91猎奇

Applying to the Program

The MPA Program is one of several graduate programs in the Department of Urban & Regional Planning. In addition to the specific program requirements on this page, please visit the department's Graduate Admissions page for general information on how to apply.

We admit students in the Fall and Spring semesters. We conduct 'rolling admissions' and evaluate application materials as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials as soon as possible. Unless noted, our admissions deadlines occur on the same date each year.

Fall Admissions Deadline:

• International Students: April 1 [application], April 20 [supporting documents]
• Domestic Students: July 1 [application], July 20 [supporting documents]
  Spring Admissions Deadline:

International Students:

• Oct 1 [application], Oct 20 [supporting documents]
• Domestic Students: Dec 1 [application], Dec 20 [supporting documents]

Download our MPA Program flyer [pdf]

Admission Requirements

A career in public service attracts individuals from a variety of disciplines. Our selection process aims to bring students from a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds to enhance the classroom experience.

Students may apply for admission to the MPA Program if they meet the following minimal requirements: (1) have a bachelor鈥檚 degree from an accredited college; (2) were in good standing at the last college attended; and (3) have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in all courses, during the last two years as an undergraduate, or in the major. If three or more years have passed since completion of their bachelor鈥檚 degree, students may be considered for admission if they have a minimum of a 2.75 GPA in all courses, during the last two years as an undergraduate, or in the major and provide evidence of relevant professional experience.

Admission in 鈥淐lassified鈥� Standing

Completion of the following requirements is necessary for admission in 鈥渃lassified鈥� standing:

• Undergraduate Training: No specific undergraduate major is required. Prerequisite preparation must include Introduction to American Government, microeconomics and statistics.
• Grades: A GPA of 3.0 in all undergraduate work, or in the last two years, or in the major.

Admission in 鈥淐onditional鈥� Standing

Applicants who lack some of the required prerequisites may be admitted in 鈥渃onditional鈥� standing, at the discretion of the Department. Application may be made for 鈥渃lassified鈥� standing when missing prerequisites have been completed, and a GPA of at least 3.0 is maintained in the MPA courses.

Tests

The 91猎奇 MPA program does not use the GRE as a performance measure for admission.

International students must demonstrate English Language proficiency by submitting test scores from Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other exams approved by the university. More information about test requirements here.

Application Process

All application materials must be submitted via the . As a part of your application, you will:

• Pay the application fee
• Upload two letters of recommendation
• Upload a CV/resume
• Upload a personal statement
  The personal statement should be about 1.5 to pages in length and describe your interest in public administration and career objectives. As part of the statement, please also address the following questions:
  1. Describe your current and previous work experience, noting specific technical skills (for example: software, data analysis, project management, financial modeling) and interpersonal skills that you feel would be an asset to our graduate program (for example: communication style, conflict resolution, empathy, emotional intelligence, effectiveness working in small teams to achieve shared objectives).
  2. Describe any experiences conducting research under the supervision of a faculty member or employer. Describe your role, including the steps you took to organize your work and time, the project objectives, and outcomes, if applicable. If you do not have formal research experience, it is fine to state this. 

In addition to the steps above, please refer to the University's Graduate Admissions website for updated requirements, deadlines, and requested materials, including specific information for Domestic Applicants and International Applicants.