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Northern Illinois University

Public Administration

Directions for Applying to the NIU MPA Program:

When you decide to apply for admission, you will be asked to complete the Graduate School application for admission.

A Complete Application Requires:  

Completed paper applications for admission and ALL supporting documents should be submitted with your $30 application fee payment to the following address: The Graduate School, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115-2864, USA.

MPA Program
Deadlines
Graduate School
Deadlines


Summer Semester

February 1

June 1

Fall Semester

February 1

July 15

Spring Semester

September 1

December 10

While the Graduate School requires that applications for admission to the MPA program must be submitted to the Graduate School no later than July 15 for admission to the fall semester, December 10 for the spring semester, and June 1 for the summer session, the MPA program can admit only a limited number of students.  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.