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Northern Illinois University

Public Administration

Directions for Applying to the NIU MPA Program

A complete application to the NIU MPA program requires:  

GRE scores and transcripts should be sent to the Graduate School, Northern Illinois University, 223 Adams Hall, DeKalb, IL 60115. Additional materials, including writing samples and applications for assistantship, for example, should be sent to: Division of Public Administration Admissions, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb IL 60115.

 

MPA Program
Deadlines

Graduate School
Deadlines

International Student
Grad School Deadlines

Summer Semester

February 1

June 1

N/A

Fall Semester

February 1

July 15

May 1

Spring Semester

September 1

December 10

October 1

 

 

 

 





The Graduate School prefers you submit an application online. Online applications speed their ability to reply to you and ensure the accuracy of NIU records. Online applications over the secure server require a credit card to pay the $30 application fee.  Students with a GRE or other fee-waiver may call The Graduate School to obtain a waiver code so that they can use the online application. Other applicants with waiver codes can use the online application, too.  Alternatively, you can visit the Graduate School to complete an application.

Since the MPA program can admit only a limited number of students per term, applicants are advised to submit their completed applications, including all supporting materials, by February 1 for the summer or fall semester, and by September 1 for the spring semester.  Applicants should apply for admission in the year in which they actually intend to enroll. Requests to defer enrollment after an applicant has been admitted will be considered but are granted only on a case-by-case basis.

Standards of Admission

Admission is based upon a combination of past academic performance, letters of recommendation, applicant's statement of goals, and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Current admission guidelines are:

  • Undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.00/4.00; 
  • Satisfactory score (a minimum of 500/800 or 4.5/6.0) in each of the three areas tested on the GRE general test;
  • Three letters of recommendation: Pre-service students should request at least two letters of recommendation from previous instructors who can judge their ability to do graduate work. If pre-service students have public sector experience, they should request a letter from an employer who can judge their potential as future public administrators. In-service students should request at least one letter of recommendation from a previous instructor and remaining letters from public sector employers.
  • A statement of career goals no more than two pages, single spaced. Explain why you are seeking entry to this program, describe your career interests, and explain the ways in which you intend to contribute to public service. Through this essay, help us understand what makes you a unique individual, and what experiences in your life have fostered an interest in public service. Articulation and grammar are very important as this is the faculty's only chance to evaluate your writing skills.
  • Performance in previous public service work will also be considered in admissions decisions. However, primary consideration for admission will be based on demonstrated academic ability and performance.