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 (MPP Admissions Rubric). The MPP Program accepts applications on a rolling basis.

The following minimum entrance requirements guide the university and its graduate programs in consideration of applicants for graduate admission:
  • 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.

OSU Graduate School Admissions Online Application

 
  • Official course transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • Three letters of recommendation. Reference letters should be submitted through the Graduate School application system.
  • Current resume
  • 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, include any obstacles overcome and life experiences that have led to your interest in public policy and applying to the program. 
  • The GRE is optional for applications.  
  • Domestic students are strongly encouraged to submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Student Aid Report and indicate whether they are a veteran and/or a first-generation college student.

Satisfaction of minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission, since the number of qualified applicants may far exceed the number of places available. As a consequence, many well-qualified applicants may not be accommodated.

General graduate admission standards for international students are available at: Graduate School International Admissions

For international applicants, we require a TOEFL Minimum Score of 80 (18 minimum for each subscore) or IELTS of 6.5  or a minimum Duolingo score of 110.

For calculation of U.S. equivalent grades, see: http://www.wes.org/gradeconversionguide/index.asp

Please note that the MPP program does not consider Conditional Admission for international students who do not meet the minimum required TOEFL or IELTS scores.

See the Graduate School Admissions website for application deadlines.

For students who wish to be considered for a Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantship, which comes with tuition, fees, a monthly stipend, and health care, the application deadline is MARCH 1 for Fall Quarter admission.

Funding is extremely competitive, and most applicants will not be awarded an assistantship, fellowship, or scholarship. All prospective applicants should explore options outside of funding from the Public Policy program to finance their education.

International students are not eligible for financial aid or most university-provided funding and are strongly encouraged to contact the MPP program before applying.

All other applications will be considered during the academic quarter they are submitted.  The Graduate School requires applicants to have all required materials (application, three letters of recommendation, letter of application, and TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores if relevant) at least 30 days before the desired admission quarter.

The Graduate School can grant application fee waivers only in limited circumstances for domestic applicants who meet specific criteria.

See Yourself Here. Take a virtual tour of the OSU campus and of the School of Public Policy (SPP) Graduate Program Spaces located in Bexell Hall.
Contact

Mike Terry, Graduate Program Assistant, School of Public Policy

Hilary Boudet, Graduate Program Director, School of Public Policy

Apply Now!