Admissions
How to apply to the MSCA, MPA or MPP Programs
Step 1: File an online application through the following website: Graduate College Application.
Upload your supporting materials (resume, personal statement, writing sample, and input your recommender’s email addresses). You will be required to submit registrar-issued copies (web histories are not allowed) of all transcripts into the system.
Step 2: The following materials must be uploaded to the electronic submission system.
- Upload official copies of Registrar issued transcripts from all institutions attended (Students are REQUIRED to upload transcripts. Do not send in hard copy transcripts. The Department cannot upload transcripts on the behalf of applicants.)
- Three letters of recommendation (you must input your recommender’s email address in the application summary. The system will send an upload link to your recommender’s email address.)
- Personal statement
- You may use the following as an outline for your personal statement:
- Describe your background and academic interests
- Why did you decide to study public administration/ public policy at the graduate level?
- What are your professional goals?
- How does our MPA/MPP/MSCA degree fit into your short and long-term plans for your professional career?
- You may use the following as an outline for your personal statement:
- Resume
- A sample of your written work no more than 8-10 pages double-spaced in length. Academic writing samples are preferred. Not required for MSCA applicants.
- TOEFL/ ILETS Scores: International students must submit TOEFL scores (institution code 1851) or qualify for a waiver. Test scores cannot be more than two years old
- Application for Graduate Appointment (Optional - if you wish to be considered for department administered financial assistance, which includes tuition waivers and graduate assistantships.)
Requirements
The Department of Public Administration requires an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00 (A= 4.00) for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of baccalaureate study, including all of the work taken in the term in which the student began the final 60 semester hours of study (programs may require a higher GPA). If your GPA is below 3.0, your application must be approved by the Graduate College.
International Students are required to submit TOEFL/ILETS scores. Please visit OAR’s website for more information.
Do you have questions about our application process? Please visit the following links below for helpful tips!
You can also speak with a counselor in the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions via Zoom. Zoom hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (CST) Monday-Friday.
Application Deadlines Heading link
| Spring | Summer | Fall | |
| Priority and Financial Aid | N/A | N/A | February 1 |
| International Students | September 1 | February 1 | April 1st |
| Degree, Non-Degree to Degree and Readmission | November 1 | March 15 | *Extended to June 15 |
| Non-Degree (Assigned and Unassigned) | November 15 | April 15 | July 15 |