Prospective Student Admission Criteria

Identifying applicants who can make a distinct contribution

The admissions criteria are designed to identify those applicants who can best benefit from, and make a distinct contribution to, the instructional, research, and service activities of the School of Public Policy and Administration. Although the judgments of anticipated benefit and expected contribution are made primarily with reference to the applicant’s ability to complete the program successfully, the School’s concern also extends to the candidate’s potential role and contribution in his or her subsequent professional career.

In considering applications, the admissions committee for each of the degree programs is guided by the following criteria, although the relative emphasis placed on specific criteria depends upon which degree program is being considered.

• Genuine interest in, and sufficient motivation to complete, graduate study in the program; coherent and well formulated personal objectives, aspirations, and plans.
• Academic ability to perform well in a graduate level program.
• Capacity to apply previously acquired competencies to problem areas or community or organizational needs.

Master’s Program Criteria: Successful master’s candidates have undergraduate grade point indexes above 3.0.  In addition, the quality and extent of previous related work or volunteer experience and the motivation to pursue a professional career in public service are particularly important.  We also look for a good fit between the applicant’s interests and our program.  

Doctoral Program Criteria: For doctoral applicants, emphasis is placed on achievements in prior graduate work. The average cumulative grade point index in previous graduate work for those admitted to the Ph.D. program is 3.5.  Admissions to the Ph.D. programs requires completion of a master’s degree.  Virtually all successful doctoral applicants have completed a master’s degree in urban affairs, public policy, or a related field. The admissions committee looks for a strong aptitude for research and a close fit with faculty research interests.

GRE Scores: Generally, those admitted for graduate study have scores that are distributed equally on the quantitative and verbal aptitude portions of the GRE well above 1100. GREs are viewed in the context of the applicant’s complete record.

TOEFL Scores: If English is not an applicant’s first language, international applicants from outside the United States must demonstrate a satisfactory command of English. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required of all international applicants. A minimum score of 600 (paper-based test), or 100 (TOEFL iBT) is required for consideration for admission.

The School of Public Policy and Administration reserves the right to reject any application for admission.  Meeting admission criteria may not necessarily result in admission.