Master of Public Administration
Choose to make a difference.
The Master of Public Administration degree will provide you with the applied skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. You will be prepared to lead and grow in your career through a solid grounding in the study of public policy, economics, management and data analysis.
Before applying
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Complete our Inquiry Form: Introduce yourself to the Glenn College admissions team, express interest in our programs, and receive additional information about the Glenn College experience and offerings.
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Review the step-by-step instructions for applying below, which include important deadlines and other required materials. PLEASE NOTE: the deadline below is the date in which all application materials must be received including online application form, resume, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores (if applicable) and transcripts. Applications that are not entirely complete by the date set below will not be reviewed.
Application Deadlines:
- Priority for funding: Dec. 1
- International priority for funding: Nov. 1
- Final for autumn admit: April 15
- Final for spring admit: Nov. 1
- Final for summer admit: March 1
Students interested in MPA-DC are strongly advised to apply by the Glenn College’s priority deadline of December 1st. After the priority deadline, applications for MPA-DC will be considered on a space-available basis.
Program Code: PUBADM-MPA
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
University 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.
- Qualifying criteria are listed on the Graduate Admissions webpage.
- 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.
We seek to control cost, increase aid for low- and moderate-income families and enhance programs that support success in and out of the classroom. Ohio State is committed to making an excellent college education more accessible and affordable for Buckeyes everywhere.
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 directly at gpadmissions@osu.edu.
- 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.
GRE Scores are no longer required for any applicant to a master's level program at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Applicants with a GPA that fall below a 3.0 are encouraged to contact the Glenn College for further direction in strengthening their application.
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.
Live, learn and work in Washington while earning your degree.
The Glenn College MPA-DC program allows you to complete your MPA while gaining professional experience in the nation's capital.