Graduate Programs Application Checklist

Master of Public Administration application.

Program Code: PUBADM-MPA

Application Deadlines:

• Priority for funding: Dec. 1
• MPA-DC: Dec. 1, may apply after on a space-available basis
• Final for autumn admit: June 15 (domestic), April 15 (international)
• Final for spring admit: Nov. 1 (domestic), September 1 (international)
• Final for summer admit: March 1 (domestic), January 15 (international)

The status will first become available two to three days after your application is received. Visit The Applicant Center to check the status of your application during the admissions process.

Application Fee:

• $60 for domestic applicants
• $70 for international applicants
• This fee is nonrefundable

Application Fee Waivers (U.S. applicants only)

If you feel you qualify for an application fee waiver based on your participation in any of the diversity initiatives through the Graduate School Program or Ohio State’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, or if you feel you qualify because of economic hardship, please select the appropriate box(es) under the application fee waiver section of the online application. 

• You must submit proof in order to qualify for an application fee waiver. 
• You cannot submit your online application until your application fee waiver request is approved or your application fee is paid. You will be notified if your application fee waiver request is not approved, at which time you should return to the online application and submit the application fee.

Indicate your academic and career goals, your interest in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and how your education and work experience qualify you for admission. There is no length requirement for the personal statement.

*If you are an internal transfer student who started an Ohio State degree that you do not plan to complete before entering the Glenn College, please describe why you do not plan to complete your current degree (e.g., unable to pass qualifying exams, change in research interests), and why you think that the Glenn College is a better fit.

Resume or CV: Be sure to include work experience, volunteer activities, academics and professional honors, honorary societies, extracurricular activities, offices held, any publications and other significant activities.

Three letters of recommendation are required and should reflect the academic and, if relevant, job capability and experiences of the applicant. The letters should speak to the applicant’s ability to excel in an academic professional program. 

Requirements:

• Letters must be submitted electronically using the online application (select “Public Policy and Management”).
• While completing your online application, please provide your recommender’s name and email address. The Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions will send an email to the recommenders instructing them to complete a short assessment and upload a PDF recommendation letter. 
• Inform your letter writers that they will receive an email from Ohio State once you submit the online application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure letters of recommendation are completed by posted deadlines. 
• If recommenders experience difficulties accessing the link or using the online system, please contact the Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions.
• Letters of recommendation sent directly to the Glenn College will not be accepted.

Upload transcripts from ALL of the universities and colleges you attended with your online application as an attachment. 

• Transcripts are required, even for classes transferred from another institution, including classes attended during high school or completed through a study abroad program.
• Transcripts are not required for coursework completed at Ohio State. 
• Submit copies (front and back) of official transcripts. Please submit only scanned images of official transcripts issued by your institution’s registrar. Ohio State will not accept web reports, advising reports, self-reported scores or transfer credit on another school’s transcript.

Transcripts submitted with the online application are considered unofficial and, if admitted, you will be required to submit an official set of transcripts with statement of degree (if appropriate) prior to enrolling at Ohio State. For more information on transcript submission, please visit the Transcript Resource website through the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.

GRE Scores are no longer required for any applicant to a master's level program at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Most successful applicants have a minimum GPA of a 3.0 in the most recently earned degree.  If your GPA was below a 3.0, you should be prepared to demonstrate how you can be successful in graduate level work.  You should address your prior academic performance in a reflective academic statement that gives examples of how you will be successful in graduate level courses.  

Official GRE Codes:

• Institution Code: 1592
• Department Code: 2204

International Students:

• International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores; scores should be above the equivalent of a TOEFL iBT Total Score of 100 for consideration.

All test scores (if needed), including GRE and English proficiency, must be sent directly to Graduate Admissions. The proof of English proficiency requirement is handled by the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. You can find out more information, including potential exemptions to this requirement, on their International Additional Requirements to Apply webpage.

The Glenn College offers a variety of merit-based funding opportunities for incoming MPA students. In order to be eligible for fellowship and assistantship funding consideration, students must apply by the priority deadline for an autumn semester start to their degree program. Students who apply after that deadline may be considered for scholarship funding. Students who start the program in off-terms (spring and summer) are not eligible for funding. 

The priority-funding deadline for an autumn start is Dec. 1 (domestic) and Nov. 1 (international).

Scholarships

The Glenn College is also pleased to offer a number of merit‐based scholarships. These awards are fixed amounts that are paid out over one or more years of graduate study. All MPA applicants who meet the Dec. 1 deadline will be considered.

Graduate Assistantships (GA)

GA Positions are typically awarded to second year MPA students as part of a highly-selective application process. Positions provide a tuition waiver and monthly stipend, while requiring a work commitment of 20 hours per week. In addition to research and administrative positions within the Glenn College, many of our GA students have the opportunity to gain practical policy experience by working 20 hours per week at agencies such as the Columbus City Council and Franklin County Board of Commissioners. Typically, GA recipients have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.

The Ohio State University awards University Fellowships annually on a competitive basis. Fellowships provide a tuition waiver for the first year of graduate study as well as a monthly stipend. University Fellowship recipients typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.6 or higher.

In addition to University Fellowships, Ohio State also offers Graduate Enrichment Fellowships to students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Enrichment Fellowship recipients typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher.

For more information about fellowships and the selection process, visit the Graduate School Fellowship page.

To be considered, the application must be completed by the priority application deadline which is Dec. 1 (Nov. 1 international)

In addition to merit-based financial assistance through the Glenn College, students may also be eligible for loans, university‐wide scholarships and other forms of financial aid. For more information, please contact the Ohio State Financial Aid Office or call them at 614-292‐0300 regarding these matters.

Financial aid information provided by the Graduate School at Ohio State.
Funding opportunities provided by the Graduate School at Ohio State.
External funding resources.

Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management (In-Career MA) Application

Program Code: PUBADM-MA

Eligibility for the in-career MA Program:

Eligible individuals must have at least three years of administrative or analytical post-baccalaureate experience. Experience is assessed on an individual basis, however the following indicators are useful in understanding how the Glenn College defines administrative OR analytical experience. 
Administrative Experience could include: 

• Responsibility for personnel decisions (hiring/supervising/evaluating) in an organization 
• Responsibility for managing day to day program or organizational operations 
• Responsibility for formulating budget decisions in an organization 
• Increasing responsibility over time 

Analytical Experience could include: 

• Responsibility for researching and writing reports that inform decision-making in an organization 
• Previous master’s degree 
• Increasing responsibility over time 

Email your resume to glennapply@osu.edu to confirm eligibility before applying. Include a short statement explaining how your resume reflects administrative or analytical experience.

If you’re not eligible, you may be interested in our professional development opportunities.

Application Deadlines:

• Final for autumn admit: June 15
  • International deadline: April 15
• Final for spring admit: Nov. 1
  • International deadline: Sep. 1
• Final for summer admit: March 1
  • ​​​​​​​International deadline: Jan. 15

The status will first become available two to three days after your application is received. Visit The Applicant Center to check the status of your application during the admissions process.

Application Fee:

• $60 for domestic applicants
• $70 for international applicants
• This fee is nonrefundable

Application Fee Waivers (U.S. applicants only)

If you feel you qualify for an application fee waiver based on your participation in any of the diversity initiatives through the Graduate School Program or Ohio State’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, or if you feel you qualify because of economic hardship, please select the appropriate box(es) under the application fee waiver section of the online application. 

• You must submit proof in order to qualify for an application fee waiver. 
• You cannot submit your online application until your application fee waiver request is approved or your application fee is paid. You will be notified if your application fee waiver request is not approved, at which time you should return to the online application and submit the application fee.

Indicate your academic and career goals, your interest in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and how your education and work experience qualify you for admission. There is no length requirement for the personal statement.

*If you are an internal transfer student who started an Ohio State degree that you do not plan to complete before entering the Glenn College, please describe why you do not plan to complete your current degree (e.g., unable to pass qualifying exams, change in research interests), and why you think that the Glenn College is a better fit.

Resume or CV: Be sure to include work experience, volunteer activities, academics and professional honors, honorary societies, extracurricular activities, offices held, any publications and other significant activities.

Three letters of recommendation are required and should reflect the academic and, if relevant, job capability and experiences of the applicant. The letters should speak to the applicant’s ability to excel in an academic professional program. 

Requirements:

• Letters must be submitted electronically using the online application (select “Public Policy and Management”).
• While completing your online application, please provide your recommender’s name and email address. The Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions will send an email to the recommenders instructing them to complete a short assessment and upload a PDF recommendation letter. 
• Inform your letter writers that they will receive an email from Ohio State once you submit the online application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure letters of recommendation are completed by posted deadlines. 
• If recommenders experience difficulties accessing the link or using the online system, please contact the Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions.
• Letters of recommendation sent directly to the Glenn College will not be accepted.

Upload transcripts from ALL of the universities and colleges you attended with your online application as an attachment. 

• Transcripts are required, even for classes transferred from another institution, including classes attended during high school or completed through a study abroad program.
• Transcripts are not required for coursework completed at Ohio State. 
• Submit copies (front and back) of official transcripts. Please submit only scanned images of official transcripts issued by your institution’s registrar. Ohio State will not accept web reports, advising reports, self-reported scores or transfer credit on another school’s transcript.

Transcripts submitted with the online application are considered unofficial and, if admitted, you will be required to submit an official set of transcripts with statement of degree (if appropriate) prior to enrolling at Ohio State. For more information on transcript submission, please visit the Transcript Resource website through the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.

GRE Scores are no longer required for any applicant to a master's level program at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Most successful applicants have a minimum GPA of a 3.0 in the most recently earned degree.  If your GPA was below a 3.0, you should be prepared to demonstrate how you can be successful in graduate level work.  You should address your prior academic performance in a reflective academic statement that gives examples of how you will be successful in graduate level courses.  Examples of this could include improved performance in undergraduate career, continuous professional development including certifications, GRE scores at the 50th percentile or above, work experience beyond the minimum requirement (8-10 years with increasing responsibility), letters of recommendation that address specific competencies and suggest potential for success in graduate level work, and ways that you will contribute to the diverse perspective of the cohort.  

Official GRE Codes:

• Institution Code: 1592
• Department Code: 2204

International Students:

• International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores; scores should be above the equivalent of a TOEFL iBT Total Score of 100 for consideration.

All test scores (if needed), including GRE and English proficiency, must be sent directly to Graduate Admissions. The proof of English proficiency requirement is handled by the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. You can find out more information, including potential exemptions to this requirement, on their International Additional Requirements to Apply webpage.

Master of Public Administration and Leadership (Online MPAL) Application

Program Code: PUBADM-MPL

Eligibility for the Online MPAL Program:

Eligible individuals must have at least three years of administrative or analytical post-baccalaureate experience. Experience is assessed on an individual basis, however the following indicators are useful in understanding how the Glenn College defines administrative OR analytical experience. 
Administrative Experience could include: 

• Responsibility for personnel decisions (hiring/supervising/evaluating) in an organization 
• Responsibility for managing day to day program or organizational operations 
• Responsibility for formulating budget decisions in an organization 
• Increasing responsibility over time 

Analytical Experience could include: 

• Responsibility for researching and writing reports that inform decision-making in an organization 
• Previous master’s degree 
• Increasing responsibility over time 

Email your resume to glennonline@osu.edu to confirm eligibility before applying. Include a short statement explaining how your resume reflects administrative or analytical experience.

If you’re not eligible, you may be interested in our professional development opportunities.

Application Deadlines:

• Autumn cohort: June 15
• Spring cohort: Nov. 1

The status will first become available two to three days after your application is received. Visit The Applicant Center to check the status of your application during the admissions process.

Application Fee:

• $60 for domestic applicants
• $70 for international applicants
• This fee is nonrefundable

Graduates of The Ohio State University applying to an online degree program are eligible for an application fee waiver. 

The statement of purpose should address your academic and career goals, your interest in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and how your education and work experience qualify you for admission. There is no length requirement for the personal statement.

Resume or CV: Be sure to include work experience, volunteer activities, academics and professional honors, honorary societies, extracurricular activities, offices held, any publications and other significant activities.

Three letters of recommendation are required and should reflect the academic and, if relevant, job capability and experiences of the applicant. The letters should speak to the applicant’s ability to excel in an academic professional program. 

Requirements:

• Letters must be submitted electronically using the online application (select “Public Policy and Management”).
• While completing your online application, please provide your recommender’s name and email address. The Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions will send an email to the recommenders instructing them to complete a short assessment and upload a PDF recommendation letter. 
• Inform your letter writers that they will receive an email from Ohio State once you submit the online application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure letters of recommendation are completed by posted deadlines. 
• If recommenders experience difficulties accessing the link or using the online system, please contact the Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions.
• Letters of recommendation sent directly to the Glenn College will not be accepted.

Upload transcripts from ALL of the universities and colleges you attended with your online application as an attachment. 

• Transcripts are required, even for classes transferred from another institution, including classes attended during high school or completed through a study abroad program.
• Transcripts are not required for coursework completed at Ohio State. 
• Submit copies (front and back) of official transcripts. Please submit only scanned images of official transcripts issued by your institution’s registrar. Ohio State will not accept web reports, advising reports, self-reported scores or transfer credit on another school’s transcript.

Transcripts submitted with the online application are considered unofficial and, if admitted, you will be required to submit an official set of transcripts with statement of degree (if appropriate) prior to enrolling at Ohio State. For more information on transcript submission, please visit the Transcript Resource website through the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.

GRE Scores are no longer required for any applicant to a master's level program at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Most successful applicants have a minimum GPA of a 3.0 in the most recently earned degree.  If your GPA was below a 3.0, you should be prepared to demonstrate how you can be successful in graduate level work.  You should address your prior academic performance in a reflective academic statement that gives examples of how you will be successful in graduate level courses.  Examples of this could include improved performance in undergraduate career, continuous professional development including certifications, GRE scores at the 50th percentile or above, work experience beyond the minimum requirement (8-10 years with increasing responsibility), letters of recommendation that address specific competencies and suggest potential for success in graduate level work, and ways that you will contribute to the diverse perspective of the cohort.  

Official GRE Codes:

• Institution Code: 1592
• Department Code: 2204

Certificate in Public Management Application

Program Code: PUBADM-CR

Application Deadlines:

• Autumn entry: June 15
• Spring entry: Nov. 1
• Summer entry: March 1

The status will first become available two to three days after your application is received. Visit The Applicant Center to check the status of your application during the admissions process.

Application Fee:

• $60 for domestic applicants
• $70 for international applicants
• This fee is nonrefundable

Graduates of The Ohio State University applying to an online degree program are eligible for an application fee waiver. 

The statement of purpose should address your academic and career goals, your interest in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and how your education and work experience qualify you for admission. There is no length requirement for the personal statement.

Resume or CV: Be sure to include work experience, volunteer activities, academics and professional honors, honorary societies, extracurricular activities, offices held, any publications and other significant activities.

Letters of recommendation are not required for the application to the Public Management Certificate program if your GPA from your most recently earned degree is above a 3.0.

If your GPA is below a 3.0, then one letter of recommendation is required for consideration.

Upload transcripts from ALL of the universities and colleges you attended with your online application as an attachment. 

• Transcripts are required, even for classes transferred from another institution, including classes attended during high school or completed through a study abroad program.
• Transcripts are not required for coursework completed at Ohio State. 
• Submit copies (front and back) of official transcripts. Please submit only scanned images of official transcripts issued by your institution’s registrar. Ohio State will not accept web reports, advising reports, self-reported scores or transfer credit on another school’s transcript.

Transcripts submitted with the online application are considered unofficial and, if admitted, you will be required to submit an official set of transcripts with statement of degree (if appropriate) prior to enrolling at Ohio State. For more information on transcript submission, please visit the Transcript Resource website through the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.

The GRE is not required. 

Students must have earned a bachelor's or advanced degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

International students are recommended to score at least 100 in the TOEFL iBT. Certificate credit hours may hinder Visa status.
Review International Student Eligibility 

The Federal Policy and Management Certificate is a 13-credit hour program with a required summer semester in D.C.

Living and learning in our nation’s capital will help you jumpstart your career in federal policy. Before this summer semester, you must complete 5 credit hours in pre-departure coursework. We recommend students start the pre-departure coursework the prior autumn term to allow enough time to apply for internship opportunities at the federal agencies of their choosing. Students may start in the Spring semester if they would prefer but these students would need to have an understanding that they will need to move quickly in the internship application process for the summer semester which typically begins at the beginning of May in Washington, DC.

Certificate in Federal Policy and Management Application

Application Deadlines:

• Autumn entry: June 15
• Spring entry: November 1
• Summer entry: March 1

The status will first become available two to three days after your application is received. Visit The Applicant Center to check the status of your application during the admissions process.

Application Fee:

• $60 for domestic applicants
• $70 for international applicants
• This fee is nonrefundable

Graduates of The Ohio State University applying to an online degree program are eligible for an application fee waiver.

In 250 words or less, why do you want to pursue graduate minor in Federal Policy and Management? How does this program advance your professional goals.

Resume or CV: Be sure to include work experience, volunteer activities, academics and professional honors, honorary societies, extracurricular activities, offices held, any publications and other significant activities.

Letters of recommendation are not required for the application to the Federal Policy and Management Certificate program.

Upload transcripts from ALL of the universities and colleges you attended with your online application as an attachment. 

• Transcripts are required, even for classes transferred from another institution, including classes attended during high school or completed through a study abroad program.
• Transcripts are not required for coursework completed at Ohio State. 
• Submit copies (front and back) of official transcripts. Please submit only scanned images of official transcripts issued by your institution’s registrar. Ohio State will not accept web reports, advising reports, self-reported scores or transfer credit on another school’s transcript.

Transcripts submitted with the online application are considered unofficial and, if admitted, you will be required to submit an official set of transcripts with statement of degree (if appropriate) prior to enrolling at Ohio State. For more information on transcript submission, please visit the Transcript Resource website through the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.

The GRE is not required. 

Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration Application

Program Code: PUBADM-CR

Application Deadlines:

• Autumn entry: June 15
• Spring entry: November 1
• Summer entry: March 1

The status will first become available two to three days after your application is received. Visit The Applicant Center to check the status of your application during the admissions process.

Application Fee:

• $60 for domestic applicants
• $70 for international applicants
• This fee is nonrefundable

Graduates of The Ohio State University applying to an online degree program are eligible for an application fee waiver. 

The statement of purpose should address your academic and career goals, your interest in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and how your education and work experience qualify you for admission. There is no length requirement for the personal statement.

Resume or CV: Be sure to include work experience, volunteer activities, academics and professional honors, honorary societies, extracurricular activities, offices held, any publications and other significant activities.

Letters of recommendation are not required for the application to the Criminal Justice Administration Certificate program if your GPA from your most recently earned degree is above a 3.0.

If your GPA is below a 3.0, then one letter of recommendation is required for consideration.

Upload transcripts from ALL of the universities and colleges you attended with your online application as an attachment. 

• Transcripts are required, even for classes transferred from another institution, including classes attended during high school or completed through a study abroad program.
• Transcripts are not required for coursework completed at Ohio State. 
• Submit copies (front and back) of official transcripts. Please submit only scanned images of official transcripts issued by your institution’s registrar. Ohio State will not accept web reports, advising reports, self-reported scores or transfer credit on another school’s transcript.

Transcripts submitted with the online application are considered unofficial and, if admitted, you will be required to submit an official set of transcripts with statement of degree (if appropriate) prior to enrolling at Ohio State. For more information on transcript submission, please visit the Transcript Resource website through the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.

The GRE is not required.