To be considered for admission to the MPA program, students must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate potential for excellence in the study of public administration. MPA students come from diverse backgrounds and fields of study. Each year, 65-70 students begin their path to earning their MPA.

You will be prompted to upload a resume and statement of purpose. The statement of purpose is your opportunity to communicate to us how this program fits with your future plans. You should use this document to convey why this area of study and specifically this program are a good fit with your career and educational goals. You should also highlight your relevant experience and preparation for this program.
You will be asked to enter the email addresses of three recommenders. If you would rather submit paper letters to the department, you will need to list your name and e-mail three times in the boxes on the online application that ask for your recommenders. That way, only you will receive the electronic letter of recommendation requests, which you may delete.

Transcripts – Send one unofficial transcript from all institutions attended, even if no degree was conferred and/or credits are listed on other transcripts. The average GPA for incoming MPA students for 2020 was approximately 3.53. If accepted to the program, you will have to submit official transcripts from all institutions where you have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
Official Test Scores (GRE / TOEFL / IELTS)
The GRE is required of most* applicants. All international applicants must submit GRE scores. The average GRE score for incoming MPA students for 2020 was approximately 309, however, the GRE score is only one of several factors considered for admissions. Equally important are an applicant's personal statement and other application materials.
*Domestic applicants with five years of work experience in the public or non-profit sector and an undergraduate GPA over 3.0 may request a waiver for the GRE during the application process. To discuss a GRE waiver, contact Kristin Lawrence.

The departmental policy is to require TOEFL or IELTS scores from any applicant whose primary language is not English, unless that student has received a degree within the past two years from an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English. The TOEFL scores can be no older than two years.

Minimum TOEFL score requirement: overall score of 80 with at least 20 on speaking and writing
Minimum IELTS score requirement: overall band-width of 6.5, with no single band (score) below 6.0