Graduate Advising

Make the most of your graduate experience. Glenn College graduate advisors can help you navigate your options and support you to make the best decisions for your future.

Schedule an Appointment Download Appointment Scheduling Instructions

How we can help

Course selection and program planning

University policies, procedures and deadlines

Campus resources and connections

Petitions and forms

Navigating the Graduate School and Ohio State

Ohio State students are responsible for knowing important university dates and deadlines regarding registration, fees and more. Please visit the registrar’s website for a comprehensive list of dates and deadlines.

MAJOR DATES TO REMEMBER:

Course Additions for Full Semester Classes*

Online “Open” Registration through: 1st Friday
With Instructor Permission: 2nd Friday
By Petition Only: After 2nd Friday

Course Drops/Withdrawals for Full Semester Classes*

Last Day to Drop Online without a “W”: 4th Friday
Last Day to Withdraw/“W” will appear on transcript: 10th Friday
By Petition Only: After 10th Friday

*Dates are variable for first and second session courses

Students graduating from a Glenn College graduate degree program must submit an application to graduate through GradForms. The form must be submitted by the final day of the term prior to the one in which they wish to graduate. Applications must be submitted by the following deadlines:

Fall: Apply by the final day of summer term
Spring: Apply by the final day of fall term
Summer: Apply by the final day of spring term

Students will receive an email from their academic advisor or program manager with more information on the application to graduate prior to each deadline. Contact your academic advisor with any questions regarding the application to graduate and visit commencement.osu.edu for commencement details.

As a student of Ohio State, there are many university resources available to make your time in graduate school as seamless as possible.

Graduate School: For general questions related to university policies and procedures regarding graduate education.

Buckeye Link: Located on the corner of Lane and Tuttle, this one-stop shop houses the registrar, bursar, student financial aid and more.

Financial Aid: All questions related to financial aid, scholarships and/or fees should be directed to Student Financial Aid.

Counseling and Consultation Services: Individual counseling, group counseling, workshops and more

Glenn College Career Services: Support for launching or expanding your career in public service

Dennis Learning Center: Academic coaching, workshops, resources, tips and tools for academic success

Disability Services: Receive support while ensuring equal access to university life.

Office of Diversity and Inclusion: Support related to the recruitment, retention and success of students, faculty and staff who enhance the diversity of the university.

Office of International Affairs: Information for international students and scholars, and education abroad guidance.

Student Life Multicultural Center: Support and events to facilitate the inclusive shared learning experiences of students.

Military and Veteran Services: Support for military-connected students, faculty and staff.

Campus Parc Parking Services: Parking, parking pass and pricing information.

Student Advocacy Center: Assistance with academic petitions or grievances, support through illnesses or personal crises, and many other services.

Student Wellness Center: Empowers students to strive for balance and wellness through personal coaching, workshops and more.

Writing Center: Free help with any stage of the writing process.

Carly Dearborn, the Glenn College’s librarian, maintains a page of Public Affairs Resources.

Adding a Course (after the first Friday): Course Enrollment Permission Form
This form and instructor permission are needed for courses added after the first Friday and prior to the second Friday of the semester.

Adding a Course (after the second Friday): Late Course Petition Form
This form is needed for late course adds that occur after the second Friday of the semester. Form located in GradForms.

Add a Course Requiring Instructor Permission: Course Enrollment Permission Form
Complete this form by contacting the course instructor to get approval to add any course requiring instructor permission.

Combined BS/MPA and BA/MPA Student Plan: Combined Degree Program Form
Combined students should complete this form after admission to the MPA program, but before the official start of MPA coursework, in consultation with their Glenn College advisor. Form located in GradForms.

Count Non-Ohio State Courses Towards Degree Requirements: Transfer of Graduate Credit Form
This form is for students who have taken graduate credit at a university other than Ohio State and who wish to count that credit towards their Glenn College degree requirements. Prior approval must be obtained by the Glenn College before completing form. Form located in GradForms.

Count Ohio State Non-Degree Courses Towards Degree Requirements: Transfer of Graduate Credit Form
This form is for students who have taken graduate non-degree credit at Ohio State and who wish to count that credit towards their Glenn College degree requirements. This form must be submitted for all non-degree coursework, including Glenn College coursework. Students are limited to a maximum of 10 credit hours towards degree requirements. Form located in GradForms.

Count Ohio State Non-Glenn Courses Towards Degree Requirements: Petition to Count Outside Coursework Form
This form is for students who plan to take a graduate course at Ohio State but outside of the Glenn College and who wish to count that credit towards their Glenn College degree requirements. This form should be submitted to an advisor for consideration prior to enrolling in the course.

Dual Degree Student Plan: Dual Degree Program Plan Form
Dual students should complete this form after admission to a Glenn College graduate degree program but before the official start of coursework. Students should complete this form in consultation with a Glenn College advisor. Form located in GradForms.

Over Maximum Credit Hours Petition: General Graduate Petition Form
Exceeding 18 credit hours in a certain term is not only rigorous, but there are financial ramifications as well. Students seeking to exceed 18 hours must submit a petition in order for the Glenn College to determine if this is the best course of action. Final approval for this petition rests with the Graduate School.

Retroactive Withdrawal Petition: Late Course Petition Form
This petition is for extenuating circumstances where a student wishes to change their withdrawal date to a previous date within the semester. Form located in GradForms.

Returning After a Leave of Absence: Permission to Reactivate Enrollment Eligibility Form
This form is for students who have taken time away from the University and wish to return to graduate studies for a future term.

Withdrawing from a Course (after the 4th Friday): Withdrawal Request Form
This form is needed for any full-session course drops after the 4th Friday of the semester and before the 10th Friday. Please note, this drop will be considered a “withdrawal,” meaning a “W” will appear on permanent academic records.

Withdrawing from a Course (after the 10th Friday): Late Course Petition Form
This form is needed for any full-session course drops after the 10th Friday of the semester. Please note, this drop will be considered a “withdrawal,” meaning a “W” will appear on permanent academic records. Form located in GradForms.

The objective of the capstone course is to provide an environment in which students integrate, synthesize, and apply the knowledge, skills, and perspectives acquired in the MPA, MA, or MPAL core curriculum to a real-world public policy, nonprofit, or management problem. MA, MPAL, and MPA-DC students are required to complete capstone during their final semester and all students are required to complete any pre-requisite coursework before enrolling in capstone. Information on capstone enrollment requirements will be sent via email from your academic advisor or program manager the semester prior to enrollment.

The Glenn College offers a variety of core and elective courses across all academic terms.

Graduate Degree Course Offering Pattern
Graduate Minor and Certificate Course Offering Pattern
Sample Course Syllabi

Graduate Program Guides and Resources

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

MPA students pursue a rigorous program of study, traditionally with a full-time course load, including primarily in-person and daytime coursework. Students can elect to complete the program part-time with evening coursework and should work closely with their advisor on a program of study that fits their needs. Evening/online coursework cannot be guaranteed for full-time MPA students.

Master of Public Administration, D.C. (MPA-DC)

MPA-DC students complete the same rigorous coursework as traditional MPA students, with a focus on Washington D.C. MPA-DC students should plan to complete their first year in Columbus with a full-time course load, including primarily in-person and daytime coursework. Students will transition to Washington D.C. for their second year with a mix of in-person and online coursework.

Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management (In-Career MA)

MA students pursue a rigorous program of study to enhance their existing professional experience or set them on a new career path. MA students traditionally pursue the program with a part-time course load, including primarily in-person, evening coursework. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to develop a program of study that fits their needs.

Master of Public Administration and Leadership (Online MPAL)

MPAL students pursue a rigorous program of study designed to allow them to gain applicable skill sets to immediately implement at work. Students have the option to follow a specialization in Public Management, Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, or Criminal Justice Administration. The program is designed to offer flexibility for working professionals. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to develop a program of study that fits their needs.

Combined and Dual Programs

Combined BA/MPA and BS/MPA
Undergraduate and graduate degrees can be combined and completed in less time than a traditional program of study. After admitted to the MPA program, work closely with an academic advisor to develop a combined program plan. Combined BA/MPA and BS/MPA students follow the traditional MPA or MPA-DC program. Schedule an Appointment

Dual and JD/MA Degree Programs
Students pursue two graduate degrees simultaneously, including the MPA, MA, or MPAL with the Glenn College. As each dual degree program is unique, dual and JD/MA students should work closely with their Glenn College advisor to develop a plan and ensure they are on track to meet all program requirements. Schedule an Appointment