Applicants are considered on an individual basis, taking into consideration superior academic performance and promise of future achievement.

Applicants must present evidence of having completed a graduate-level statistics course. Students with a deficiency in this area will be required to take additional coursework as prescribed by the program director. Such coursework will not apply to the degree requirements.

The applicant seeking acceptance to the program with a completed master's must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (A = 4.00) in all undergraduate coursework and 3.5 in all post-baccalaureate coursework. The applicant must submit three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with his or her academic achievements or professional experience. Applicants are also required to submit Graduate Records Examination (GRE) general scores. All applicants should have a combined score of at least 1100 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). If an applicant fails to present a minimum GRE score of 1100 and a GPA of 3.5, the applicant may still be considered by the Ph.D. Committee. The Committee will review all evidence of high promise to include, but not limited to trend of graduate grade, type of graduate program, mature work experience.

Domestic Application Procedure

To complete an application for graduate study, domestic, degree-seeking applicants must send all materials directly in one complete self-managed package to the PA Program Office at:

Graduate Program in Public Administration (M/C 278)
The University of Illinois at Chicago
412 S. Peoria Street Rm. 130
Chicago, Illinois 60607-7064

1. Application for Graduate Admission (You may download a paper application or submit an online application)
2. Application processing fee of $50 (Checks only with your SSN on it payable to University of Illinois).
3. Official transcripts (sealed) from all institutions where you earned degrees and transcripts from all other colleges and universities attended within the last eight years.
4. Three letters of recommendation (sealed and signed) from former professors or supervisors.
5. One or two-page personal statement Please identify an area of specialization in your statement. If necessary, you may change your area of specialization at a later time. You can review the areas of specialization at the following webpage: PhD Areas of Specialization Please include the following in your personal statement:
• What is your background and academic interests?
• Why did you decided to study public administration at the graduate level?
• What are your professional goals?
• How does a Ph.D. in Public Administration fit into your short- and long-term plans for your professional career?
6. Resume
7. A 3-5 page essay on a contemporary issue in public administration, with suggestions on how the issue may be resolved
8. Recent test scores (less than five years old) from the Graduate Record Examination (general test only)
9. Application for Graduate Appointment Form (if you wish to be considered for a research assistantship)

International Application Procedure

Application Deadlines

College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs Distinguished Graduate Scholar Award

The CUPPA Distinguished Graduate Scholar Award Program offers highly qualified doctoral students a guarantee of up to four years of tuition-free education and salaries of up to $15,000 per academic year for work as research assistants in one of the college's seven research centers and institutes. More information> (link to Financial Awards page)