Master of Public Administration, MPA

How to Apply

Applications to the online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program are reviewed on a rolling basis, with application deadlines of: August 1st for the fall semester; December 1st for the spring semester; and May 15th for the summer semester. The MPA Program’s admission considerations include the following:

1. Graduate Admissions Application: The Graduate Studies Application is an institutional application required by SHSU. Students must provide biographical and educational information and information relevant to determining State of Texas residency.

2. Application Fee: An application fee is required for all applications to graduate programs at SHSU.

3. Transcripts documenting all prior degrees.1

4. A current resume or curriculum vitae.

5. A writing sample of scholarly or professional work.

6. A statement of interest that summarizes the applicant’s professional goals, how an MPA degree will help the applicant obtain their professional goals, and how the applicant’s personal and professional experiences have prepared them for the MPA program. The statement of interest should be between one and two single-spaced pages.

7. Names and contact information for at least two individuals who can speak to applicant’s academic and professional potential.

8. Applicants who do not possess a graduate degree from an accredited institution, are expected to have earned a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 from the accredited institution granting the undergraduate degree.

9. Applicants who do not possess a graduate degree and have an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 may submit additional information as evidence of their academic and professional potential. Additional information may include, but is not limited to: a narrative that provides an explanation for the applicant’s low GPA and why the GPA is not indicative of the applicant’s academic and professional potential or GRE scores. Applicants can submit the GPA narrative as part of their statement of interest.

10. If the MPA Admissions Committee needs additional information for an admission decision, the MPA Admissions Committee Chair may schedule an interview with an applicant or request an applicant provide additional information via email.

Applicants must submit all application materials directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by the relevant deadline. A holistic review of each applicant’s file will then be completed with admission to the MPA Program offered to applicants on a competitive basis.

1 Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts for review by the admissions committee. However, under university policy, admission decisions are contingent upon receipt of official transcripts.