Dual Degree Programs

The Ohio State University is home to more than 100 graduate programs available to students with a bachelor’s degree. The John Glenn College of Public Affairs recognizes the importance of cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration with other departments. Dual degrees with many other degree programs have been developed, enabling students to complete work on two degrees simultaneously, in less time than it would take to pursue each degree separately.

Not sure a dual degree is right for you? No need to decide before coming to Ohio State; our students can apply to other schools after enrollment at the Glenn College. The application process is straightforward and our academic advisors are here to help.

See our Dual Degree Academics page for more information on each dual degree we offer and learn how to create your own customized Dual Degree.

Don’t forget to complete the inquiry card before submitting any materials. This will make sure you get more information about the Glenn College and the programs we offer.

Steps to Apply

If you are a CURRENT GRADUATE student in any academic unit at Ohio State interested in adding the MPA as a secondary program: 

• Request that your home department send a copy of your application file to the Glenn College. Your file should include your original personal statement, resume, transcripts, application, and letters of recommendation. Have your home department send these documents directly to Sammie Ellwood either electronically as an email attachment or through interoffice mail.

• Complete the Dual Degree Application form. This will serve as your new personal statement specifically for the Glenn College, so take your time in crafting your response. Dual Degree Application

• Update your Resume. You can send your updated resume and Dual Degree Application form directly to Sammie Ellwood at ellwood.13@osu.edu.

• Submit GRE/GMAT/LSAT scores. If you submitted test scores when you originally applied to Ohio State, no additional action is needed. If you were waived from standardized testing or this was not required for your original program, we DO require GRE scores for all of our Dual MPA students.

• Contact the John Glenn College of Public Affairs once you believe all of your checklist items have been completed. We will not send your file for academic review until you inform us that your application is complete.

In addition to the steps above, please also submit an Online Application through the Graduate Admissions Office at gradapply.osu.edu. Please select the MA - Public Policy and Management Program (PUBADM-MA). DO NOT include attachments to the online application. Everything we will need is outlined above and should be submitted via email from the student and college office directly.

If you are a CURRENT MPA student within the Glenn College interested in adding a secondary program: 

Schedule an appointment to meet with a representative from the outside program to get information about their academics, admissions process, and deadlines.  Follow any required steps outlined by the secondary program. Contact Student Services if they require academic documents or if you have questions.

If you are NOT YET a member of the Ohio State graduate student body, but interested in pursuing a Dual Degree: 

Please apply as a typical MPA student using the Graduate Admissions application (see the Applicant Checklist for details on how to do this and deadlines).

If you are admitted into the MPA program through the Glenn College, you can then discuss adding on a secondary program as an internal candidate.

You do have the option to apply to TWO programs simultaneously. If you choose to do this, you will need to send all of your application materials to both locations as separate application processes and complete two different online applications.