Ph. D. Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
Am I required to submit GRE scores?
Yes. Applicants are required to submit the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing components of the examination. Please use School code 1902 and department code 4801 when identifying schools to submit scores to.
What are the Ph.D. admission standards?
In order to be competitive, applicants must:
- Have an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.00 grade point average.
- Have a master's degree in public administration or a related academic discipline with at least a 3.25 grade point average in all graduate coursework.
- Have at least four (4) years of experience in a supervisory or administrative position, preferably in public serving organizations.
- Provide three (3) letters of recommendation using the WMU graduate reference form, at least one of which should be from a person acquainted with the applicant's professional work and at least one of which should be from a person acquainted with the applicant's graduate-level academic work.
Additional details about the admission process is available on the admissions page.
What application materials am I required to submit?
Applicants for admission to the Ph.D. program must submit the Application for Graduate Admission, official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions that the applicant attended, the Departmental Application Form, resume, responses to the four essay questions, three (3) letters of recommendation, and GRE scores for the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing components of the examination. For more information concerning the application process and materials, consult the admissions page.
What are the deadlines for submitting application materials?
The Ph.D. application deadlines are April 30 for fall admission. Late applications may be considered on a space-available basis while earlier applications may be required to meet university financial aid deadlines. For additional information, consult the admissions page.
University Policies
Is there a time limit for completing the Ph.D. degree?
Yes. University policy stipulates that all Ph.D. requirements must be completed within seven years of enrolling in the first course. (Note the seven year clock starts when the first class is taken - not when a student is admitted to the program). If program requirements are not completed within this time frame, a student must (a) provide evidence that he or she has remained current on course content that is older than six years, (b) document exceptional circumstances, and (c) apply for an extension to the Graduate College.
The form for requesting an extension can be obtained from the Graduate College or on the web here. Approval of an extension request is not guaranteed so students are strongly encouraged to schedule their courses and manage their dissertation process so that all program requirements can be completed within seven years.
What is the policy concerning religious holidays and class attendance?
The University recognizes religious holidays of many faiths. If, due to the observance of a religious holiday, a student is unable to attend class, he or she should discuss the matter with the instructor in advance of the holiday.
Under what conditions are incompletes granted?
Incompletes are typically permitted only in unusual circumstances. The decision of whether to approve an incomplete rests with the professor and is determined by his or her course syllabus and policies. Students who may need to request an incomplete should discuss the matter with their professor as early as possible. They should not wait until the last week of the semester or term.
Is there a deadline for fulfilling the requirements of an incomplete?
Yes. University policy stipulates that all work must be completed within one year. If the remaining tasks for the course are not completed within this time period, the incomplete is automatically translated into an "X". This grade has the same impact on the GPA as an "E".
University Administration
How do I change my address with the University?
Students can submit address changes to the University via GoWMU. Students are also encouraged to submit address and e-mail changes directly to the School of Public Affairs and Administration to ensure the program has current contact information.
How do I register for classes?
Registration for classes takes place via GoWMU. More information on the registration process and how to use GoWMU to register for classes can be found on the Registrar's Office website.
Graduation
What are the deadlines for applying for graduation?
The deadlines for application for graduation are August 1st for Fall graduation, December 22nd for Spring graduation, and February 1st for Summer graduation. More information on graduation as well as an application form can be found on the Registrar's webpage.
What is the process for applying for graduation?
Students may secure an Application for Graduation Audit at any Western Michigan University campus (Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Muskegon, and Southwest) or online. The completed application and fee must be sent to the Office of the Registrar. Students should also ensure that the Doctoral Director knows that their permanent program needs to be completed and submitted to the graduation auditor.
For information relating to graduation procedures or commencement, please consult the the Registrar's webpage.