Master of Public Administration

Admission deadlines:

Fall -  February 1: Priority consideration for admission and funding;   April 1: Guaranteed review for admission and consideration for funding, if available. (Applications for admission will continue to be accepted after April 1, when space remains available in the program.)

Spring - October 1 Late applications accepted on a case by case basis for students who do not require an F-1 or J-1 visa through November 1 

Standardized test scores:

The GRE general or GMAT is not required. However, if you feel as though submitting scores for the GRE or GMAT will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required of all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction. 

Minimum scores for the M.P.A. program are:

• Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0; or
• TOEFL: 600 on paper-based or 100 on Internet-based.

Recommendations required: 

Two (2) recommendations

Prior academic records:

Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission.

If transcripts are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided. The English translation alone should be uploaded into your application.

Statement of purpose:

In an essay of 250 – 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on your application or résumé/curriculum vitae.

International applicants only:

Please review International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, and English language requirements.