MPA Requirements

Entrance Requirements

To be considered for admission as a candidate for the MPA degree, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree awarded by a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or equivalent degree from a recognized non-U.S. institution.

Applicants must have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within the past five years, unless they already hold a JD or MD degree. The TSPPPA does not accept the LSAT or GMAT.

Normally, a minimum of a B average in undergraduate coursework is required for admission to graduate study in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and the Trachtenberg School. However, the evaluation process considers a wide range of factors that indicate the ability of the applicant to succeed in the curriculum. We also look for interest in public administration, which may be supplied through courses and/or work or volunteer experience. Other factors in the admission decision include the undergraduate school attended, the student's major and trend in grades, work experience, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation. We do not require any particular undergraduate courses.

MPA Student Profile

**Our international students come from a variety of countries; some are funded by grants including the prestigious Fulbright program.