Master of Public Administration Links

MPA Application Process

Students applying for admission to the Master of Public Administration program are divided into in-career and pre-career categories. In-career students are those who can demonstrate five years experience in the public or related sector. Some of that experience must be managerial in nature. Pre-career students are all other students.

Application priority deadlines are:

• July 1 for fall semester
• December 1 for spring semester
• April 15 for summer semester

All students applying to the MPA program must provide:

• Application form and application fee. Form is available on-line at http://gradschool.nku.edu/. Fee waived if you received a bachelor's or master's degree from NKU;
  
  
• Official transcripts showing all college/university course work completed at both the undergraduate and graduate levels;
  
  
• At least two supportive letters from persons qualified to evaluate potential for successful performance in the MPA program. The graduate programs reference form to use for recommendations is at Graduate Program Recommendation Form (PDF);
  
  
• A narrative essay of 300 to 400 words stating academic and career goals, how the MPA program will enable attainment of those goals and any additional information detailing relevant work experience.

• Transcript showing minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 from accredited university;
  
  
• Current resume documenting five years work experience in the public or related sector;
  
  
• Portfolio of two to three work products (singular or team efforts)  which demonstrate professional activities.

Pre-career students applying to the MPA program must also provide:

• Transcript showing minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 from an accredited university;
  
  
• Official scores of the Graduate Record Examination general test. The GMAT or Miller Analogy can substitute for the GRE exams. The LSAT is not a suitable substitute for the GRE;
  
  
• Writing sample of 10 to 12 pages (either a work product or an academic paper) or official scores on the GRE writing test.