The number of semester hours required for the Master of Science with an option in Public Service Management is 36. Three academic components (human relations, management and research) are included and required for the M.S.P. degree program. A total of 16 classes is needed for graduation.

Graduation Requirements
Listed below is a summary of the necessary requirements in order to earn the Master of Science with an option in Public Service Management degree at Cumberland University.

1. Each student must complete the standard Program-of-Study as outlined by the University within five years of initial enrollment.
2. Each student must complete the required semester hours for the M.S.P. degree within the established and published time-frame for the program.
3. Each student must achieve a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) based on all M.S.P. courses taken. No more than six semester hours of "C" grade coursework are acceptable in the M.S.P. program. A grade of "F" is not acceptable to continue as a graduate student.
4. Each student must satisfactorily pass the Comprehensive Final Examination.
5. Each student, at the beginning of their last semester of coursework, must be current in their payment of all University tuition and fees.
6. Each student must complete a "Graduation Application," pay the required graduation fees and participate in the Commencement and Hooding Ceremonies.

Comprehensive Final Examination
A written comprehensive examination will be administered during the final semester before graduation. A passing grade is considered to be 80 percent or higher on each of the five parts.