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, year two is spent living, learning and working in Washington, D.C.
- Intern four days a week
- Complete specialized coursework in federal policy and management
- 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)
- PUBAFRS 6540: Professional Development (1)
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.
There are no additional fees to participate in MPA-DC.
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.
- 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