD/MPS degree program, the LSAT is also accepted. Test scores more than 5 years old will NOT be accepted.
Q. If I have completed a graduate degree, am I required to submit test scores?
No. All applicants who provide official transcripts for completed graduate degrees are NOT required to submit graduate test scores.
Q. What if I cannot take the test or have the test scores arrive by the deadline?
An application is NOT complete without the applicant’s test results. An application can be submitted without the test scores, but the applicant is strongly encouraged to take their graduate test as soon as possible, preferably before January 2008 in order to assure that the test results are received by the March 1st deadline.
Q. Do international students have to take the TOEFL?
Yes, all international students whose native language is not English or who did not receive an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college is required to submit TOEFL scores. A minimum of 550 for the paper-based examination or 213 for the computer-based examination is required.
Q. Is there a minimum GRE or G.P.A. for admission to the program?
UACS recommends, though does not require, that applicants have at least a 2.85 cumulative grade point average in their baccalaureate-level courses. The Clinton School does not specify a minimum GRE test score.
Q. What were the average GPA and GRE score of students entering the Clinton School for the 2007-2008 school year?
Mean GPA: 3.36
Mean GRE-Verbal: 500
Mean GRE- Quantitative: 578
Mean GRE- Analytical Writing: 4.8
Q. What was the average LSAT score?
The average LSAT score was 155.
Q. Is an interview required?
An interview is not required, but may be requested. All interviews are conducted by telephone.
Q. When will I know if I have been accepted?
All admission decisions will be made by April 15th. If a decision is made prior to April 15th, the applicant will be notified promptly.
Q. Is there Early Decision?
There is NO Early Decision. All final decisions about acceptance into the program will be made by April 15th.
FINANCIAL AID QUESTIONS
Q. Are there scholarships available?
Yes, both partial and full scholarships are available and are awarded based on need, merit and the availability of funds.
Q. When are decisions about scholarships made?
All decisions about scholarships are made after acceptance into the program. The applicant’s letter of acceptance will include the scholarship, if any, offered by the Clinton School.
Q. Does the Clinton School match the AmeriCorps Education award?
Yes, the Clinton School will double-match the amount of the AmeriCorps Education award. This is a tuition match and does not apply to other education-related costs such as room and board or books.
The UACS student with an AmeriCorps Education award applies the award to pay the tuition/fees for their FIRST semester. The Clinton School will match this amount to offset the tuition and costs for two subsequent semesters (Spring 2009/ Fall 2009), assuming satisfactory academic performance. One full ($4,725) AmeriCorps Education award along with the double-match is sufficient to cover most of the tuition costs for the 36 course hours.
Q. What about Peace Corps service?
Applicants who have served in the Peace Corps are eligible for the same double match that is available to those who have served in AmeriCorps.
Q. Is there funding available for the International Public Service Project?
The Clinton School will work with each student to identify funding to facilitate the international internship of their choice.
Q. How do I get information about financial aid?
If you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S., you may apply for federal student loans. You must complete a 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to receive federal loan funds. All financial aid is handled through the UALR Financial Aid office.