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School of Arts & Sciences Graduate Programs

Graduate Programs

School of Arts & Sciences

Unlock your full potential in both your career and personal life with the School of Arts & Sciences at Clark Atlanta University.

The Graduate Program at the School of Arts & Sciences at Clark Atlanta University stands as the largest among the university’s four schools, showcasing its prestigious stature and comprehensive academic offerings.

Encompassing 18 diverse academic departments spread across four distinct divisions, this program offers a rich and multifaceted educational experience.

It is designed to foster advanced learning, critical thinking, and professional development, catering to a wide range of academic interests and career aspirations. This vibrant academic environment is a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence in higher education and its role as a leader in shaping future professionals and scholars.

Degree Program Requirements

Humanities

English and Modern Languages
The Department of English & Modern Languages

The Department of Modern Foreign Languages provides students with the opportunity to perfect their language skills for global communication and awareness, understand curricular content and innovations, and international experiences that connect them to the larger world.

Students prepare for careers in teaching, foreign service, international business, consulting, communications and media, law enforcement, interpreting and translating.

Nous aimons enseigner. – Nos encanta enseñar.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of English & Modern Languages is to prepare students in English composition and creative writing, various genres of literature, critical analysis, and research to transform and enrich diverse learning intellectually, culturally, and professionally, is to prepare and expose languages majors and non-majors to the languages and cultures of different societies and to achieve functional proficiency and communicative competency in the target language through immersion and varied enrichment experiences.

Vision Statement

The Department of English & Modern Languages will be a collaborative center of innovative teaching, learning, and research that will enhance students’ ability to engage globally in a variety of professions through enhances programs and curricula. WE will also develop a multilingual community of learners, which affords students the opportunity to perfect their language skills for global communication and awareness, understand curricular content and innovations, and international experiences that connect them to the larger world.

Academic Programs

Graduate Studies

  • Master of Arts – English
  • Master of Arts – French
  • Master of Arts – Spanish
  • Doctorate of Philosophy in Humanities with an English Concentration

Department of English and Modern Languages
Georgene Bess Montgomery, Ph.D., Professor/Chair
gmontgomery@cau.edu
Haven-Warren Hall, Room 100
404-880-6733

Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Humanities Program
“Education must not simply teach work–It must teach life.”

W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963)
Atlanta University Faculty Member
(1897-1910, 1934-1944)


Graduate studies at Clark Atlanta University dates back to the 1865 beginning of one of its founding institutions, Atlanta University—the nation’s oldest private graduate institution serving a predominantly African American student body. 

The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Humanities is an interdisciplinary, terminal degree program. This program allows graduate students the opportunity to have primary and secondary concentrations in the following disciplines:  

  • African American Studies
  • Africana Women’s Studies
  • History
  • English

The program also allows secondary concentrations in: 

  • Public Administration
  • Political Science
  • Sociology

This program is dedicated to promoting the core values of the University and is also dedicated to the values of consilience (bringing together principles of various disciplines) for the purpose of enhancing the study of humanities. The primary objective of this degree program is to offer graduate students an interdisciplinary course of study that provides opportunities to study and research in the fields of literature, the history and cultures of Africa and the African Diaspora. Such an undertaking will foster     visionary, informed, culturally sensitive and socially responsible scholarship.

The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Humanities is an interdisciplinary, terminal degree program.

This program allows graduate students the opportunity to have primary concentrations in a variety of disciplines: African American StudiesAfricana Women’s StudiesEnglishand History. The program also allows secondary concentrations in Public Administration and Political Science.

The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Humanities program is dedicated to promoting the core values of the University and is also dedicated to the values of consilience (bringing together principles of various disciplines) for the purpose of enhancing the study of humanities.

The primary objective of this degree program is to offer graduate students an interdisciplinary course of study that provides opportunities to study and research in the fields of literature, the history and cultures of Africans, African Americans and people of African descent throughout the African Diaspora. Such an undertaking will foster visionary, informed, culturally sensitive and socially responsible scholarship.

Careers in Humanities

 The program aims to enrich students’ learning experience and to expand their professional expertise.

 Careers in the Humanities include positions in:

  • Higher Education 
  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Public Service
  • Law
  • Museums
  • Non-Profits
Academic Programs

The Ph.D. in Humanities curriculum provides two tracks: (1) Humanities with a single-subject concentration; (2) Humanities with a double-subject concentration. Both tracks permit students to select a preferred program of study that supports their individual career goals.

Candidates for the Ph.D. in Humanities degree must complete a minimum of seventy-two (72) semester hours. The Humanities Program requires the successful completion of course work, passing of comprehensive examinations, and defending of doctoral dissertation.

The program of study comprises the Interdisciplinary Humanities Core Requirements and the following Concentrations:

  • African American Studies
  • Africana Women’s Studies
  • English
  • History

The Ph.D. in Humanities curriculum provides two tracks: (1) Humanities with a single concentration; (2) Humanities with a double-subject concentration. Both tracks permit   students to select a preferred program of study that supports their individual career goals.

The program of study comprises 72 credit hours of the Interdisciplinary Humanities Core Requirements and courses.
Single ConcentrationCredit Hours
Humanities Core &  Research Methodology36 Hours
Chosen Concentration30 Hours
Dissertation Research6 Hours
Total Credit Hours72 Credit Hours

Double Concentration

Credit Hours

 
Humanities Core &  Research Methodology30 Credit Hours
Primary Concentration24 Credit Hours
Secondary                  Concentration18 Credit Hours
Dissertation Research6 Credit Hours

Total Credit Hours

78 Credit Hours

You may apply to Clark Atlanta University by completing the CAU Online Application at www.cau.edu or the paper       application. Then, complete and e-mail these documents to graduateadmissions@cau.edu:

  • Official Transcripts
  • Standardized Test Score (GRE)
  • Letters of Recommendation (2)
  • Personal Statement
  • Writing Sample (20-30 Pages)

Average Cost of yearly attendance:

$ 7,240 (Including applicable fees) for Full-Time Graduate Students (9 Hours) *Based on 2020-2021 Academic Year

Alumni

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-Jayme N. Canty, Ph.D. ‘17 –Africana Women’s Studies & Political Science

Visiting iCubed ScholarDepartment of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies

Virginia Commonwealth University




 

“The Ph.D. program at CAU pushed me to be a true intersectional scholar. The faculty challenged me to look at one   problem from several perspectives to find a solution to any problem plaguing marginalized communities. This practice provided me the tools needed to be an Intersectional thinker, allowing me to use my research interest to contribute to several fields of study.

This program has also taught me the tradition of scholar activism. The program not only gives you a doctorate degree, but it also gives you a sense of cultural pride and a standard of black excellence that only a doctoral program at a HBCU can provide and I always bring that tradition of scholar activism, black excellence, and cultural pride with me.”


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-Ebony L. Perro, Ph.D. ‘19 –Africana Women’s Studies

Professor of Practice

Department of English

Tulane University


 

 

“CAU’s Humanities Program exposed me to new bodies of scholarship and afforded me the tools to do interdisciplinary work. The program’s host of professors from various fields reinforced the value of Humanities research. Faculty Members fostered an environment that nurtured my research and compelled me to think about its functions outside of academia. Beyond the classroom, the spirit of scholar-activism that underlines the program, reignited my passion for community work. The program made me a better scholar, educator, and person, overall.”


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Marcus T. Haynes, ‘21

English & African American Studies



 

 

 

“I decided to attend CAU for grad school after I sat in on one of the classes. After just an hour or so I knew that this was the place I wanted to end my educational journey. I went to an HBCU for undergrad so I knew what to expect, but being able to have my research interests validated and be taught about English, African American Studies, and the larger Humanities was more than worth it all.  I’m glad I chose CAU and you will be too.”


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-Donielle E. Pace ‘23

Africana Women’s Studies




 

 

“Coming from a PWI, I will say that CAU has opened my eyes to what’s been missing in my academic career. I feel like my academia journey has just begun. This program and its professors are pushing me to become an active scholar in the field, not just a student who leaves with a piece of paper and an extra title to my name.”          

Humanities Ph.D. Curriculum

The Humanities Ph.D. curriculum provides two tracks:

  • Humanities with a single-subject concentration; 2) Humanities with a double-subject concentration.
  • Humanities Ph.D. Curriculum with a SINGLE-SUBJECT CONCENTRATION

Requirements

University Credit Hours

Humanities and Pedagogical Courses

CHUM 875: Humanistic Inquiry

CHUM 876: The Person in History & Literature

CHUM 877: Literature & Popular Culture

CHUM 878: Ideas & Their Exemplars

CHUM 879: Interdisciplinary Seminar: Ethics & Social Philosophy

CHUM 880: Special Topics: Contemporary Issues in Humanities

CHUM 881: Teaching & The Humanities

CHUM 882: The Internship in Humanities

CHUM 883: Science & The Humanities

 

Humanities Ph.D. Electives

(Select one (1) course)

CHUM 885: Digital Humanities

CHUM 886: Directed Research

CHUM 888: A Review of the Humanities

 

30 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

 

 

 

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

 

Research Methodology and Design

CHUM 891: Research Methods

CHUM 892: Research Design

 

6 Credit Hours                                    

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

 

Concentration

African American Studies, Africana Women’s Studies, English, and History

 

30 Credit Hours

(Please review graduate curriculum from area of concentration.)

 

Modern Languages

French for Graduate Students

Spanish for Graduate Students

 

Please Note: Two Modern Languages courses are required, however the hours are not counted towards the degree hours. As a substitute, students may demonstrate reading proficiency in one (1) Modern Language and by passing an examination in a graduate course in computer science, statistical analysis, or another applicable research tool.

(See Pg. 115 in the Graduate Student Handbook.)

 

 

Comprehensive Examinations

-Humanities Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Core

-Concentration Comprehensive Examination

 

Please Note: These are required examinations, but there are no credit hours awarded, however PASS/FAIL grade awarded.

Dissertation Research

(Select two (2) Humanities Ph.D. Dissertation courses, or pick one (1) from Humanities Ph.D. and one (1) from the Primary Concentration) 

CHUM 901: Dissertation Consultation

CHUM 905: Dissertation Research

 

 

6 Credit Hours

*Please see Humanities Ph.D. Student Handbook for Dissertation formats & Defense information.

 

1-3 Credit Hours

1-3 Credit Hours

 

Humanities Ph.D. Degree

Total University Credit Hours: 72 Credit Hours

 2) Humanities Ph.D. Curriculum with a DOUBLE-SUBJECT CONCENTRATION

Requirements

University Credit Hours

Humanities and Pedagogical Courses

CHUM 875: Humanistic Inquiry

CHUM 876: The Person in History & Literature

CHUM 877: Literature & Popular Culture

CHUM 878: Ideas & Their Exemplars

CHUM 879: Interdisciplinary Seminar: Ethics & Social Philosophy

CHUM 881: Teaching & The Humanities

CHUM 882: The Internship in Humanities

CHUM 883: Science & The Humanities

 

24 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

 

Research Methodology and Design

CHUM 891: Research Methods

CHUM 892: Research Design

 

6 Credit Hours                                    

3 Credit Hours

3 Credit Hours

 

Primary Concentration

African American Studies, Africana Women’s Studies, English, and History

 

24 Credit Hours

(Please review graduate curriculum from area of concentration.)

 

Secondary Concentration

(Select eighteen (18) credit hours from any of the following majors: English, History, Africana Women’s Studies, African American Studies, Political Science, Public Administration, and Sociology)

 

18 Credit Hours

Modern Languages

French for Graduate Students

Spanish for Graduate Students

 

Please Note: Two Modern Languages courses are required, however the hours are not counted towards the degree hours. As a substitute, students may demonstrate reading proficiency in one (1) Modern Language and by passing an examination in a graduate course in computer science, statistical analysis, or another applicable research tool.

(See Pg. 115 in the Graduate Student Handbook.)

 

Comprehensive Examinations

-Humanities Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Core

-Concentration Comprehensive Examination

Please Note: These are required examinations, but there are no credit hours awarded, however PASS/FAIL grade awarded.

Dissertation Research (Select two (2) Humanities Ph.D. Dissertation courses, or pick one (1) from Humanities Ph.D. and one (1) from the Primary Concentration)

CHUM 901: Dissertation Consultation

CHUM 905: Dissertation Research

 

 

6 Credit Hours

*Please see Humanities Ph.D. Student Handbook for Dissertation formats & Defense information. 

1-3 Credit Hours

1-3 Credit Hours

 

Humanities Ph.D. Degree with Double-Subject

Total University Credit Hours: 78 Credit Hours

 

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Africana Digital Humanities in its various forms, as it is currently being practiced at HBCUs, can have an enriching impact on the digital humanities. It can bring a new perspective on the recovery and honoring of local history through community collaboration and storytelling using available digital tools and resources. HBCUs are often located in predominantly Black neighborhoods, offering the opportunity for graduate students and research faculty to conduct meaningful work that could potentially impact these neighborhoods in positive ways. An early exemplar of Africana DH is found in the late nineteenth century in the work of W. E. B. Du Bois, who spent 23 years at Atlanta University from 1897-1910, serving on the faculty of the history and economics departments, and later, from 1934-1944 as chair of the sociology department. Atlanta University, founded in 1865, was the first HBCU to award graduate degrees. In 1900, at Atlanta University, Du Bois created a series of data portraits–“a collection of graphs, charts, maps, and tables” –with a team of students, faculty, and scientists that “reflect a moment just before the disciplines had hardened into the academic specializations and structures of knowledge that we are familiar with today” (Battle-Baptiste and Rupert 13). This interdisciplinary collaborative approach to research has become a hallmark of digital humanities in the 21st century, as DH projects often require a team of experts ranging from city planners and computer scientists to historians and visual artists, depending on the desired outcome. Du Bois’s comprehensive study of the Black experience through imagery ranged from local Georgia population diagrams to graphs charting Black businessmen in the United States to bar charts examining African American religious affiliations. This work, completed over one hundred years ago, is not only foundational to current practices in Africana DH where data visualization is critical in making research findings accessible to a broader audience, but also to the field of Africana Studies whose development was also closely tied to the community.

Clark Atlanta University is adding to this legacy with the Center for Africana Digital Humanities, which started as a thinklab in 2020, and relaunched in 2021 with several scheduled activities to support students and faculty understanding and engagement in the digital humanities. In the 2021-2022 academic year, the Center hopes to host a variety of workshops, training, and seminars for students and faculty in our community. 

Digital Humanities at CAU hopes to change the way HBCUs view their humanities courses and programs. As the field of Humanities becomes more crowded, it is evident that the skills gained pursuing doctoral degrees need to be transferable to other careers. Training in digital humanities can have a huge impact on the career prospects of CAU Ph.D. students. Our interdisciplinary collaborative approach to digital humanities research and projects and our cultivation of partnerships and collaboration are setting our students up to have greater access to opportunities that will lead to careers in a wider variety of fields

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Cascade Oral History Project: to preserve information about this vibrant Black neighborhood and its changes over time using computational tools. Trained CAU students in interviewing techniques and the preservation of oral histories. https://cascadecommunitytour.org
 
Digital Humanities course: in collaboration with the AUC Woodruff Library to train students in video editing, web development, GIS mapping, and other digital tools. https://www.auctr.edu/
 
Data Science Capacity Building: includes data science training and funding opportunities, the development of a data science curriculum, and data science-related research projects for faculty, staff, and students. https://datascience.aucenter.edu/
 
Center for Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Engagement: support for faculty development initiatives and implementation of opportunities that support the teaching and learning enterprise, includes training faculty in various research methods and modalities.
https://www.cau.edu/Online-Learning-and-Continuing-Education/CITLE.html
 
BCaT – Black Communication and Technology Lab: part of a new multi-institutional project led in part by UMD Assistant Professor of Communication Catherine Knight Steele that seeks to work toward an “equitable digital future” through engaging in research on topics like racial inequality, disability justice and Black digital spaces.
https://today.umd.edu/48m-grant-expand-black-digital-studies-new-labs-3e34b0f4-d5e2-4848-93b9-9df82884f780
 
DISCO Network – Digital Inquiry, Speculation, Collaboration & Optimism Network: integrates critical humanistic, social science, and artistic approaches to digital studies and foregrounds questions about the cultural implications of technology to envision a new anti-racist and anti-ableist digital future.
www.disconetwork.org

We are establishing CAU as a hub for training HBCU faculty in Africana digital humanities by offering training workshops and a yearly summer institute for faculty and graduate students.
 
These educational experiences will allow participants to explore Black digital experience as it relates to accessibility, collaboration, and the preservation and sharing of local stories. Participants will produce new knowledge that incorporates community engagement using available computational tools and resources.
 
In collaboration with the AUC Data Science Initiative, the Center for Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Engagement, and the AUC Woodruff Library, we will introduce various computational tools and concepts that can be used in the classroom or in collaborative research projects.

  1. AUC Faculty Development Workshop Series (Academic Year 2022-2023)

The Center for Africana Digital Humanities will hold its AUC Faculty Development Workshop Series beginning October 2022.

The Center seeks to establish CAU as a hub for training HBCU faculty in Africana digital humanities by offering training workshops and summer institutes to CAU and Atlanta University Center faculty and graduate students. Participants will explore the Black digital experience as it relates to accessibility, collaboration, and the preservation and sharing of local stories. They will also produce new knowledge that incorporates community engagement using available computational tools and resources.                                

The Center will organize faculty development workshops to introduce various computational tools and concepts that can be used in the classroom or included in collaborative research projects. The workshops will be collaborative initiatives with the AUC Data Science Initiative, the Center for Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Engagement and the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library.

These six (6), ½ day workshops are designed to be impactful min-courses that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and an exploration of accessible computational tools for select AUC faculty and graduate students while highlighting various labs that offer a unique perspective on technology as it relates to race and social justice. Each participant will receive a stipend of $1,000 to attend all six (6) Faculty Development Workshops.      

Dean Sage-Bacote Hall, Room 203-B
Clark Atlanta University
223 James P. Brawley Drive, S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30314
HumanitiesProgram@cau.edu
404.880.8546

Natural Sciences & Mathemetics

Department of Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences offers the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. At the undergraduate level, our objective is to guide students in critical thinking and independent investigation of all areas of biology.

The Department’s overriding goal is to help students appreciate biology as an evolving product of human endeavor. Specialization in several areas is available through the department and its close relationship with other biology departments in the Atlanta University Center (AUC). Course offerings and research experiences are designed for students who desire to major in biology in preparation for graduate or professional study, for careers as professionals, or as biology teachers.

Graduate Programs

The Department of Biological Sciences graduate programs lead to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The objectives of the graduate programs are to train and develop scholars and to promote research by providing students with contemporary concepts in the fields of biochemistry, cellular biology, and molecular biology. Each student receives thorough intellectual training in a particular specialty and mastery of the methods that are requisite for productive scholarly endeavors in that specialty. Some of the research faculty participate in the Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development that is supported by the NCRR at the National Institute of Health and other biomedical research programs. Collaborations are fostered and maintained at national academic, industrial and governmental research facilities.

Graduate Catalog

For more information contact:
Dr. Bekir Cinar
Phone: (404) 880-8438
Email: bcinar@cau.edu

Master of Science Degree

To earn the M.S. degree, a student must take a minimum of 24 course credit hours, including the required core courses. The graduate core curriculum is summarized below:

Graduate Program Core Courses

  • Biology 501, Seminar.
  • Biology 502, Seminar.
  • Biology 504, Molecular Genetics.
  • Biology 506, Cell Biology.
  • Biology 509, Methods & Techniques in Biology.
  • Biology 511, Biochemistry I or Chemistry 551.
  • Biology 512, Biochemistry II or Chemistry 552.
  • Biology 551, Biostatistics.

Master of Science students must take one advanced course (600 level) in the area of specialization and 6 hours of research, for a total of 30 hours. Students must demonstrate competency in one foreign language or in computer applications. Continuous enrollment in the departmental seminar is required. Students must submit and defend a thesis based on original research supervised by the student’s major advisor and approved by the Thesis Committee and the Department. For students who desire practical experience in applied biology, arrangements can be made for research internships in the biological industry, a national laboratory, or other setting of applied biological research.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

To earn the Ph.D. degree, a student must complete a total of 72 hours. This consists of a minimum of 40 credit hours of graduate courses, including all of the core courses; two or more advanced courses (600 level) required for specialization in one of the major areas of concentration and passing of the qualifying examination for admission into candidacy. In addition, a dissertation resulting from 32 credit hours of original research conducted under the supervision of the major advisor and the Dissertation Committee must be submitted and defended. Continuous enrollment in the departmental seminar and proficiency in one foreign language or computer applications are also requirements for the doctoral degree. As part of the comprehensive training program, each candidate is required to serve as a Teaching Assistant in an undergraduate course for at least one semester.

Admission Requirements

Students who enter the graduate programs in the department must meet the general requirements of the University and the School of Arts and Sciences. In addition, they should have broadly based experiences in the sciences, generally 24 semester credits in biology, and one year each of general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses through calculus.

HPAU of Clark Atlanta University (CAU) was established in the Fall of 2017 to advise students enrolled in any major about post-baccalaureate careers in the health professions (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Optometry, Veterinary medicine, and Physician Assistant). HPAU’s goal is to prepare students to become competitive applicants for health professional schools and programs.

The RISE Program offers research assistantships for graduate students who are seeking Ph.D. degrees in Cell, Developmental or Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and organic chemistry. These assistantships include compensation packages of a salary plus the costs of tuition and fees. 

Program Overview

The BioEd Program is a collaboration between two award winning CAU Departments – Biological Sciences and Curriculum and Instruction – to offer students an incredible career path. Students will earn a B.S. Degree in Biological Sciences Teacher Certification which is one of the most sought after Professions in Science that is in high demand now and for the future. This program has a two-pronged focus: to address historical inequities in the field of education, and to prepare students to become effective change agents in Biological Sciences who work to inspire and educate  P-12 learners. To function effectively in the contemporary world, students are prepared to use the cultural diversity of their students as an asset.

Mission

The mission of the BioEd Program is to produce effective change agents in Biological Sciences who work to inspire and educate P-12 learners.

Vision

The Departments of Biological Sciences and Curriculum and Instruction will, through the preparation of highly qualified candidates, advance academic achievement of students in Biology in diverse P-12 populations through impactful educational experiences, experiential learning, culturally relevant pedagogy, and the effective use of technology-driven pedagogy in global settings.

BioEd Entrance Criteria

  • Rising Sophomores in Biological Sciences
  • 3.00 GPA
  • Interview with BioEd Team
  • Pass GACE 1PAA OR SAT 1080 Score

Degree Requirements

Summary of discipline and cognate courses

  1. Major courses & teacher certification (required): 64 credit hours
  2. Biology Major courses (required): 33 credit hours
  3. Teacher certification (required): 30 credit hours
  4. Major related courses (cognates): 24 credit hours
  5. General Education Requirements: Minimum 30 credit hours; maximum 36 credit hours
  6. General Education required credit hours: 35
  7. Credit hours of free electives: 0         
  8. Total Credit Hours 122 (Minimum, but due to specialized teacher competency, students may decide to take more than the 122 credit hours generally accepted for the BS; includes First Year Orientation (2 cr.)
  9. Take and pass the GACE Program Admission Assessments and the GACE Content exam

The Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Neuroscience program is designed to expose undergraduates to the rich world of neuroscience research early in their academic journey. Program participants will enter the program as sophomores or juniors, complete requirements for a bachelor of science degree granted by their undergraduate institution and complete requirements for a master of science degree by Morehouse School of Medicine.

The Georgia Alabama Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (GA AL LSAMP) is an NSF funded program and includes nine academic partner institutions. The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented minority students who complete science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) baccalaureate degree programs and matriculate into programs of graduate study.

Department of Chemistry

Clark Atlanta University’s Department of Chemistry is dedicated to excellence and research in chemical sciences. Chemistry drives all life processes and is the foundation of modern technology. The department provides students with a rigorous course of study in the physical and chemical sciences.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Chemistry is to provide students a rigorous course of study in the physical and chemical sciences by utilizing multi-faceted learning experiences, guided inquiry laboratory, and scientific research to prepare students for careers as chemists or professionals in research and development, scientific discovery, or medical service in the global community.

Vision Statement

The Department of Chemistry will aspire to become a leading provider of interdisciplinary approaches to chemistry education and research that attracts and prepares diverse students to be scientifically literate and competitive professionals to meet the future demands of the changing global environment.

Academic Programs

The Department of Chemistry offer programs of study for undergraduates leading to the Bachelors of Science in chemistry. An accelerated program of study also allows students to receive the integrated Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science degrees (BS/MS) in five years of study. The requirements of these programs are outlined below. Students may choose to concentrate in the following areas:

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Biological Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry 
  • Computational Chemistry

The department offers courses to other undergraduate science majors and pre-professional students. Undergraduate majors are encouraged to participate in ongoing research programs.

The Department of Chemistry offers undergraduate students of superior ability entrance to the 5-Year B.S./M.S. Program. Students may be chosen based on their academic achievement in secondary school. Students must have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.25 and a minimum composite Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) score of 900 or a minimum ACT score of 22.

Students must satisfy all University general education requirements for undergraduates, the requisite major and cognate courses for the bachelor’s degree and at least twenty-four (24) semester hours of graduate course work in the major field. Students undertake advanced course work and research during their fourth year of enrollment. Summer research opportunities are provided and may be required, depending on the nature of the students’ research project.

Academic progress is monitored throughout. Students must maintain a cumulative “B” or better average. After successful completion of the third year, students must be admitted to the graduate program. Graduate admissions will depend upon the recommendation of the department chairperson and approval of the School Dean.

During the fourth year, students may begin graduate course work while completing undergraduate degree requirements. Students are engaged in graduate study exclusively during the fifth year, at which time students satisfy the graduate residence requirement.

In order to receive the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry, students must complete at least fifty-four (54) semester hours of course work in Chemistry, at least twenty- four (24) of these at the graduate level. Students must complete an acceptable thesis. Students must apply for candidacy for each degree at the times specified in the university catalogues. Upon completion of the prescribed course of study, students receive two degrees, the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science.

At any point during the students’ participation in this program, they may elect or be required, because of academic performance, to pursue the traditional four-year bachelor’s degree program. In such cases the bachelor’s degree will be awarded once the undergraduate degree requirements are satisfied.

Listed below is the sequenced curriculum designed to facilitate the acquisition of skills and knowledge required for this program.

Department of Chemistry course offerings are designed for students who desire to major in chemistry in preparation for graduate study or work in the chemical professions, for students who desire a teaching certificate in chemistry, and for students in biology, physics, mathematics, engineering and the health sciences. The Department also provides the requisite pre-professional courses for careers in medicine, dentistry, nursing, medical technology, pharmacy, and engineering.

Curriculum
Students may follow a four-year course schedule leading to a B.S. in Chemistry or the five-year program leading to the integrated BS/MS degree in chemistry.
 
Sample Plan of Study
The following outlines a proposed sequence of courses for the Bachelor of Science chemistry. This sequence is suggested, not mandatory.

FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester: 18 hours
CCHE 111 General Chemistry (4)
CBIO 111 General Biology I (4)
CGED 100 First Year Seminar I (1)
CENG 105 English Composition I (3)
CMAT 111 Calculus I (4)
CHIS 201 U.S., Africa and the World I (3)

Second Semester: 18 hours
CCCHE 112 General Chemistry (4)
CBIO 112 General Biology II (4)
CGED 101 First Year Seminar (1)
CENG 106 English Composition II (3)
CPSY 211 General Psychology (3)
CMAT 112 Calculus II (4)


SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester: 18 hours
CCHE 231 Organic Chemistry (4)
CCHE 212 Analytical Chemistry I (4)
CMAT 211 Calculus III (4)
CENG 201/2 World Literature I or II (3)
CHIS 202 U.S., Africa and the World II (3)

Second Semester: 18 hours
CCHE 232 Organic Chemistry II (4)
CHUM Humanities Requirements (3)
CMAT 212 Differential Equations I (3)
CSOC 105 Culture and Society (3)
CCIS 105 Programming Principle (3)


JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester: 15 hours
CCHE 341 Physical Chemistry (4)
CCHE 380 Chemistry Seminar (0)
CSTA 101 Fundamentals of Speech (3)
CMFL 201 Foreign Language (3)
CPHY 111 General and Modern Physics (4)

Second Semester: 17 hours
CCHE 342 Physical Chemistry (4)
CCHE 381 Chemistry Seminar (1)
CMFL 202 Foreign Language (3)
CPHY 112 General and Modern Physics (4)
CPHI or CREL Philosophy/Religion Requirement (3)


SENIOR YEAR
First Semester: 12 hours
CCHE 441 Physical Chemistry (4)
CCHE 480 Senior Chemistry Seminar (0)
CCHE 431 Advanced Organic Chemistry (4)
CCHE 443 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (4)
CCHE 480 Special Topics in Chemistry

Second Semester: 12 hours
CCHE 412 Instrumental Analysis (4)
CCHE 432 Advanced Organic Chemistry (4)
CCHE 481 Senior Chemistry Seminar (1)
Elective (4)

Accelerated B.S./M.S. Degree Program
The Department of Chemistry offers undergraduate students of superior ability entrance to the 5-Year B.S./M.S. Program. Students may be chosen based on their academic achievement in secondary school. Students must have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.25 and a minimum composite Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) score of 900 or a minimum ACT score of 22.

Students must satisfy all University general education requirements for undergraduates, the requisite major and cognate courses for the bachelor’s degree and at least twenty-four (24) semester hours of graduate course work in the major field. Students undertake advanced course work and research during their fourth year of enrollment. Summer research opportunities are provided and may be required, depending on the nature of the students’ research project.

Academic progress is monitored throughout. Students must maintain a cumulative “B” or better average. After successful completion of the third year, students must be admitted to the graduate program. Graduate admissions will depend upon the recommendation of the department chairperson and approval of the School Dean.

During the fourth year, students may begin graduate course work while completing undergraduate degree requirements. Students are engaged in graduate study exclusively during the fifth year, at which time students satisfy the graduate residence requirement.

In order to receive the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry, students must complete at least fifty-four (54) semester hours of course work in Chemistry, at least twenty-four (24) of these at the graduate level. Students must complete an acceptable thesis. Students must apply for candidacy for each degree at the times specified in the university catalogues. Upon completion of the prescribed course of study, students receive two degrees, the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science.

At any point during the students’ participation in this program, they may elect or be required, because of academic performance, to pursue the traditional four-year bachelor’s degree program. In such cases the bachelor’s degree will be awarded once the undergraduate degree requirements are satisfied.

Listed below is the sequenced curriculum designed to facilitate the acquisition of skills and knowledge required for this program.

5-YEAR BS/MS PROGRAM IN CHEMISTRY
First Semester: 17 hours
CCHE 111 General Chemistry (4)
BIO 111 General Biology (4)
CMAT 111 Calculus I (4)
ENG-C 105 English Composition I (3)
GED-C 100 First Year Seminar I (1)
PED-C 101/2 Physical Education Requirement (1)

Second Semester: 16 hours
CCHE 112 General Chemistry (4)
BIO 112 General Biology (4)
CMAT 112 Calculus II (4)
GED-C 101 First Year Seminar II (1)
ENG-C 106 English Composition II (3)


SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester: 18 hours
CCHE 231 Organic Chemistry I (4)
CMAT 211 Calculus III (4)
CPHY 121 General Physics (4)
ENG-C 201/2 World Literature I or II (3)
HIS-C 201 U.S., Africa and the World I (3)

Second Semester: 17 hours
CCHE 232 Organic Chemistry II (4)
CMAT 212 Differential Equations (3)
CPHY 122 General Physics (4)
LIB-C 101 Information Technology and Computer Application (3)
HIS-C 202 U.S., Africa and the World II (3)


JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester: 17 hours
CCHE 211 Analytical Chemistry (4)
CCHE 341 Physical Chemistry (4)
GER 201 German (3)
PHI/REL-C Philosophy/Religion Requirement (3)
CCHE Chemistry Seminar (0)
SOC-C 101 Culture and Society (3)

Second Semester: 17 hours
CCHE 342 Physical Chemistry (4)
GER 202 German (3)
STA-C 101 Fundamentals of Speech (3)
CIS 205 Structured Programming (3)
CCHE Chemistry Seminar
SOC-C 101 Culture and Society (3)

SENIOR YEAR
First Semester: 15 hours
CCHE 421 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3)
CCHE 421L Inorganic Chemistry Lab (2)
CCHE 441 Mathematical Method in Chemistry (3)
CCHE Research in Chemistry Area (3)
CCHE 481 Chemistry Seminar (1)
CCHE Advanced Course or Core Course (3)

Second Semester: 16 hours
CCHE 412,412L Instrumentation with Lab (4)
CCHE Chemistry Core Course or Advanced Course (3)
PSY-C 211 General Psychology (3)
CCHE Research in Chemistry Area (3)
HUM-C Humanities Requirement (3)
SUMMER SENIOR YEAR
CCHE Research in Chemistry Area (3-6)


FIFTH YEAR
First Semester: 9 hours
CCHE Core Course/CCHE Area Course (3)
CCHE Core Course/CCHE Area Course (3)
CCHE Research in Chemistry Area (3)

Second Semester: 9 hours
CCHE Core Course/CCHE Area Course (3)
CCHE Core Course/CCHE Area Course (3)
CCHE Core Course/CCHE Area Course (3)

TOTAL HOURS SUMMER AND FIFTH YEAR 21-24
See Graduate Catalog for B.S./M.S. graduate course descriptions.


ADVANCED COURSE OFFERINGS
CCHEM 451 Biochemistry (3)
CCHEM 432 Organic Structure Determination (3)
CCHEM 431 Advanced Organic Chemistry (3)
CCHEM 441 Mathematical Methods in Chemistry (3)

CHEMISTRY CORE COURSES
Physical Chemistry
CCHEM 541 Thermodynamics (3)
CCHEM 542 Quantum Mechanics (3)

Analytical Chemistry
CCHEM 412 Instrumentation (3)

Biochemistry
CCHEM 551 Biochemistry
CCHEM 552 Biochemistry

Industrial Chemistry
CCHEM 531 Topics in Industrial Chemistry (3)
CCHEM 562 Scale-Up for Chemists (3)

Organic Chemistry
CCHEM 531 Mechanistic Organic Chemistry (3)
CCHEM 532 Organic Synthesis (3)

Inorganic Chemistry
CCHEM 522 Physical Inorganic Chemistry (3)

Polymer Chemistry
CCHEM 571 Introduction to Polymer Chemistry (3)
CCHEM 572 Techniques in Polymer Chemistry (3)
CCHEM 573 Physical Polymer Science (3)
Admission Requirements

The Department of Chemistry requires of every student admitted a minimum of thirty-two (32) semester hours, or the equivalent, in the four major areas of chemistry. One year of physics and one year of calculus also are required. Students lacking any of these prerequisites may be admitted conditionally.

Program or Study

The Department of Chemistry offers programs of course work and research leading to the Master of Science degree in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, biochemistry, and industrial chemistry; and the Ph.D. in Chemistry in these subdisciplines.

Master of Science in Chemistry

Students entering the Department are required to take basic examinations during the week of registration in order to insure that they begin graduate work at a level commensurate with their background. The examination is based upon the subject matter covered by the following courses: general chemistry, qualitative analysis, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and mathematics through calculus.

A candidate for the Master of Science degree must complete a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours in a program of study and research approved by the chair of the Department in consultation with the student and his/her major professor. Minimum departmental requirements are the following:

  • Satisfactory completion of a minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hours of approved course work and six (6) semester hours of thesis research, including for all students these required courses: CHE 412 (Instrumentation), CHE 421 (Advanced Inorganic Chemistry), CHE 531 (Mechanistic Organic Chemistry), CHE 532 (Organic Synthesis), CHE 541 (thermodynamics), CHE 542 (Quantum Mechanics). For Biochemistry majors, required course include Advanced Biochemistry (CHE 551 and CHE 552), Physical Chemistry (CHE 541 or CHE 542), Mechanistic Organic Chemistry (CHE 531), Cell Biology or Genetics (BIO 506 or BIO 513), Physical Biochemistry (CHE 651), electives and research.
  • A reading knowledge of French or German as evidenced by passing an examination or course given by the University, or upon petition by the student and written approval of the faculty. Substitution of computer programming with proficiency must be demonstrated by examination, or an acceptable grade in a graduate course in computer science. If a course in computer science is taken in lieu of a foreign language, that course cannot be used to satisfy the 30-hour minimum course requirement for the M.S. Degree.
  • Passing comprehensive examinations.
  • Passing a final examination to be given after approval of the thesis by the research advisor and may be written oral or both.
  • Acceptance of the thesis by the Department.
Masters of Science in Industrial Chemistry

The general requirements are the basic examination, language examination, comprehensive examination, final examination, and acceptance of the thesis are the same as those outlined under the heading Master of Science in Chemistry. Additionally, a candidate for the Master of Science degree in Industrial Chemistry must complete a minimum of thirty-five (35) semester hours and research approved by the chair of the Department in consultation with the student and the Director of the Industrial Chemistry Program. Minimum Departmental requirements consist of the following:

Completion of twenty-nine (29) hours of approved coursework and six (6) of the thesis research involving an internship in the chemical industry, or for students who do not participate in the internship program, completion of thirty-five (35) hours of approved course work and six (6) of thesis research, including these required courses: CHE 412 (Instrumentation), CHE 421 (Advanced Inorganic Chemistry), CHE 531 (Mechanistic Organic Chemistry), CHE 532 (Organic Synthesis), CHE 541 (Thermodynamics), CHE 542 (Quantum Mechanics), CHE 561 (Topics in Industrial Chemistry, CHE 562 (Scale-up for Chemists), CHE 571 (Polymer Chemistry), and an elective in Business Administration.

A medical industrial chemistry option may be satisfied by completion of the following additional courses:

CHE 551: Advanced Biochemistry I
CHE 552: Advanced Biochemistry II

Doctor of Philosophy

Applicants for the Ph.D. program must submit results for a recent Graduate Record Examination and meet all other general admission requirements. Applicants with the master’s degree must have earned a minimum graduate GPA of B. Applicants must pass an entrance examination. Minimum departmental requirements are:

  • Completion of course work including of core courses, and a scientific communications course with minimum course credit beyond the bachelor’s degree totaling forty-four (44) hours for organic majors and thirty-six (36) for biochemistry majors.
  • Evidence of proficiency in the use of two research tools which may be satisfied by reading proficiency in German, French or Russian and in computer science (evidenced by passing a test or completion of an approved graduate course).
  • Passing of three general and one advanced comprehensive examinations by the end of the second year for bachelor’s entrants, master’s entrants passing only an advanced comprehensive examination by the end of their first year, and biochemistry majors are exempted from the general comprehensive in inorganic chemistry.
  • Passing of a required number of cumulative examinations in the field of specialization by the end of the third year for bachelor’s and second year for master’s entrants.
  • Presentation and oral defense of a research proposal by the end of the second year for bachelor’s and third semester for master’s entrants.
  • Passing of a final examination which may be written, oral or both given only after approval of thesis by the thesis advisor.
  • Acceptance of a research dissertation by the Department.
  • Bruker 500 MHz NMR (solution and solid)
  • Bruker 400 MHz NMR
  • Jasco V770 UV-vis NIR Spectrometer
  • Photon Technology International Florescence Spectrometer
  • Perkin Elmer Spectrum FT-IR Spectrometers
  • Perkin Elmer Nexion ICP-MS
  • Agilent GC 8890 with FID and ECD detectors
  • Agilent GC/MS 5893/6970 GC/MS
  • Agilent GC/MS 7820 GC with 5977B MSD
  • Agilent 6545B LC/QTOF
  • Agilent and Waters Alliance HPLCs
  • Bruker Dimension FastScan AFM
  • Zeiss EVO 10 Scanning Electron Microscope
  • Jeol 200 kV Transmission Electron Microscope
  • Malvern-Panalytical Empyrean 2 XRD with SAX/WAXS
  • Rigaku MiniFlex 6G Benchtop X-ray Diffraction System
  • Thermo K- Alpha X-Ray Photoelectron Spectrometer
  • Jeol 2100 Transmission Electron Microscope 200kV
  • Thermal Analysis:

        TA DSC Q2000 TA
        TGA Q50
        Perkin Elmer DSC 6000
        Perkin Elmer DSC 6000
        NETZSXCH DMA 242E Artemis

  • Malvern Panlytical Viscotek SEC System for Gel Permeation Chromatograph
  • Micromeritics ASAP 2020 Accelerated Surface Area and Porosimetry System
  • Computational Chemistry Cluster: The cluster has 1 head node with 15 TB usable disk space, 1 login VM node with 8 cores and HPE Intel Xeon Processor and 32 GB memory, and 3 dual socket compute nodes with 20 cores inside each, for a total of 60 cores. The CPU in each compute node is an Intel(R) Xeon(R) Gold 5115 CPU @ 2.40GHz. The cluster has a total of 192GB RAM and 10GB ethernet network. The University maintains this cluster. The HPC cluster is equipped with software for modelling materials and dealing with real chemical problems. The software currently installed on the cluster includes Gaussian, Q-Chem, Schrödinger, and Amsterdam Modeling Suite.

The Georgia-Alabama Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (GA-AL LSAMP) program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The overarching goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented minorities receiving baccalaureate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and who continue to pursue graduate degrees in STEM.

The Alliance works collaboratively to progressively increase the:
  1. Number of students recruited as STEM majors
  2. Persistence and progression of STEM students
  3. Number of baccalaureate alliance institutions
  4. Number of STEM baccalaureate graduates
  5. Number of STEM graduates who pursue into graduate degrees
The GA-AL LSAMP program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) award No. HRD 1305041
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Department of Cyber-Physical Systems

The Department of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) prepares students to meet the demands of research and training in the IT industry. Each program is designed to provide formal preparation in core courses and research opportunities. Core courses focus on critical technology areas such as information systems, database technology, high performance computing and network security and information assurance, programming languages, software engineering, human-computer interaction and artificial intelligence.

The department offers three degrees:

  • B.S. (Computer Science and Cybersecurity),

  • M.S. (Computer Science), and

  • B.S./M.S. (Computer Science)


The Department of Cyber-Physical Systems’ academic and research activities are strengthened via major funded initiatives. These projects provide opportunities for student participation in research/design efforts and related laboratory work. The Department is affiliated with research institutions, government research laboratories and lay IT corporations that facilitate student summer internships, job placement and early research experience.

In recent years, the CPS Department has made concerted efforts to establish a competitive research and training base and Ph.D. pipeline by enhancing its computer science academic program, its research faculty, and its infrastructure. Major research initiatives include the establishment of the Army Center of Excellence in Information Science, a DOD-Sponsored Information Security Research and Education Center (ISREC) and a Web-based Interactive Training Lab sponsored by Intel. Under the auspices of these programs, several research projects are being conducted in the areas of computer security, Data Mining, High-performance Computing, and Image Processing. These projects are conducted by faculty members leading teams of graduate and undergraduate students.

The CPS department comprises more than 300 undergraduate and graduate students, 6 full-time faculty, and three staff members. The CPS Department places considerable emphasis on research, and student participation in research activities has been made an integral part of the student training process. 

Department of Cyber-Physical Systems
Roy George, Ph.D., Chair, rgeorge@cau.edu  
Science Research Center, Room 1015
404-880-6951

The Department will consider an applicant who has:

  • At least a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an approved college or university and is prepared for advanced study as shown by his/her previous scholastic records;
  • Completed at least twenty-one (21) semester hours of courses above the sophomore level in the area of computer science/CIS;
  • Submitted the results of the general and advanced sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and three letters of recommendation, two of which document familiarity with the area to be pursued;
  • Satisfied additional requirements listed by the School of Arts and Sciences and the University.

The Department may waive one or more requirement, if an applicant demonstrates superior performance (“B” grade or above) in CCIS 582: Introduction to Information Systems or completion of the sequence of CIS 500 level courses.

Requirements for the M.S. Degree in Computer Science

The program requires a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of course work, including:

  • Twelve (12) hours of graduate core courses (CCIS 671, CCIS 672, CIS 673, and CCIS 674);
  • Three (3) hours of research/design project from the sequence CCIS 803-815, leading to a technical report and a final comprehensive examination on its contents; and
  • Fifteen (15) hours of graduate course electives, including a graduate thesis (if applicable).

Note: Students who are admitted on a scholarship are required to complete a thesis.

Research Advisement

The new student is strongly advised to dialog with the faculty members in the first semester of the program to determine his/her area of research interest. By the end of the first semester, a faculty research advisor should be agreed upon, and this information should be communicated with the department

In the event that the student wishes to change research advisors, or add a co-advisor, the procedure to do so involves the following steps:

1. Discuss the situation with the current research advisor.

2. Discuss the situation with the chairman of the department.

3. Discuss the situation with the potential new advisor.

4. Communicate these changes to the department.

Thesis Requirements

A student writing a graduate thesis must complete CCIS 821 as a continuation of the research/design project mentioned above, leading to a graduate thesis and final examination on its contents.

Committee

  • The thesis committee typically includes at least three (3) faculty members: the student’s research advisor as chair, one member suggested by the chair in consultation with the student, and one member appointed by the head of the department. 
  • The committee should be assembled at the beginning of the Fall Semester of the second year, in order to give adequate guidance to the student prior to the thesis proposal (see below).

Research Plan

Typically, after the first year in the Master’s program, the student should begin his/her thesis research under the guidance of the research advisor. The following is the standard sequence to be followed:

1. Research/Design Project

The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth research experience in the particular area of specialization. With the assistance of the research advisor, the student will identify a concrete problem, design a solution, achieve some significant progress in implementing the design solution, and complete a written technical report to be submitted at the end of the course. For non-thesis students, the goals of the project will be such that they can reasonably be achieved in one semester. However, for students pursuing a master’s thesis, completion of this course should make a major milestone toward completion of the thesis research. The final technical report should be of sufficient quality to be considered for conference submission.

The following is a suggested outline for this document:

1. Statement of Research Question 
2. Why is this important or interesting? 
3. What are some of the issues that need to be addressed? 
4. What is the approach to the problem? (General Approach)
5. Detail related or background work 
6. Detail the work done to date 
7. Detailed Research Plan 
8. Research Schedule

2. Thesis Proposal

The technical report resulting from the Research/Design course will serve as the written thesis proposal, and a copy of this document must be submitted to each member of the Thesis Committee for approval. A formal 20-30-minute oral presentation of the proposed research may also be required by the committee. The proposal requirements, including the signing of the Thesis Research Approval form, must be completed within the first three (3) weeks of the semester in which the student expects to register for CIS 821.

3. Master’s Thesis and Defense

The student must register for the Thesis Research course (CIS 821). It is expected that the student’s research will be completed during this semester, and that the thesis document will be written and submitted for approval. The grade for this course includes completion of the thesis document together with a public defense of the thesis.

The following is a sample outline for the thesis document:

1. INTRODUCTION.

  • Statement of Research Question.
  • Why is this important or interesting?
  • What are some of the issues that need to be addressed?
  • General Approach.
  • Outline of remaining chapters.

2. BACKGROUND/RELATED WORK.

  • What has been done in this area?
  • How is this work relevant to the thesis?

3. SYSTEM DESIGN.

4. SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION.

  • Show relationship between implementation and design. Sample screens and/or output.

5. TESTING AND EVALUATION.

6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.

  • Recap of what work was done.
  • How well was the research question answered?
  • Strengths and weaknesses of the work.
  • Future Work.

7. REFERENCES.

  • All references listed must be cited in the body of the thesis. Approximately ten (10) references should be considered a minimum.

8. APPENDIX

  • Any code and/or forms used.


The thesis defense is a formal presentation of appromiximately forty-five (45) minutes duration, which must include the thesis committee members, and is usually open to the general CIS community. It represents not just an overview of the thesis research, but is to be considered an (oral examination). The thesis committee may question any part of the document, and/or supporting computer science knowledge that the candidate should be expected to know in the related area (s) of specialization. If the candidate has not satisfactorily addressed the questions, either orally, or in the thesis document, the Committee may request revisions to the document, and, in some cases, may require further defense. Therefore, it is in the interest of the student to interact with the committee members prior to the defense, and to try to ensure that the work is as complete as possible before the defense presentation. The complete final draft of the thesis must be presented to the committee members at least two weeks prior to the desired defense date. The advisor will ascertain from the committee members within a week whether the defense can be scheduled, and will make appropriate arrangements. The student should also be prepared to demonstrate any implementation in the week prior to the defense.

[Note 1.] Receiving a passing grade for the thesis course and obtaining the committee’s signatures on the cover page do not constitute completion of institutional requirements. The final thesis document must be prepared according to the standards set by the School of Arts and Sciences, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that these requirements are met.

[Note 2.] The deadline for turning in all the relevant material to the Dean’s Office in time for Spring Graduation is usually in March. In order to meet this deadline, the student must make significant research progress in the previous two semesters. As an alternative, the student may take the entire Spring Semester to complete the requirements and aim to graduate during the Summer commencement period. It is therefore extremely important to discuss personal deadlines and constraints with the Research Advisor, in order to construct a realistic plan for successful completion.

Physics
Programs of Study

The department offers two distinct options leading to the Master of Science degree, one in pure physics and one in applied physics. The M.S. degree program in pure physics provides the basic coursework and research skills necessary for persons who might pursue a Ph.D. degree in physics. The M.S. degree program in applied physics equips individuals with tools and techniques necessary for solving applied physical problems arising in business, government and industry.

Each option requires a minimum of 21 hours of basic core courses in physics, six hours of thesis research or research projects, and three or six hours of approved electives depending on thesis or non-thesis options.

The electives are approved by the department chairperson. Certain courses offered by the departments of chemistry, computer science, and mathematical sciences may satisfy the elective requirement.

Degree Requirements

Master of Science (Thesis) 

In addition to the general requirements specified by the School of Arts and Sciences and the University, students will be required to fulfill the following:

  • A minimum of 30 hours of graduate-level coursework is required. 21 hours of core courses numbered CPHY 501 – CPHY 532. Additional nine hours of graduate coursework chosen from; CPHY 540, CPHY 545, CPHY 565, CPHY 615; and CPHY 601-602; including two semesters of Thesis Research (CPHY 603).
  • Completion of a thesis and a final oral examination, focusing upon thesis contents.
  • Completion of an approved three hour elective course.

Master of Science(Non-Thesis) 

In addition to the general requirements specified by the School of Arts and Sciences and the University, students will be required to fulfill the following:

  • Completion of at least 21 hours of graduate-level coursework in physics courses numbered 500 and above. Six hours of credit in research courses.
  • Completion of two approved elective courses.
  • Completion of an exit exam.

The basic core courses for the master of science degree in physics consist of the following: CPHY 501, 503, 515-516, 520, 531-532, 601-602, 603-604. Students are advised to take at least one course in computer science.

Accelerated B.S./M.S. Degree Program

The Department of Physics offers students with superior records entrance to the five-year B.S./M.S. program. Students may be chosen based, on their academic achievement in secondary school or college. To be eligible for selection, beginning undergraduate students must have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.25 and a minimum composite Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) score of 900 on reading and math sections, or a minimum ACT score of 22. Participants are selected from eligible applicants through an extensive screening process conducted by departmental faculty.

Students selected to participate must satisfy all University General Education requirements for undergraduates, the requisite major and cognate courses for the bachelor’s degree and at least 30 semester hours of graduate course work in the major field. Students pursue advanced course work and research during their fourth year of enrollment. Summer research opportunities are provided and may be required depending upon the nature of the student’s research project.

Academic progress is monitored continuously. Students must maintain a cumulative “B” or better average. After successful completion of the third year, students are admitted to the graduate program. Graduate admissions are based upon the recommendation of the department chairperson and approval of the school dean.

During the fourth year, students may begin taking graduate course work while completing undergraduate degree requirements. The maximum credit hour load for undergraduate study shall obtain through the fourth year of study. Students will be engaged in graduate study exclusively during the fifth year, at which time the maximum credit hour load for graduate study shall obtain. During the fifth year students must satisfy the graduate residence requirement.

In order to receive the B.S. and M.S. degrees in physics, the student must complete at least 54 semester hours of course work in physics, at least 30 semester hours of which must be at the graduate level. Students must complete an acceptable thesis. Students must apply for candidacy for each degree at the times specified in the University catalogues. Upon completion of the prescribed course of study, a student will receive two degrees, the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science.

At any point during the student’s participation in this program, he or she may elect or be required, because of academic performance, to pursue the traditional four-year bachelor’s degree program. In such cases, the bachelor’s degree may be awarded once the undergraduate degree requirements are satisfied.

Department of Physics
Dr. Michael Williams, Interim Chair, mdwms@cau.edu  
Mcpheeters-Dennis 110
404-880-8799  
404-880-6902

The Department of Physics at Clark Atlanta University provides students with the ability to pursue research interests in a number of fields under the guidance of individual faculty members. These fields include:

  1. theoretical studies in mathematical physics
  2. computational physics
  3. scattering theory
  4. solid-state theory and experiment

In addition, the department hosts three Research Centers:

The Center for Theoretical Studies of Physical Systems (CTSPS)

This center is directed by Alfred Z. Msezane, Ph.D. Strengths of this center include low-energy scattering theory, solid-state theory, image processing and mathematical physics theory.

The Earth System Science Program (ESSP)

This center is directed by Randal L. N. Mandock, Ph.D. Strengths of this center include experimental atmospheric science, atmospheric turbulence structure in the surface boundary layer, and atmospheric modeling.

Center of Excellence in Microelectronics and Photonics (CEMP)

This center is directed by Michael D. Williams, Ph.D. Strengths of this center are the experimental study of semiconductor surfaces using techniques of Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) and other high-vacuum scattering probes.

Social Sciences

Sociology and Criminal Justice

The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice houses two programs. Four degrees are offered from these programs – two undergraduate degrees (Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice) and two graduate degrees (Master of Arts in Sociology and Master of Arts Criminal Justice).

The Department consists of five full-time faculty members with substantive academic research and field experience. 

In addition to core theoretical foundations in sociology, criminology, and criminal justice, departmental strengths include quantitative methodology and analysis. However, Environmental Justice, Medical Sociology, Law Enforcement and Corrections are the primary areas of faculty research activity and service. Over the years, the faculty have obtained and administered several grants from federal, state and local governments and private organizations.

Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice

Anthony T. Adams, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology and Chair
Office: 404.880.6194

Candidates seeking admission to the Graduate Program of Criminal Justice must meet the general requirements of the University and of the School of Arts and Sciences. Students must have taken the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test and should have a broadly based background in the social and behavioral sciences. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 in their area of specialization. The undergraduate major should include at least one course in criminal justice theory. At the discretion of the Departmental Graduate Committee, deficiencies in the above areas may be removed by other course work in the graduate program. Persons admitted into the Program without an undergraduate degree or experience in Criminal Justice will be required to take undergraduate prerequisites (6 to 9 semester hours) as deemed appropriate by the department.

Degree Requirements

The minimum requirements for the Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice is thirty-six (36) semester hours with:

  • The satisfactory completion of the following core courses consisting of twenty-seven (27) hours –
    • CSCJ 520 Urban Society and Culture
    • CSCJ 501 Sociological Theories
    • CSCJ 502 Criminological Theories
    • CSCJ 503 Research Methods I
    • CSCJ 505 Statistics I
    • CSCJ 514 Law Enforcement Administration
    • CSCJ 516 Judiciary System: Court System
    • CSCJ 517 Correctional Systems
    • CSCJ 518 Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
    • CSCJ 603 Statistics II
  • The satisfactory completion of six (6) semester hours from the following elective courses –
    • CSCJ 520 Urban Society and Culture
      CSCJ 526 Selected Topics Seminar in Sociology and Criminal Justice
    • CSCJ 571 International Criminality, National Security, and Terrorism
    • CSCJ 579 Cultural and Ethnic Relations
    • CSCJ 582 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
  • The satisfactory completion and defense of a thesis [CSCJ 805; three (3) semester hours]
    (OR)
  • The satisfactory completion of a practicum [CSCJ 519; three (3) semester hours] with an assigned criminal justice agency for a minimum total of 480 hours.
  • Passing a written comprehensive examination consisting of Criminal Justice Theory and Research Methods. A passing evaluation of this examination must be obtained within three (3) attempts. The student must have completed a minimum of twenty-seven (27) semester hours and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 before receiving eligibility to take the examination.

Note: The following courses consisting of fifteen (15) semester hours must be among the twenty-seven (27) completed hours for examination eligibility:

  • CSCJ 501 Sociological Theories
  • CSCJ 502 Criminological Theories
  • CSCJ 503 Research Methods I
  • CSCJ 505 Statistics I
  • CSCJ 518 Delinquency and Juvenile Justice System
Plan for Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

First Year
1st Semester (9 hours)

Completion of all conditional requirements (if applicable)
CSCJ 501 Sociological Theories 
CSCJ 503 Research Methods I
CSCJ 505 Statistics I

2nd Semester (9 hours)
CSCJ 502 Criminological Theories 
CSCJ 518 Delinquency and Juvenile System
CSCJ 603 Advanced Statistics

Second Year
3rd Semester (9 hours) 

CSCJ 514 Law Enforcement Administration 
CSCJ 516 Judiciary System 
CSCJ 517 Correctional System

4th Semester (9 hours)
CSCJ 519 Practicums
CSCJ (Elective*)
CSCJ (Elective*)

  • *Other utility courses include:
  • CSCJ 500 Administration of Criminal Justice 
  • CSCJ 613 Independent Study
  • CSCJ 801 Thesis Consultation
  • CSCJ 805 Thesis Research

Ideally, the student’s first and third semesters are fall semesters. The second and fourth semesters are spring semesters. Given that certain courses are only taught during certain semesters, the suggested sequence of courses has been constructed with this in mind. If a student enters into the master’s program in a semester other than the fall, he/she must be aware that some courses may have prerequisites. Therefore, the prerequisite must be completed (which may be the next year) before the course currently offered can be taken. Also, students with conditional admission may not be able to complete all course requirements in four semesters because of the contingency requirements (usually developmental courses).

Admission Requirements

The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice admits applicants to the program with previous academic preparation in general education, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences and who demonstrate a promise of completion of studies leading to the Master of Arts degree.  

Candidates seeking admission into Master’s program in Criminal Justice or Sociology must meet the general requirements of the university and of the School of Arts and Sciences.  The potential student must have taken the Graduate Record Examination, meet the general requirements of the University and of the School of Arts and Sciences Examination Aptitude Test, and should have a broadly based background in the social and behavioral sciences.  

The applicant must have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher at the undergraduate level. At the discretion of the Department (i.e., concurrence of advisor and Chairperson), deficiencies in some of the above areas may be removed by taking required prerequisite courses at the beginning of the graduate program.


Degree Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of Clark Atlanta University, a candidate for the degree of Master of Arts in Sociology must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of course work in sociology, which may include departmentally approved courses in related disciplines.

Included in the 30 hours are required core courses (18 hours):

  • CSCJ 501 Sociological Theories
  • CSCJ 502 Criminological Theories
  • CSCJ 503 Research Methods I
  • CSCJ 504 Research Methods II
  • CSCJ 505 Statistics I
  • CSCJ 603 Statistics II

A minimum of nine (9) hours of course work from the following electives:

  • CSCJ 520 Urban Society and Culture
  • CSCJ 521 Population and Society
  • CSCJ 531 Social Psychology
  • CSCJ 553 Criminology and the Criminal Justice System
  • CSCJ 555 Medical Sociology
  • CSCJ 559 Deviant Behavior
  • CSCJ 562 Social Stratification
  • CSCJ 563 The Family
  • CSCJ 564 Gender Roles and Society
  • CSCJ 565 Sociology of Education
  • CSCJ 575 Cultural and Social Anthropology
  • CSCJ 579 Cultural and Ethnic Relations
  • CSCJ 580 Environmental Racism
  • CSCJ 587 Urban Ethnography

Passing of a reading examination in French, German, or Spanish; or passing a noncredit course in computer science (MAT 503).

The satisfactory completion and defense of a thesis [CSCJ 805; three (3) semester hours]

OR

The satisfactory completion of a practicum [CSCJ 519; three (3) semester hours] with an assigned agency for a minimum total of 480 hours AND passing a written comprehensive examination consisting of Sociological/Criminological Theories and Research Methods.

*A passing evaluation of this examination must be obtained within three (3) attempts. The student must have completed a minimum of twenty-seven (27) semester hours and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 before receiving eligibility to take the examination.

Note: The following courses consisting of fifteen (15) semester hours must be among the twenty-seven (27) completed hours for examination eligibility:

CSCJ 501 Sociological Theories
CSCJ 502 Criminological Theories
CSCJ 503 Research Methods I
CSCJ 504 Research Methods II
CSCJ 505 Statistics I
CSCJ 603 Statistics II


Ideally, the student’s first and third semesters are fall semesters. The second and fourth semesters are spring semesters. Given that certain courses are only taught during certain semesters, the suggested sequence of courses has been constructed with this in mind. If a student enters into the master’s program in a semester other than the fall, he/she must be aware that some courses may have prerequisites. Therefore, the prerequisite must be completed (which may be the next year) before the course currently offered can be taken. Also, students with conditional admission may not be able to complete all course requirements in four semesters because of the contingency requirements (usually developmental courses).

Public Administration

The Public Administration Department was founded in 1975. The Department has held membership in the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). The curriculum conforms to the accreditation standards adopted by the NASPAA which expresses the program’s commitment to the field and to public service education as a discipline. NASPAA-accredited programs are leaders in the field of public service education. The NASPAA Standards and accreditation process serve to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of graduate public service degrees, globally. The program has evolved from a general Master of Public Administration degree to a curriculum that offers four areas of specialization in:

  • Human Resources Management
  • Internal Administration & Development Management
  • Nonprofit Leadership & Management
  • Public Policy

Department of Public Administration
Henry Elonge, Ph.D., Chairhelonge1@cau.edu
McPheeters-Dennis, Room 280
404-880-6650

Program Highlights

  • New Nonprofit Leadership & Management Specialization
  • Public Administration Alumni Network Re-chartered (CAUAA Affiliate)
  • New Mentoring Program
  • National Forum for Black Public Administrators Executive Leadership Institute Host Site
  • American Society for Public Administration – Georgia Chapter Conference Host
  • Southeastern Conference for Public Administration University Host

Aja Smith, awesome MPA student, was informed she won one of the graduate NFBPA scholarships and will be traveling to the conference in Minneapolis for the scholarship ceremony! 

She has also been hired as the policy analyst intern for a federal agency!
 
Kemryn Lawrence, a stellar Public Administration graduate student,
34th Graduate Vice President and 22-23 White House Scholar received a 5-year full ride PhD scholarship from UCLA STEER Program to any University of California School of her choosing. 
 
The Public Administration Student Association (PASA) earned a financial award from the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) for their assistance hosting a national conference in Atlanta. That funding will support the PASA Annual Banquet to be held on April 15.
 
The Public Administration Department is undergoing an in-depth self-study to be presented to Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) their accrediting agency. The department has successfully earned reaccreditation many times and is expected to do so again. This is a collaborative effort utilizing the expertise of all CAU executives, OPAR as a data source, faculty, staff and students. The self-study contains a thorough review of program statistics, methodology and modifications to support the best possible education for the students. 

Mission

The Mission of the Master of Public Administration program at Clark Atlanta University is to educate a diverse group of students in core areas of public administration. The program is designed to prepare students for successful careers in leadership and management in the public and non-profit sectors. CAU’s Master of Public Administration program offers students an innovative global education, high-value engagement, and transformative experiences through research and service. The program is grounded in tenets of diversity, ethics, professionalism, and social equity, which are essential foundations for the development of well-credentialed and skilled future public administrators.

Vision 

The Public Administration Department’s vision is to become the leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Public Administration program in the United States. It is our hope that students will leverage Clark Atlanta University’s (CAU) rich history and experiences in advocating for diversity, ethics, professionalism, and social equity to make meaningful contributions to national and international public service organizations.

The overall purpose of the Public Administration Department’s Advisory Board is to support the research, instructional, and public service missions of the Public Administration Department as it seeks to enhance its top national ranking and reputation for excellence. More specifically, the Advisory Board provides advice and counsel at the request of the Department in matters relating to the academic and professional development of the department. It will also serve as a potential liaison for the Department’s current students to the professional world and mentor students as they enter the workforce. Finally, the Board generates the human and material resources necessary to attain the goals and objectives of the department. The Advisory Board is comprised of a select group of 8 – 10 members. Individuals are appointed to serve on the Board by invitation only for a three-year term. Advisory Board members represent all sectors: public, private, and non-profit.  Additional Board information is available via the Advisory Board’s website @ http://padadvisoryboard.blogspot.com/.

Dr. Henry Elonge, Department Chair & Associate Professor
Phone: 404-880-6650
Email: helonge1@cau.edu
Ph.D., State University of New York, Albany
Affiliations: National Forum for Black Public Administrators, Southeastern Conference for Public Administration
Faculty Advisor: Model African Union Student Chapter, Phi Gammu Mu International Honor Society, International City/County Management Association Student Chapter
 
Dr. Timothy Rose
Assistant Professor
Ph.D, Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge
MPA, CAU
Phone: 404-880-6881
Email: trose@cau.edu
 
Dr. Oyebade Oyerinde
Associate Professor
Ph.D., Indiana University
M.Sc. in Public Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-lfe, Nigeria
Phone: 404-880-6164
Email: ooyerinde@cau.edu
Affiliations: American Society of Public Administration, Southeastern Conference for Public Administration

Dr. Teri Platt
Ph.D. Clark Atlanta University
M.A. Clark Atlanta University
Phone: 404-880-8172
Email: tplatt@cau.edu
Affiliations: American Political Science Association, National Conference of Black Political Scientists, American Society for Public Administration
 
Dr. Sabrina Riles
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Georgia
MPA, University of Georgia
Phone: 404-880-6882
Email: sriles@cau.edu
Affiliations: American Society of Public Administration, Southeastern Conference for Public Administration
Faculty Advisor: Public Administration Student Association

Dr. Sheila Toppin
Associate Professor
D.P.A., Valdosta State University
MPA, Clark Atlanta University
Phone: 404-880-6652
Email: stoppin@cau.edu
Affiliations: American Society of Public Administration, Conference of Minority Public Administrators, Southeastern Conference for Public Administration
Faculty Advisor: Internship Program, Public Administration Alumni Network (CAUAA Affiliate)
 
Ms. Terry Kight, Staff Assistant
Phone: 404-880-6650
Email: Tkight@cau.edu

The application process requires that you complete and return your application to our Graduate Admissions Office according to the instructions. Your application must be accompanied by the application fee and the following documents:

  • Three letters of recommendation are required. These may be emailed directly to GraduateAdmissions@cau.edu. At least two of your references should be former instructors in your major area. We suggest that your name be written in the spaces provided before you submit them to your references.
  • Official transcript (undergraduate/graduate), sent to the Graduate Admissions Office.
  • Admissions deadlines are June 1st for Fall Semester and October 1st for Spring Semester. Applications received after those dates will be considered for the subsequent semester.
  • Admission to the Department requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.

When selecting applicants for admission, the faculty considers academic background, work experience, and potential for successfully completing the requirements of the degree. We look forward to you joining our program!

Applying as a First Year International Student

We recommend applying through Clark Atlanta University Application or  The Common Application.

In order to process foreign transcripts, you should have your transcript evaluated by World Education Services (WES) or a similar service. If you have not graduated from an English-speaking secondary school you should submit either your preferred English language exam [either TOEFL or IELTS] score in place of the SAT or ACT.  The minimum IELTS score is a 4.5 or a 32 to 34 on the TOEFL. A waiver of the TOEFL requirement will be granted if the applicant has earned a diploma from an institution whose curriculum is taught in English. Before final action on an international student application can be completed, the Office of Admissions must receive the following:

  • Clark Atlanta University Application or Common Application
  • Official high school transcript(s) from each school attended
  • Non-refundable $55 application fee
  • Official TOEFL score or IELTS score [not required for international students studying a curriculum taught in English]

Apply at https://www.cau.edu/apply-to-cau/

QUESTIONS?

Contact the Graduate Admissions Office @ graduateadmissions@cau.edu.

Contact the Graduate Programs Office @ graduateprograms@cau.edu

There are two types of MPA students: In-Service and Pre-Service

In-Service Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Public Administration Degree (For In-Service Students) requires the following:

1. An earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.

2. A grade point average of not less than 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the undergraduate level

3. At least five (5) years of substantive experiences in a Pubic/Non-Profit organization in the areas of management, supervision, or significant technical assistance.

4. Applicants must provide appropriate documentation as evidence of professional experience

Pre-Service Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Public Administration Degree (For Pre-Service Students) requires the following:

1. An earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.

2. A grade point average of not less than 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the undergraduate level

Degree Overview

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is a professional degree. It is designed to prepare preservice students for position in the public sector, nonprofit organizations, and to improve the managerial capabilities of those individuals already employed in the public service and in nonprofit organizations. The MPA degree prepares individuals for employment in all levels of government. The curriculum is designed to accomplish three objectives:

1. It is designed to enhance the student’s values, knowledge, and skills to act ethically and effectively in the management of public and nonprofit organizations. It includes the knowledge of human resources, budgeting and financial processes, and the acquisition of information, including computer literacy and applications;

2. It is designed to develop skills in the application if quantitative and qualitative techniques of analysis in policy and program formulation, implementation, and evaluation; and

3. The curriculum helps students to develop an understanding of the public policy and organizational environment including the political and legal institutions and processes, economic and social institution processes, and organization and management concepts.

Degree Requirements

The minimum requirements for the Master of Public Administration degree are as follows:

  • Completion of thirty-six (36) semester hours of coursework in Public Administration and other special areas as approved by the department.
  • Completion and oral defense of a Capstone Project (Exit Paper) approved by the Faculty.

Program Snapshot (36 Credit Hours)

  • 8 core courses (24 credit hours)
  • 2 specialization courses (6 credit hours)
  • 1 elective or internship course (3 credit hours)
  • 1 Capstone Project Seminar (3 credit hours)
  • Completion/successful defense of the Exit Paper/Capstone Project

Capstone Project (Exit Paper)

All students are required to complete a Capstone Project related to their specialization. Students conduct research and present their findings in an Exit Paper, which focuses on a problem area or issue identified either during the internship or mentorship. Students with substantive prior experience related to their specialization may select topics within their specialization in consultation with their advisors. The Guide for the Preparation of the Exit Paper is available in the Public Administration Department.

Exit Paper (Capstone) Requirements

All students are required to write an Exit Paper, which focuses on a problem area or issue identified during the internship experience. Students who have the internship waived due to previous work experience may select topics within their specialization in consultation with their advisors. In the latter case they would have to take an additional course to make up for the 3 credits for the waived internship. The Guide for the Preparation of the Exit Paper is available in the Public Administration Department.

Time Limit for Degree Completion

Those students who have not completed all requirements for the degree within the five (5) year period as designated by University Policy for all Master degree programs, may petition the Department for readmission. Readmission forms may be obtained from the Public Administration Department.

Readmission to the Program

The Public Administration faculty will review all petitions for readmission and will advise the petitioner of the action taken on the petition. Those individuals who are readmitted must comply with the following:

  • Enrollment and completion of the requirements in the six (6) courses
  • Preparation and defense of the Exit Paper
  • Completion of all the above requirements within three (3) continuous semesters, not including the summer session that comes in between the regular semesters.

Public Administration Student Association (PASA)

The Public Administration Student Association (PASA) was created within the Public Administration Department at Clark Atlanta University in 1978. Since then, we have been involved in numerous community service activities, which have allowed us to increase our skills in helping those who are less fortunate. PASA provides students with a stimulating educational environment which fosters intellectual, social, and cultural curiosity as a foundation for developing creative alternative solutions to public sector problems, and enhances their professional development through development programs and linkages with public organizations at the federal, state, and local levels.  One of PASA’s goals is to support the education of students in areas of public affairs/ administration and to prepare them for effective public management careers. PASA organizes activities that offer an enabling environment for students to succeed in the program.  Such activities include participation in the annual AIDS Walk Atlanta, Feeding the Homeless, Fall/Spring Cocoons, MLK Day Walk, PASA annual banquet, and mentoring.

 

Advisory Board

The overall mission of the Public Administration Department’s Advisory Board is to support the research, instructional, and public service missions of the Public Administration Department as it seeks to enhance its top national ranking and reputation for excellence. More specifically, the Advisory Board will provide advice and counsel at the request of the Department in matters relating to the academic and professional development of the department. It will also serve as a potential liaison for the Department’s current students to the professional world and mentor students as they enter the workforce. Finally, the Board will help generate the human and material resources necessary to attain the goals and objectives of the department. The Advisory Board is comprised of a select group of 10 – 15 members. Individuals will be appointed to serve on the Board by invitation only for a three-year term. Advisory Board members represent all sectors: public, private, and non-profit.  Meetings are held on CAU’s campus once per semester.

In-Service Program or Persons with Significant Professional Experience

The Public Administration Department provides a modified program for in-service persons or for persons with significant professional service that reduces the required graduate credits for forty-two (36) credits to thirty-six (30) credits.

In-Service Admission Requirements

The application process requires that you complete and return your application to our Graduate Admissions Office according to the instructions. Admission to the Master of Public Administration Degree (For In-Service Students)requires the following: 

  1. An earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college;
  2. A grade point average of not less than 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the undergraduate level;
  3. At least five (5) years of substantive experiences in a Public/Non-Profit organization in the areas of management, supervision, or significant technical assistance; and
  4. Applicants must provide appropriate documentation as evidence of professional experience.

In-Service Degree Requirements

The minimum requirements for the Master of Public Administration degree are as follows:

  • Completion of thirty-six (30) semester hours of coursework in Public Administration and other special areas as approved by the department.
  • Completion and oral defense of a Capstone Project (Exit Paper) approved by the Faculty.

In-Service Program Snapshot (30 Credit Hours)

  • 8 core courses (24 credit hours)
  • 1 Specialization course (3 credit hours)
  • 1 Capstone Project Seminar (3 credit hours)

Completion/successful defense of the Exit Paper/Capstone Project

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is a professional degree. It is designed to prepare preservice students for position in the public sector, nonprofit organizations, and to improve the managerial capabilities of those individuals already employed in the public service and in nonprofit organizations. The MPA degree prepares individuals for employment in all levels of government. The curriculum is designed to accomplish three objectives:

  1. It is designed to enhance the student’s values, knowledge, and skills to act ethically and effectively in the management of public and nonprofit organizations. It includes the knowledge of human resources, budgeting and financial processes, and the acquisition of information, including computer literacy and applications;
  2. It is designed to develop skills in the application if quantitative and qualitative techniques of analysis in policy and program formulation, implementation, and evaluation; and
  3. The curriculum helps students to develop an understanding of the public policy and organizational environment including the political and legal institutions and processes, economic and social institution processes, and organization and management concepts.

There are two types of MPA students: In-Service and Pre-Service

In-Service Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Public Administration Degree (For In-Service Students) requires the following:
1. An earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.
2. A grade point average of not less than 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the undergraduate level
3. At least five (5) years of substantive experiences in a Pubic/Non-Profit organization in the areas of management, supervision, or significant technical assistance.
4. Applicants must provide appropriate documentation as evidence of professional experience

Pre-Service Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Public Administration Degree (For Pre-Service Students) requires the following:
1. An earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.
2. A grade point average of not less than 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the undergraduate level

Capstone Project

All students are required to complete a Capstone Project related to their specialization. Students conduct research and present their findings in an Exit Paper, which focuses on a problem area or issue identified either during the internship or mentorship. Students with substantive prior experience related to their specialization may select topics within their specialization in consultation with their advisors. The Guide for the Preparation of the Capstone Project is available in the Public Administration Department.

Time Limit for Completion of the Degree

Those students who have not completed all requirements for the degree within the five (5) year period as designated by University Policy for all Master degree programs, may petition the Graduate Programs Office for readmission. Readmission forms may be obtained from the Public Administration Department.

Readmission to the Program

The Public Administration faculty will review all petitions for readmission and will advise the petitioner of the action taken on the petition. Those individuals who are readmitted must comply with the following:

  • Enrollment and completion of the requirements in the six (6) courses
  • Preparation and defense of the Exit Paper
  • Completion of all the above requirements within three (3) continuous semesters, not including the summer session that comes in between the regular semesters.
PRE SERVICE    
Masters of Public Administration     
Concentration:  Public Policy      
      
      
First Semester   Credit Hrs
PAD 501:Public Administration: Survey of the Field   3
PAD 502:Organizational Theory and Bureaucratic Behavior  3
PAD 503:Research Methods & Data Analysis   3
      
Second Semester    
PAD 504:Economics for Public Administrators   3
PAD 505:Formulation of Public Policy   3
PAD 506:Human Resources Management   3
      
Summer: completion of internships/mentorships (mandatory for all students)  
      
Third Semester    
PAD 507:Public Budgeting and Finance   3
PAD 510:Program Design, Implementation and Evaluation  3
PAD 530:Capstone Project Seminar   3
      
Fourth Semester    
PAD 516:Fundamentals of Social Policy   3
PAD 508:Information Management Systems for Public Administrators 3
Elective    3
Total:            36
      
Recommended Electives    
PAD 509:State and Local Government Finance    
PAD 512:Internship    
PAD 514: Public Management    
PAD 518:Strategic Human Resources Planning    
PAD 520: Environmental Sustainability Policy    
PAD 521: Principles of Community and Economic Development   
      
Reminder: Per CAU Graduate Catalog: VI. Time Requirement for Award of Master’s Degrees 
Each student must complete all requirements for the Master’s degree within five (5) 
calendar years from the date of matriculation. Clark Atlanta University will not award 
academic credit for requirements completed after the five-year period.   
PRE SERVICE     
Masters of Public Administration Degree     
Concentration: Human Resources Management      
      
First Semester   Credit Hrs
PAD 501:Public Administration: Survey of the Field   3
PAD 502:Organizational Theory and Bureaucratic Behavior  3
PAD 503:Research Methods & Data Analysis   3
      
Second Semester    
PAD 504:Economics for Public Administrators   3
PAD 505:Formulation of Public Policy   3
PAD 506:Human Resources Management   3
      
Summer: complete internships/mentorships (mandatory for all students)  
      
Third Semester    
PAD 507:Public Budgeting and Finance   3
PAD 527:Compensation Management    3
PAD 530:Capstone Project Seminar   3
      
Fourth Semester    
PAD 508:Information Management Systems for Public Administrators 3
PAD 518:Strategic Human Resources Planning   3
Elective    3
Total:           36
      
Recommended Electives    
PAD 511:Applied Urban Management    
PAD 512:Internship    
PAD 514: Public Management    
PAD 517:Labor Management    
PAD 519: International Development Administration    
PAD 522: Nonprofit Organization Management    
      
      
Reminder: Per CAU Graduate Catalog: VI. Time Requirement for Award of Master’s Degrees
Each student must complete all requirements for the Master’s degree within five (5) 
calendar years from the date of matriculation. Clark Atlanta University will not award 
academic credit for requirements completed after the five-year period.  
     
Masters of Public Administration    
Concentration: Nonprofit Leadership & Management    
Courses     
     
     
First Semester  Credit Hrs
PAD 501:Public Administration: Survey of the Field  3
PAD 502:Organizational Theory and Bureaucratic Behavior  3
PAD 503:Research Methods & Data Analysis  3
     
Second Semester   
PAD 504:Economics for Public Administrators  3
PAD 505:Formulation of Public Policy  3
PAD 506:Human Resources Management  3
     
Summer    
Completion of internships and mentorships (mandatory for all students)  
     
Third Semester   
PAD 507:Public Budgeting and Finance  3
PAD 522:Nonprofit Organization Management  3
PAD 530:Capstone Project Seminar  3
     
Fourth Semester   
PAD 508:Information Management Systems for Public Administrators 3
PAD 523:Board Governance and Strategic Leadership  3
Elective   3
     
Total:           36
     
Recommended Electives   
PAD 510: Program Design, Implementation and Evaluation   
PAD 512:Internship   
PAD 521: Principles of Community and Economic Development  
PAD 524: Grant Proposal Writing and Management   
PAD 525: Sustainable Urban Management   
PAD 526: Housing and Community Development Policy   
     
Reminder: Per CAU Graduate Catalog: VI. Time Requirement for Award of Master’s Degrees
Each student must complete all requirements for the Master’s degree within five (5) 
calendar years from the date of matriculation. Clark Atlanta University will not award 
academic credit for requirements completed after the five-year period.  
     
Masters of Public Administration    
Concentration: Nonprofit Leadership & Management    
Courses     
     
     
First Semester  Credit Hrs
PAD 501:Public Administration: Survey of the Field  3
PAD 502:Organizational Theory and Bureaucratic Behavior  3
PAD 503:Research Methods & Data Analysis  3
     
Second Semester   
PAD 504:Economics for Public Administrators  3
PAD 505:Formulation of Public Policy  3
PAD 506:Human Resources Management  3
     
Summer    
Completion of internships and mentorships (mandatory for all students)  
     
Third Semester   
PAD 507:Public Budgeting and Finance  3
PAD 522:Nonprofit Organization Management  3
PAD 530:Capstone Project Seminar  3
     
Fourth Semester   
PAD 508:Information Management Systems for Public Administrators 3
PAD 523:Board Governance and Strategic Leadership  3
Elective   3
     
Total:           36
     
Recommended Electives   
PAD 510: Program Design, Implementation and Evaluation   
PAD 512:Internship   
PAD 521: Principles of Community and Economic Development  
PAD 524: Grant Proposal Writing and Management   
PAD 525: Sustainable Urban Management   
PAD 526: Housing and Community Development Policy   
     
Reminder: Per CAU Graduate Catalog: VI. Time Requirement for Award of Master’s Degrees
Each student must complete all requirements for the Master’s degree within five (5) 
calendar years from the date of matriculation. Clark Atlanta University will not award 
academic credit for requirements completed after the five-year period.  
PRE SERVICE     
Masters of Public Administration Degree     
Concentration: Human Resources Management      
      
First Semester   Credit Hrs
PAD 501:Public Administration: Survey of the Field   3
PAD 502:Organizational Theory and Bureaucratic Behavior  3
PAD 503:Research Methods & Data Analysis   3
      
Second Semester    
PAD 504:Economics for Public Administrators   3
PAD 505:Formulation of Public Policy   3
PAD 506:Human Resources Management   3
      
Summer: complete internships/mentorships (mandatory for all students)  
      
Third Semester    
PAD 507:Public Budgeting and Finance   3
PAD 527:Compensation Management    3
PAD 530:Capstone Project Seminar   3
      
Fourth Semester    
PAD 508:Information Management Systems for Public Administrators 3
PAD 518:Strategic Human Resources Planning   3
Elective    3
Total:           36
      
Recommended Electives    
PAD 511:Applied Urban Management    
PAD 512:Internship    
PAD 514: Public Management    
PAD 517:Labor Management    
PAD 519: International Development Administration    
PAD 522: Nonprofit Organization Management    
      
      
Reminder: Per CAU Graduate Catalog: VI. Time Requirement for Award of Master’s Degrees
Each student must complete all requirements for the Master’s degree within five (5) 
calendar years from the date of matriculation. Clark Atlanta University will not award 
academic credit for requirements completed after the five-year period.  
IN SERVICE*   
Masters of Public Administration   
Concentration:  International Administration and Development Management   
    
First Semester   
PAD 501:Public Administration: Survey of the Field 3
PAD 502:Organizational Theory and Bureaucratic Behavior 3
PAD 503:Research Methods & Data Analysis 3
    
Second Semester  
PAD 504:Economics for Public Administrators 3
PAD 505:Formulation of Public Policy 3
PAD 506:Human Resources Management 3
    
Summer: completion of internships/mentorships (mandatory for all students)  
    
Third Semester   
PAD 507:Public Budgeting and Finance 3
PAD 530:Capstone Project Seminar 3
    
Fourth Semester  
PAD 519:International Development Administration 3
PAD 508:Information Management Systems for Public Administrators 3
    
  TOTAL30
    
Core Courses, CPAD 501-508 may only be taken as CPAD 513 Independent Study when approved by the Department Chair and Advisor.
    
Course Substitutions are allowed when approved by the student’s advisor.  
    
Reminder: Per CAU Graduate Catalog: VI. Time Requirement for Award of Master’s Degrees 
Each student must complete all requirements for the Master’s degree within five (5) 
calendar years from the date of matriculation. Clark Atlanta University will not award 
academic credit for requirements completed after the five-year period.  
IN SERVICE*   
Masters of Public Administration   
Concentration:  Public Policy    
    
First Semester  
PAD 501:Public Administration: Survey of the Field 3
PAD 502:Organizational Theory and Bureaucratic Behavior 3
PAD 503:Research Methods & Data Analysis 3
    
Second Semester  
PAD 504:Economics for Public Administrators 3
PAD 505:Formulation of Public Policy 3
PAD 506:Human Resources Management 3
    
Summer: completion of internships/mentorships (mandatory for all students)  
    
Third Semester  
PAD 507:Public Budgeting and Finance 3
PAD 530:Capstone Project Seminar 3
    
Fourth Semester  
PAD 516:Fundamentals of Social Policy 3
PAD 508:Information Management Systems for Public Administrators 3
    
  TOTAL30
    
Core Courses, CPAD 501-508 may only be taken as CPAD 513 Independent Study when approved by the Department Chair and Advisor.
    
Course Substitutions are allowed when approved by the student’s advisor.  
    
Reminder: Per CAU Graduate Catalog: VI. Time Requirement for Award of Master’s Degrees 
Each student must complete all requirements for the Master’s degree within five (5)  
calendar years from the date of matriculation. Clark Atlanta University will not award  
academic credit for requirements completed after the five-year period.

CPAD 501: Public Administration: Survey of the Field. 3 Credits
This is the introductory course in public administration designed to provide students with a broad overview of the field of Public Administration, both as an academic discipline and as a profession. It examines the context in which public administration occurs and its relationship to the social and political environment in which it exists. Students will be exposed to the various functions involved in administration of public policy and how to apply practical solutions to the problem faced in its implementation.
 
CPAD 502: Organizational Theory and Bureaucratic Behaviors. 3 Credits
This course focuses on the structure, process and role of individuals in organizations emphasizing how and why these components have to be coordinated to efficiently and effectively attain organizational goals and objectives. It defines and examines concepts, models, paradigms and theories in the field of organization theory as the basis for understanding internal and external organizational dynamics.
 
CPAD 503: Research Methods and Data Analyses. 3 Credits
This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to study and apply both qualitative and quantitative research methods. While focusing on descriptive research, other research designs and various data gathering techniques are examined. This course provides an understanding of quantitative as well as qualitative techniques for analyzing research data on public programs and administrative problems. Explores the relevancy of quantitative and qualitative analysis to problems administrators face in public agencies. Students will learn to make appropriate use of applied research in decision-making and will utilize computer programming in support of statistical analysis.
 
CPAD 504: Economics for Public Administrators. 3 Credits
This course is designed to provide public administrators with the fundamental economic background necessary to understand and implement public policy. Macroeconomic and microeconomic theories are used to develop tools that are useful applications.
 
CPAD 505: Formulation of Public Policy. 3 Credits
This course is designed primarily to acquaint students with the public policy making process in the United States. The goal is to enable students to identify, explain and understand the structure, sources and processes of public policy making, and, to attempt to use models developed by policy analysts and experts to analyze government policies and programs. Particular emphasis will be placed on the socio-economic and political variables that impact upon the policy making processes and on the utility of theoretical knowledge and research in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of public policies in the United States.
 
CPAD 506: Human Resources Management. 3 Credits
The focus of this course is upon developing a full understanding of the nature of the working relationship which exists between management and the worker within a productive environment. This type of environment, one where emphasis is placed on creating a work situation which is mutually beneficial to both parties, is the primary focus of the human resource function in public and private organizations. This course provides an overview of the historical nature of human resources management in the public sector, explores legal and constitutional structures, and develops recommendations for establishing and maintaining constructive relationships between these two competing groups.
 
CPAD 507: Public Budgeting and Finance. 3 Credits
This course includes an overview of the political and legal institutions in the budgetary process. The various contexts of public budgets, including political and economic, are explored. Additionally, students examine the executive and legislative foci on public budgeting. Budgetary analytical processes, operating budgets, capital budgets, and revenue systems are explained to provide students with the ability to plan, develop, and implement budgets in public sector agencies.
 
CPAD 508: Information Management Systems for Public Administrators. 3 Credits
This course provides an understanding of how to manage information as a resource and information technology as an enabler in public and nonprofit organizations. It places a particular emphasis on ways in which information resources and information technology lend support to operational, tactical, and strategic decision making by frontline, mid-level, and top public administrators. No prerequisites for this course.
 
CPAD 509: State and Local Government Finance. 3 Credits
This course covers the many aspects of financial management: the need for accurate forecasting, accounting reporting, the players and pressures of the budget cycle; the importance of local revenue sources; the need for sound management of debt, cash, inventory, purchasing and risk. This course focuses on management principles and practices while outlining the financial and economic context within which financial management takes place.
 
CPAD 510: Program Design Implementation and Evaluation. 3 Credits
This course introduces students to the importance of program design, implementation and evaluation in the field of public administration. It highlights essential steps and issues involved in the design of effective public programs and underscore the need to conduct good evaluation for these programs. In addition, the course examines how social science knowledge can enhance the design and evaluation of public programs.
 
CPAD 511: Applied Urban Management.
The course will expose the students to the complex problems of managing urban America in the 21st century. Specific emphasis will be placed on the political environment of urban places with their diverse populations configured in dimensions of race, class and economic disparities. The overall goal of the course is to have the students gather general knowledge of urban America and acquire skills that may be applied in managing urban units of government.
 
CPAD 512: Internship. 3 Credits
All pre-service students are required to complete an approved internship. The length of the internship must be a minimum of eight (8) weeks and 300 hours of on-site work. The purpose of the internship is to provide students with practical hands on experience related to their areas of concentration. This experience should be in a position which provides students with administrative responsibilities and under the direct supervision of a person in the organization who has mid to executive level responsibility. Discussions also focus on the identification of problems which will be used in the students final Exit Paper.
 
CPAD 513: Independent Study. 3 Credits
This course is provided for students requesting special instruction in an approved concentration. Students are given required reading lists for analysis and discussion with the assigned faculty. Students also complete case study analysis and a major research paper on a topic that has prior approval of the faculty. The student learning outcomes reflect those of the specific course for which the independent study is undertaken, e.g., CPAD 521, Principles of community and Economic Development.
 
CPAD 514: Public Management. 3 Credits
This course is designed to broaden the students’ knowledge of the scope and character of managing in the public sector. In addition to exploring the traditional functions and behavior of public managers, this course will place emphasis on the politics of public management. Issues related to ethical behavior in public management will also be explored. Considerable attention will be given to current approaches to improve the management of public organizations.
 
CPAD 515: Comparative Administration. 3 Credits
Comparative public administration is the systematic study of public administration, policy and management from a cross-national perspective. It introduces students to a wide range of administrative systems with an emphasis on third world public bureaucracies. Selected administrative systems will be used in the study of comparative administration.
 
CPAD 516: Fundamentals of Social Policy. 3 Credits
This course examines the approaches utilized by scholars and practitioners in the field of public administration to study and understand social policies in the United States. Socio-economic, political and ideological context within which these policies are formulated as analyzed to enable students to grasp concepts, analytical frameworks, issues and themes in the social policy area. Together, they will also explore creative solutions to some of these policy dilemmas in today’s American society.
 
CPAD 517: Labor Management Relations. 3 Credits
This is an introductory course designed to enhance the knowledge of students in the area of labor management relations and collective bargaining. The primary objectives of this course are to introduce students to the terminology, historical context and current trends in the area of labor management relations as they relates to both the public and private sectors. Due to the legal environment and political context in which the public sector operates it is important to distinguish the differences between the management of labor relations in the public versus the private sector. Finally, this course will allow students to gain hands on experience in resolving labor management issues by examining relevant case studies and participating in various role play simulations.
 
CPAD 518: Strategic Human Resources Management Planning. 3 Credits
This course gives the student a practical overview of strategic human resources practices as tools for management in today’s knowledge-based organization. The organization’s need to link the accomplishment of its strategic mission to human resource activities is explored. Emphasis is placed on using individual HR functions for achieving an organization’s mission and purpose. Human resources techniques and functions are addressed from the perspective of their ability to provide value-added assistance to achieving goals of the organization.
 
CPAD 519: International Development Administration. 3 Credits
This course is designed to familiarize students with essential concepts, theories and activities involved in the process of administering development in non-western societies. Since the concept of development is a western construct, the course will contrast the western view of development and administration with non-western perspectives of managing the forces of change, with the help of governmental and other structures; it will also highlight the areas of convergence and divergence of these contending forces of development and administration/management in these societies.
 
CPAD 520: Environmental Sustainability Policy. 3 Credits
This course is an interdisciplinary analysis of the issues associated with the concepts of sustainability, environmental management, and policymaking. It explores how sustainability influences real-world practice in environmental management, planning, and policy. Students will learn to analyze and evaluate selected case studies illustrating sustainability thinking as it pertains to critical environmental zones and regions, along with global environmental threats. No prerequisites for this course.
 
CPAD 521: Principles of Community and Economic Development. 3 Credits
This course is designed to introduce students to concepts, theories and methods developed in the study of community and development. Citizens’ empowerment, policy formation, and the role of the nonprofit organization will be discussed.
 
PAD 522: Nonprofit Organization Management
This course will explore traditional functions and behavior of nonprofit managers. Considerable attention will be given to current approaches to improve the management of U.S. nonprofit sector organizations. To this end, this course will approach this process through an in-depth analysis of strategic management and leadership processes, including the role of managing financial, paid staff, volunteer, fund development, governance and informational resources.  
 
PAD 523: Board Governance and Strategic Leadership
This course introduces students to strategic leadership issues in the nonprofit sector, focusing on NPO governance (board of directors) and executive leadership roles in strategy formation and implementation. Specifically, it will evaluate strategic and operational management tools necessary to analyze external, competitive, and internal environments.

CPAD 524: Grant Proposal Writing and Management. 3 Credits
This course introduces students to various types of government, private and nonprofit grant funding. Specifically, students will evaluate strategies necessary for seeking grant funds, responding to Request for Proposals (RFPs) and developing grant proposal strategies. The course will also focus on sustainability and grant management approaches to funding and overall strategic planning.  
 
CPAD 525: Sustainable Urban Management. 3 Credits
This course provides an overview of urban management practices to include, regulatory, programmatic and fiscal methods necessary to sustain urban growth. 
 
PAD 526: Housing and Community Development Policy. 3 Credits
This course examines the mechanics of real estate financial markets, including the roles of developers, investors, lenders, tenants, owners, and government. We will address these issues from both a financial and social perspective, including addressing issues of affordability, equity, and sustainability.
 
PAD 527: Compensation Management. 3 credits
This course examines the history, evolution, and contemporary practices of compensation administration and management in the public sector, including pay policy formulation and employee benefits policies.  This course will present broad policy issues, managerial concerns, and methods to improve the effectiveness of compensation practices in the public sector.
 
CPAD 528: Humanitarian and Disaster Management. 3 Credits
This course explores the dynamics of humanitarian and disaster assistance in local, national, and global settings. It focuses specifically on major players and their interactions, along with an examination of the role of local, national, and global politics in assistance efforts.
 
PAD 529: International Energy & Environmental Policy. 3 Credits
This course examines the relationships between energy and environment policy to equip students with knowledge of the physical, environmental, technological, economic and political aspects of energy systems. It also explores the conflict between economic and environmental interests over the expansion and integration of renewable energy as part of the attempt to decarbonize energy systems.
 
PAD 530: Capstone Project Seminar. 3 Credits
This course allows students to apply the knowledge, skills, and competencies gained from core and elective courses in the MPA program to a concentration specific problem or dilemma. Students will be guided through the completion and defense an Internship or Applied Research Capstone Project. This course must be taken at the end of the students’ degree plan. 
 
CPAD 531: Thesis Research. 3 Credits
 
CPAD 532 Thesis Consultation. 1 Credit

Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society

Pi Alpha Alpha is the Global Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. The purpose of Pi Alpha Alpha is to encourage and recognize outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration. Its objectives, such as fostering integrity, professionalism, and effective performance, promote the advancement of quality in the education and practice of the art and science of public affairs and administration. PAA membership identifies those with the highest performance levels in educational programs preparing them for public service careers. To eligible graduate students must achieve and maintain a 3.7/4.0 GPA and have completed 50% of their public administration, public policy or sub-degree coursework. Pi Alpha Alpha inductions occur during the PASA banquet in April.

Public Administration Student Association (PASA):

The Public Administration Student Association (PASA) was created within the Public Administration Department at Clark Atlanta University in 1978. Since then, we have been involved in numerous community service activities, which have allowed us to increase our skills in helping those who are less fortunate. PASA  provides students with a stimulating educational environment which fosters intellectual, social, and cultural curiosity as a foundation for developing creative alternative solutions to public sector problems, and enhances their professional development through development programs and linkages with public organizations at the federal, state, and local levels.  One of PASA’s goals is to support the education of students in areas of public affairs/ administration and to prepare them for effective public management careers. PASA organizes activities that offer an enabling environment for students to succeed in the program.  Such activities include participation in the annual AIDS Walk Atlanta, Feeding the Homeless, Fall/Spring Cocoons, MLK Day Walk, PASA annual banquet, and mentoring. 

Public Administration Alumni Network Affiliate (PAANA)

The Public Administration Alumni Network Affiliate (PAANA) is an affiliate of Clark Atlanta University’s Alumni Association (CAUAA). The PAANA’s mission is to engage MPA students, advocate for CAU alumni, and invest in the Public Administration Department through the Dr. James T. Jones Scholarship Fund and other contributions. The PAANA will accomplish this mission through the following objectives:

  • To promote, create, maintain, and instill in the alumni a sense of personal commitment to ideals, civic involvement, traditions, and principles of the CAUAA – PAANA, the Public Administration Department and the University;
  • To develop and implement programs that enhances the image of CAUAA – PAANA and supports the missions of the Public Administration Department and the University;
  • To engage current students in the Public Administration Department through internships, mentorship, and activities that support student development throughout matriculation and beyond;
  • To advocate for the Public Administration Department through recruitment of students;
  • To invest financially and seek ongoing support for the Public Administration Department and the University; and
  • To promote a network among alumni of the Public Administration Department to assist one another in professional, economic, and social development.

The PAANA general membership meetings are held three times per year (i.e., April before the PASA banquet, October during homecoming week, and December). All MPA alumni are encouraged to join. Membership and other information is available via the PAANA website @ www.caupaana.org.

 

Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society 

Eligible Social Science students from CAU (undergrad and graduate students) with a GPA of 3.00 or better qualify for membership. Dr. Henry Elonge supervises the CAU Chapter. Membership drives occur each spring semester. 

Membership in a certified, credible honor society like Pi Gamma Mu provides prospective employers with instant verification of exemplary performance and achievement, distinguishing members from competing job applicants at a glance. In fact, the US Government’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers incoming federal employees a two level pay grade increase for “Superior Academic Achievement” which can be obtained through membership in Pi Gamma Mu. 

5 YEAR MPA TRENDS
AY 17/18 AY 18/19 AY 19/20 AY 20/21 AY 21/22 AY 22/23
Enrolled 43 36 33 36 42 57
Graduates 17 21 13 13 13 17
EMPLOYED within 6 months
Public Sector 9 5 5 4 4 9
Private Sector 4 8 5 3 1 1
NonProfit 1 1 0 0 4 9
Continued Ed 1 3 2 2 1 2
Other 2 2 1 4 3 0
MPA OUTCOMES
5 YEAR MPA COHORT GRADUATION RATES
100%=4 semesters/2 years 150%=6 semesters/3 years 200%= 8 semesters/4 years
AY 17/18 3 5 5
AY 18/19 1 11 11
AY 19/20 1 6 9
AY 20/21 6 14 14
AY 21/22 7 14 14
AY 22/23 14 17 17
Internship Placement by Sectors
Year Public Sector Nonprofit Sector Private/ Corporate Sector Total
2018 0 0 0 0
2019 3 0 2 5
2020 0 0 2 2
2021 0 1 0 1
2022 0 2 0 2
2023 3 0 1 4
Total 6 3 5 14
Internship Placement by Concentrations
Year HR Int’l Admin & Dev Admin Nonprofit Mgt Public Policy  Total
2019 3 0 0 2 5
2020 1 1 0 0 2
2021 1 0 0 0 1
2022 0 0 1 1 2
2023 1 0 0 3 4
Total 6 1 1 6 14
Mentorship Placement by Sector
Year Public Sector Nonprofit Sector Private/ Corporate Sector Total
2019 4 1 1 6
2020 2 6 3 11
2021 2 4 0 6
2022 7 4 1 12
2023 2 3 0 5
Total 17 18 5 40
Mentorship Placement by Concentration
Year HR Int’l Admin & Dev Admin Nonprofit Mgt Public Policy  Total
2019 2 1 0 3 6
2020 5 1 1 4 11
2021 0 0 4 2 6
2022 4 0 2 6 12
2023 1 0 1 3 5
Total 12 2 8 18 40
Sources: Clark Atlanta University, Public Administration Department’s MPA Cohort Data, 2017 – 2022, and Clark Atlanta University Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research.