Master of Public Policy

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.

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

How to Apply

Required Application Materials

• The GRE is optional for applications.  

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

• Official course transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

• Three letters of recommendation and a recent resume. Reference letters and resumes should be submitted through the Graduate School application system.

• 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 you have overcome and life experiences that have led to your interest in public policy and to apply for this program. 

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.

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 admissions standards for international students are available at: Graduate School International Admissions

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

For students who want to be considered for a Laurels Graduate Tuition Scholarship, the application deadline is March 1 for Fall Quarter admission.

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.

All other applications will be considered during the academic quarter they are submitted. The Graduate School requires applicants to submit all required materials at least 30 days before the desired admission quarter.

Contact

Hilary Boudet, Graduate Program Director

Apply Now!