Overview
Admission to MPA Program is competitive and occurs on a rolling basis throughout the academic year, although applicants for fall admission who seek financial aid are advised to apply by February 1. International applicants have earlier deadlines to allow time for visa processing. All applications must be submitted online and all supplemental materials should be submitted to The Graduate College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Required Admission Materials
- Online graduate school application and fee;
- Three letters of recommendation submitted via online application process (at least one preferably from a former professor);
- Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded to the Apply Yourself system as part of your application. If admitted, you will have 30 days upon matriculation to provide the Graduate School with an official copy of all degree-bearing transcripts. If official transcripts are uploaded into ApplyYourself, these may be deemed sufficient;
- A current resume;
- A personal statement that explains your career interests, your commitment to public affairs, and the reasons for applying to the MPA Program;
- Demonstrated proficiency in the English language (see details); and
- Aptitude scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) are not required. However, students whose undergraduate record is below 3.0 out of 4.0 or those who do not have adequate academic or professional experience in public administration or political science may consider taking the GRE to supplement their applications. GRE scores may also increase the likelihood of receiving certain financial aid awards.
English Proficiency for all International Applicants
International students are required to meet one of the following standards:
- The College of Social Sciences and Humanities requires a score on the TOEFL Exam of 79-80 iBT, or the IELTS Exam of 6.5 or higher. Admitted international students to the MPA Program typically have a TOEFL score of 100 or higher, or an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher; or
- An undergraduate degree earned at a U.S. institution
Undergraduate Records
A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 out of 4.0 is required of most applicants. Candidates for the MPA Program usually come with a background in the social sciences, but we welcome prospective students from a variety of academic backgrounds who have relevant experience and who are committed to pursuing careers in public administration and public affairs.
Admission Deadline Dates
Fall Semester 2013
- February 1st: Priority deadline for financial assistance
- May 1st: International students
- August 1st: Domestic students
Summer Sessions 2013
- April 1st: Domestic students for Summer 1 Session
- June 1st: Domestic students for Summer 2 Session
How to Apply: Apply for the MPA program online
