Oregon State University offers admission to applicants whose records demonstrate the highest potential for graduate study and promise for substantial contribution to both their academic professions and to a diverse, global society. The university fosters an environment that welcomes inclusiveness.

Admission decisions are based on many factors, such as the quality of the applicant’s prior academic degree and record of accomplishment, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation from professors or others familiar with the applicant’s academic work, performance in aptitude and achievement tests, relevant work experience, preparation in the proposed field of study, and the connection of the applicant’s academic goals with the faculty’s research interests. The MPP Program accepts applications on a rolling basis.

Required Application Materials

  1. A resume illustrating at least five years of professional work experience.
  2. Official course transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  3. Three letters of recommendation. Reference letters should be submitted through the Graduate School application system.
  4. Statement of purpose: We have a very diverse and public service culture of collaboration in our program, which needs to be conveyed in the statement of purpose.  Please include any public service, community volunteering and outreach, university clubs and activities, etc. in your statement. Also, any obstacles overcome and life experiences that have led you here and your interest in public policy should be included. 
  5. Domestic students are strongly encouraged to submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Student Aid Report and to indicate if they are a veteran and/or a first generation college student.
  6. For international applicants, we require a TOEFL Minimum Score of 90 (18 minimum for each subscore) or IELTS of 6.5.

In addition:

  • A four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent), a professional degree (such as PharmB, BVsc, MBBS, MD, DVM, PharmD, etc.), or an appropriate U.S./Canadian alternative degree, from a regionally accredited (US) or recognized (International) college or university, with a cumulative B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) on the most recent baccalaureate degree or any subsequent graduate degree from a regionally accredited (US) or recognized (International) college or university, plus all work completed thereafter.

OR

  • A four-year baccalaureate degree (or international equivalent), a professional degree, or an appropriate U.S./Canadian alternative degree, from an regionally accredited (US) or recognized (International) college or university, and a 45-quarter credit equivalent graduate degree from a regionally accredited (US) or recognized (International) college or university,with a cumulative B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) on the most recent graduate degree.

OR

  • If the applicant has completed his or her baccalaureate degree in a country that is a signatory of the Bologna Declaration, then: A Bologna compliant baccalaureate degree at a recognized college or university of at least three years duration, with a cumulative B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) on the degree, plus all subsequent graded course work.

OR

  • For other three-year bachelor degree holders: A non-Bologna compliant baccalaureate degree of at least three years duration from a recognized college or university, and a 45-quarter credit equivalent graduate degree from a recognized college or university, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 on the most recent graduate degree. 

Applicants not meeting minimum requirements still may be considered for admission with the support of their academic program, plus review and approval by the University Graduate Admissions Committee. For these applicants, decisions may rely more heavily on non-cognitive criteria. However, the university encourages applicants whose overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of less than an equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale to take the GRE.


When can you start? 

Students can enroll four times a year (fall, winter, spring and summer). Visit the academic calendar for information on term length.


Deadlines

The program recommends having a complete application, including all supporting materials, on file no later than 30 days before the start of the application term.


Contact

LeAnn K. Headrick, Assistant to the Director
LeAnn.Headrick@oregonstate.edu, 541-737-6270

 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in SPP


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