Master of Public Administration Washington, D.C.
Launch your career in Washington.
The Glenn College MPA-DC program allows you to complete your MPA while gaining professional experience in the nation's capital. After a year of studying in Columbus or online, year two is spent living, learning and working in Washington, D.C.
- Intern 32-40 hours/week
- Complete specialized coursework in federal policy and management
- Gain a competitive edge by becoming an AI-fluent federal policy leader
- Engage with your cohort and build relationships through experiential learning opportunities
- Nurture your passion for public service and administration
- Grow your network in D.C.
- Gain experience that makes you more competitive for future employment opportunities
Sample 2-Year Program Plan
This plan is designed as a sample program plan for a typical, full-time MPA student who wants to complete the program in two years. The spring-start plan, part-time plan, or ¾ time plan for MPA students may vary each year.
For more information on curriculum and delivery patterns, visit the Masters Program Handbook and the MPA-DC Advising Page.
Autumn Semester
- PUBAFRS 6000: Public Policy Formulation and Implementation (4)
- PUBAFRS 6030: Public Sector Economics (4)
- PUBAFRS 6070: Public Affairs Statistics (4)
- PUBAFRS 6500: (skills) Written and Oral Communication (2)
Spring Semester
- PUBAFRS 6010: Legal Environment of Public Organizations (4)
- PUBAFRS 6040: Public Budgeting and Finance (4)
- PUBAFRS 6080: Public Affairs Program Evaluation (4)
- PUBAFRS 5545: Make a Difference in Washington (1)
- Elective (3 credits each) Summer Semester (Optional)
Summer Term (Optional)
- Elective (3 credits each)
- Skills course(s) (1 credit each)
Autumn Semester
- PUBAFRS 6050: Managing Public Sector Organizations (4)
- PUBAFRS 7600: Federal Policy and Administration (3)
- Elective (3 credits each)
- Skills course(s) (1 credit each)
Spring Semester
- PUBAFRS 6060: Managerial Leadership in Public and Nonprofit Organizations (4)
- PUBAFRS 7980: MPA-DC Capstone (3)
- Elective (3 credits each)
Apply Today
Review the application steps below before beginning your application.
Master of Public Administration application.
Program Code: PUBADM-MPA
Students who intend to apply for MPA-DC will complete the same application as students applying for the MPA program. Application details are found on the Master of Public Administration program webpage. Students interested in MPA-DC will complete two additional essay questions included in the application to elaborate on their interest in Washington.
The MPA-DC program is currently available to autumn term start students only. The deadline to apply is June 1 for the following autumn term.
There are no additional fees to participate in MPA-DC.
Statement of purpose prompt:
Please write a personal statement that outlines your interest in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs and how your education and work experience qualify you for admission.
Things to consider when crafting your statement: your personal motivation for seeking out a graduate degree, which can include academic background, work/professional experience and/or "miles traveled;" your preparation for coursework in the program; what you hope to gain from and contribute to the Glenn College Community during your time here; and how this degree aligns with your short- and long-term academic and professional goals.
While there is no length requirement for this personal statement, the committee expects at least 2-3 pages to adequately answer the prompts.
*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.
- The GRE is required if the applicant’s GPA for the last degree earned is less than 3.0.
- GMAT and LSAT scores will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Official GRE and GMAT Codes:
GRE Institution Code: 1592; Department Code: 2204
GMAT Program Code: ZLJ-GT-29 Master in Public Policy
MPA-DC Breakdown
Graduate students lead their search for internships with support from Ohio State’s D.C. staff.
While taking Public Affairs 6540 your first semester, you will develop a working résumé, forge connections in Washington, and narrow your interests.
Placement typically occurs in the second semester or the summer between the first and second year, students are required to check-in monthly with Ohio State’s D.C. staff and should plan on applying to no less than 5-7 positions a month until placed. Graduate students are responsible for securing their final placement for the second year in Washington, D.C.
Housing is offered through the Washington Intern Housing Network.
The rate is $4,500 per semester with all utilities included. (price may change) Shared suites are furnished and include one to two bedrooms and an in-unit kitchen and bathroom. Graduate students may be assigned to double or triple occupancy rooms and students can request to room with others in the cohort. There are limited singles available, please contact WIHN directly for that cost.
The cost of housing is added to your statement of account and paid when you pay tuition. Students can stay in the facility one semester or both and are also free to arrange their own housing in D.C. Spaces are booked with a $400 security deposit in June before the second year begins. Food/toiletries/clothing and all other costs are at the student’s expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of internships are available?
Students secure internships across the federal landscape. Opportunities often include federal agencies, Congressional offices, think tanks, nonprofits, consulting firms and other organizations supporting the federal government.
Am I limited to internships, or can I apply for full-time jobs?
We encourage students to apply for both internships and full-time jobs in Washington, DC that align with their career interests and meet program requirements.
I already have a job. Will it count toward the program’s requirements?
Yes! Students with existing jobs in the federal policy arena do not need to find an additional internship. To ask whether your position will count toward this program’s requirements, please contact glenn-dc@osu.edu.
Does the program help students find internships?
Yes! Students receive support from the DC team, including sharing job postings, resume guidance, mock interviews, networking opportunities and regular check-ins throughout the search process.
When do students usually secure internships?
Most students secure positions by the end of the spring semester or early summer before moving to DC.
Do I have to move to DC for my second year?
Yes. Students are required to be in residence in DC for the second year of study.
Do I have to move to Columbus for my first year of study?
No. Students can take their first year of study in Columbus, Ohio OR completely online. Students are required to be in residence in DC for the second year of study.
What housing options are available for students living in DC during the second year of study?
Coordinated housing is available for all graduate students living in Washington. Graduate students can opt-out of housing and find their own housing, if desired. Estimated costs: $5,800 per semester. Housing scholarships may be available.
Can students secure their own housing instead of using coordinated housing?
Yes. Students can choose to find their own housing in Washington if they prefer not to use the coordinated option.
Are there additional fees for participating in the MPA-DC program?
No. Students pay standard MPA tuition and fees. There are no additional program fees for the D.C. option.
Is financial support available for students in the MPA-DC program?
Some scholarships or housing assistance may be available. Students should reach out to the Glenn College for details.
How do I apply for the MPA-DC?
Students must complete Ohio State's application for the Master of Public Administration. Within the application, there is an option to select the DC program. Students interested in the DC opportunity must complete two additional essay questions included in the application to elaborate on their interest in living, learning, and working in the nation’s capital.
Do I need to submit GRE scores?
Students are not required to submit GRE scores unless otherwise noted by the Graduate School or specific circumstances.
Can international students apply to the MPA-DC program?
No. At this time, participation is limited to U.S. citizens.
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