How to Apply-Public Administration

1. Research the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program to see if it’s right for you
   • Review the program info on our website
   • Learn more about scholarships and financial aid
   • Attend an Online Info Session
   • Schedule a meeting with an Admission Counselor
   • Schedule a campus tour
2. Review Admissions Dates & Deadlines
   • Applying by the application deadline ensures consideration for the MPA program and institutional aid scholarships.
   • MPA applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Once you start an application you will be able to save your progress and will not have to complete it all at once.

The MPA application includes the following elements:

1. Letter of Intent
   • Please provide a two-page (maximum) statement, using 12pt font and 1-inch margins, addressing the following elements: 
     • Academic and Professional Goals: Describe your academic and professional goals, explaining how Seattle University’s MPA Mission and Values support your personal and professional growth. Discuss why you are interested in our program and what you hope to achieve during your studies.
     • Curriculum and Program Fit: Review the MPA curriculum and briefly explain how MPA classes will help you achieve your goals. Highlight faculty expertise, courses, and specializations (government and/or nonprofit) that will be relevant to your personal growth and career plans.
     • Work Experience, Education and Professional Interests: Provide a summary of your work experience, education, and professional interests. Include your work experiences, internships, and community service. 
     • Commitment to Public Service: Discuss how you plan to contribute to the public sector and what drives your passion for this field.
   • Please ensure your letter of intent is original and specific to Seattle University. Avoid directly copying language from the MPA website.
2. Résumé
   • A one-to-two-page professional résumé documenting education, work and volunteer experience, with an emphasis on any public service.
3. Two Recommendation Forms
   • Once you've started your application, you will add their email address and they will receive a link to the evaluation form.
   • Do not choose peers, friends or family.
   • Choose from supervisors or instructors who are familiar with your work and your interpersonal skills.
     • These forms are what is evaluated. Please do not include letters of recommendation.
4. Bachelor’s degree or higher
   • Evidence of a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
5. Minimum of 3.00 GPA
   • For information on GPA calculations for admission, please visit our Graduate Admissions How to Apply page.
   • Applicants with less than a 3.00 GPA might be considered for probationary admission and can submit an additional GPA explanation statement. Applicants with a non-graded bachelor's degree are required to submit a GRE/GMAT test score.
6. Required Transcripts
   • Submit official or unofficial transcripts for your most recent coursework to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
     • For additional information on transcript requirements for admission, please visit the Graduate Admissions How to Apply page. 
   • Transcripts may be submitted electronically to  grad-application@seattleu.edu or mailed.
   • Once accepted to the program, students will need to submit official transcripts within their first quarter of enrollment.

1. Submit your application
   • Make sure you hit “Submit” on your application.
   • Submitted applications are only considered complete once all application materials have been received, including your recommendation forms.

1. Check Your Status
   • You can login to check the status of your application anytime.
2. Monitor your email
   • Make sure to regularly check the email you listed on your application for updates, including your admission decision. 
   • Applicants should review the application timeline for information on when to expect an admission decision.