Executive Master of Public Policy Admissions Process

Required Application Materials

• Academic transcripts from all institutions where coursework was completed or attempted in pursuit of an undergraduate or graduate degree.

• Three letters of recommendation. Reference letters and resumes should be submitted through the Office of Graduate Education application system.

• Current resume indicating 5+ years of professional experience.

• Statement of Academic and Career Objectives: Explain what motivates you to pursue graduate study in public policy, how your academic and professional experiences have prepared you for this path, and how this degree will help you achieve your long-term goals.

• Statement of Public Service and Professional Experience: Our program has a diverse, public service–oriented culture of collaboration. Please describe any public service, community volunteering, outreach, or university activities you have participated in. You may also share obstacles you have overcome or life experiences that have shaped your interest in public policy and your decision to apply to this program.

• The GRE is optional for applications.  

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.

General graduate admissions standards for international students are available at: Office of Graduate Education International Admissions.

Domestic students are strongly encouraged to submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Student Aid Report. 

Meeting the minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission to the program is competitive and based on a holistic review of each applicant’s qualifications. Because the number of qualified applicants often exceeds the number of available spaces, not all well-qualified applicants can be offered admission.

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

All required materials must be submitted at least 30 days before the desired admission quarter.