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Admissions Information and How to Apply

A committee of faculty, students, and staff convene four times a year to make admissions decisions. The committee reviews all the materials submitted to get a total picture of the applicant. An interview is recommended and can be arranged easily at the Edwards Campus, in Topeka, or in Lawrence. For intern option students we will arrange an interview with one of our alumni near your location. If you are visiting campus, please stop in and see us.

The Committee is looking for:

  • A commitment to public service
  • Demonstrated leadership or leadership potential
  • Previous academic performance or potential

Prerequisites for the MPA program are:

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree, preferably with a background in the social sciences, with courses in college algebra and statistics recommended but not required.
  • A grade-point average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) for all previous university work. Under extenuating circumstances an average below 3.0 be considered.
  • Career-option applicants should have at least three years of professional level experience at the time of applying.

A complete application includes:

  • An application to the Graduate School (online submission or paper copy).
  • One official transcript from the degree-granting college or university and any post-graduate college or university attended.
  • Three letters of recommendation. At least one should be an academic reference. The departmental reference form must be submitted with each letter.
  • Proof of ability to complete graduate-level work. For intern option students, this requirement is met with Graduate Record Examination scores (General test only--verbal, analytical, and quantitative). When reporting GRE scores to the KU Public Administration department, the institution code is 6871 and the department code is 4801. Career option students must submit a one page document providing evidence of ability to complete graduate work. (See FAQ for more information).
  • A non-refundable application fee, made payable to the Department of Public Administration. For domestic applicants, the application fee is $45 if submitted online and $55 if submitted on paper. For international applicants, the application fee is $55 if submitted online and $65 if submitted on paper.
  • Three to five page reflective essay describing your background, career goals and how the MPA degree fits into those goals. You may also include information about circumstances, which you think may have negatively affected your academic performance or test scores.
  • A current resume
  • A sample of your written work - a class paper, a report, or a memorandum
  • From international students, an official TOEFL score report. The minimum score requirements on the computer-based test are part scores of 20 or higher and the minimum score requirements on the paper-based test are part scores of 53. You must also be tested by the Applied English Center upon arrival, regardless of your TOEFL score.
  • An alumnus or faculty member will be assigned to interview you. That person's comments will be placed in and considered as a part of your application packet.

Deadlines

Full-time, internship-option students

Application files for full-time, internship-option applicants must be received by February 1. The admissions committee will meet in February and applicants should be notified by the end of February.

Part-time, career-option students

Deadlines for career-option students are May 1 and July 1 for fall admission and October 1 and November 15 for spring admission.

International students

Deadlines for international students are October 1 for spring admission and May 1 for fall admission.

Have more questions? Contact and send application materials to:

Rebecca Cates at the Edwards Campus in Overland Park
(913) 897-8510

Beverly Vogel at the Public Management Center in Topeka
(785) 296-2353

Ray Hummert in Lawrence
(785) 864-9097


Send all applications materials to:

Lawrence applicants mail to:
MPA Admissions
Department of Public Administration
The University of Kansas
1541 Lilac Lane, #318
Lawrence, KS 66044		 Topeka applicants mail to:
MPA Admissions
Public Management Center
KNEA Building
715 W 10th Street
Topeka, KS 66612		 Overland Park applicants mail to:
MPA Admissions
Edwards Campus
The University of Kansas
12600 Quivira Road
Overland Park, KS 66226