Frequently Asked Questions
1. To what extent does the PLA program help students network and form professional relationships?
We recognize that in addition to learning course content, students in the PLA program are interested in getting to know their classmates and other professionals from their field of interest. While the program is entirely online to need the needs of busy professionals, PLA instructors recognize that students often learn best when given an opportunity to interact with each other. In general, students can expect to find opportunities for online, face-to-face meetings with instructors and other students several times a semester. Once it is safe to do so, we also intend to create opportunities for students, instructors, and leaders from various professions to meet in person.
2. Does the work experience of applicants count toward credit?
Work experience does not count toward a degree in the PLA program. However, it is important to note that we look closely at the work experience of applicants when making admissions decisions.
3. Are students required to write a thesis?
While students will at times be required to produce various types of writing assignments, students will not be required to complete the kind of thesis one might expect in other master's programs. The PLA program is instead focused on helping students cultivate skills, such as leadership and analytical reasoning, which will allow them to excel in their chosen professions.
4. Does the program have any statistics prerequisite? Do they need any basic knowledge of statistics?
No. In line with the requirements of the Graduate School at the University of Maryland, students must have a bachelor's degree in order to be accepted
5.The break-down of the semester?
6.What is the cost of the program?
7.Can some undergraduate course credits be transferred to graduate course credits? (Such as courses in Sociology, Criminal Justice and other relevant academic areas)
8.What this graduate certificate can do for people’s jobs when they move up to their career?
9.Does the program allow students to take two courses at a time or require just one at a time?
10.When is the course start at Fall?
11.Will this program be opened again after the Fall semester?
12.What platform this program use?
13.How do we hear from the program in the future?
14.When is the deadline for the transcript?
We recognize that in addition to learning course content, students in the PLA program are interested in getting to know their classmates and other professionals from their field of interest. While the program is entirely online to need the needs of busy professionals, PLA instructors recognize that students often learn best when given an opportunity to interact with each other. In general, students can expect to find opportunities for online, face-to-face meetings with instructors and other students several times a semester. Once it is safe to do so, we also intend to create opportunities for students, instructors, and leaders from various professions to meet in person.
2. Does the work experience of applicants count toward credit?
Work experience does not count toward a degree in the PLA program. However, it is important to note that we look closely at the work experience of applicants when making admissions decisions.
3. Are students required to write a thesis?
While students will at times be required to produce various types of writing assignments, students will not be required to complete the kind of thesis one might expect in other master's programs. The PLA program is instead focused on helping students cultivate skills, such as leadership and analytical reasoning, which will allow them to excel in their chosen professions.
4. Does the program have any statistics prerequisite? Do they need any basic knowledge of statistics?
No. In line with the requirements of the Graduate School at the University of Maryland, students must have a bachelor's degree in order to be accepted
5.The break-down of the semester?
6.What is the cost of the program?
7.Can some undergraduate course credits be transferred to graduate course credits? (Such as courses in Sociology, Criminal Justice and other relevant academic areas)
8.What this graduate certificate can do for people’s jobs when they move up to their career?
9.Does the program allow students to take two courses at a time or require just one at a time?
10.When is the course start at Fall?
11.Will this program be opened again after the Fall semester?
12.What platform this program use?
13.How do we hear from the program in the future?
14.When is the deadline for the transcript?