Information About Classes
Class load: Courses in the MPA program are divided by different credits, from 1 to 4, with most classes either 3 or 4 credits. There are some requirements you need to be aware of. You will have to achieve 42 credits to successfully graduate. What does that mean? Credits are spread differently to courses, depending on their workload. The 4 credit courses are more demanding and have more workload compared to the 3 or lower credit courses. That doesn't mean they are not manageable. In order to be full-time students, each semester you will have to have 12 credit worth of courses.
For example:
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In your first semester, you can take one core class which is 4 credits, two courses that are worth 3 credits, and one that is worth 2.
Four-credit core courses demand a lot of time so don’t take more than two of them in your first semester. If you want more information related to the curriculum to visit the following link: https://www.binghamton.edu/public-administration/academics/curriculum.html
Office hours: Professors have dedicated office hours weekly at a given time. It is very helpful to visit those office hours and talk to the professors about the respective class and any other matters. This is highly recommended. You will also be assigned an academic advisor whom you will meet occasionally and more often if and when necessary. Besides your academic advisor, all of the professors from the MPA program are there for you! Talking to them on a regular basis, especially at the beginning of your semester is of immense help! Don’t think that you are imposing or bothering. Reach out to them and talk to them whenever you feel the need to do so. They will guide you, advise you, and support you during your academic path.
Course Syllabus: This is the class contract between students and professors and provides an outline of the course. In this document it is detailed the course description, learning objectives, readings, time and place of classes and office hours, the contact information of the instructor, assignments, grading criteria, due dates and penalties for late submission -utmost importance!. You can also find the class policies and other services and campus resources. Some professors also include on the syllabus the entire class session topics for the semester.
Turnitin: This is an Internet-based platform used in the program that will help you and your professors determine if any of your content is from other sources. It is a good way to make sure you don’t forget to cite material. Most of the assignments will be submitted through Turnitin to check for potentially unoriginal content by comparing submitted papers to several databases.
Classroom etiquette: Class participation is graded and contributes to everyone’s learning, therefore it is important to attend every class. It is also encouraged to get to class on time and turn mobile phones off at the beginning of the class. Texting in class is considered disrespectful of the instructor and fellow classmates; so don’t do it during class time. Use your laptop/tablet to look for information in class, take notes, but not for activities unrelated to the class. You will have to interact and debate in class and present your ideas, so come prepared, do the readings, and don’t focus on winning an argument but on learning other people’s perspectives. We mentioned that the participation is graded, however, don’t focus on the graded aspect.
TIP
Participation in the class is important for you as an international student as it will help you practice your critical thinking process, it will lead you to great outcomes, and your contribution as an international student in the US classroom setting will be very much appreciated! Don’t feel that you will ever be judged by your accent coming through or ideas that are shared; US classroom debates are the best way to engage and contribute.
REMINDER
We strongly encourage you to talk to your professors! In some countries, for example, talking to professors outside of the classroom might be considered rude or inappropriate. That is not the case at Binghamton University, and specifically in the MPA program. Professors want you to visit them during their office hours, or beyond that if needed. Don't think that you are bothering them or imposing; if you need advising that goes beyond academic concerns, or even when things are going right - talk to your professors.
Sigay shares some tips based on her experience from the first semester in this video.