How to Apply
Admission
The MPA program gives preference to students with undergraduate grade point averages of at least 3.0. In-service applicants with strong professional experience may be admitted with grade point grade point averages below 3.0 in some cases. Admission decisions are made by the MPA Director with the advice of the MPA Faculty for students who submit complete applications by the submission deadlines given below. Students must also apply and be admitted to the Graduate School.
Application Deadlines
February 1st - Summer and Fall Admission
* Applicants interested in being considered for graduate assistantships must have a complete application turned in by the February 1st deadline (including valid GRE scores) and must indicate interest in the assistantship/fellowship on the application.April 1st - Summer and Fall Admission
October 1st - Spring Admission
Application Process
All application forms may be obtained by clicking on the appropriate links below. If you have difficulty obtaining the forms, please contact the MPA Program Office. Prior to beginning your application please review the Application Memo and Application Instructions.
A complete application to the MPA Program consists of:
(1) The Online Application for Admission to the MPA Program (including statement of purpose and resume)
(2) The Online Application for Admission to the Graduate School (including $50.00 application fee)
(3) Official transcripts from all institutions attended*
(4) Three completed Recommendation Requests (letters may be attached if desired)
(5) Valid GRE scores** (only for students applying for Graduate Assistantships)
(6) An official TOEFL report and a financial statement (only for International students)
*Note: Transcripts are not official unless they are sent directly by the university's registrar.
**Note: To ensure that your GRE scores are sent to the MPA Program without delay, please enter the following codes when registering for the exam. Institution Code: 1726 (Southern Illinois Univerisity Carbondale) and Major/Field Code: 4801 (Public Adminisration). For more information regarding the GRE or to register for the exam, please visit: www.ets.org
Additional information/materials for international students:
All application material must be sent to:
Director, MPA Program
Department of Political Science
Mail Code 4501
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois 62901
If you have any questions concerning the application process, please contact the MPA Program staff by phone at (618) 453-3177, by fax at (618) 453-3163 or by email: mpaprog@siu.edu