Applicants are considered on an individual basis. The successful applicant will have a baccalaureate from an accredited college or university with a grade point average of at least 3.00 (A = 4.00) for the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate study. Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation from instructors familiar with their academic training or supervisors familiar with their professional experience, resume, writing sample, and a two-page statement of academic interests and professional goals. Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) are required for applicants requesting program administered financial assistance. Applicants who are not requesting aid are strongly recommended to submit scores but are not required.

In exceptional cases, applicants with grade point averages lower than 3.00 (but above 2.75) may be admitted if they can show substantial evidence of ability to complete the program. Such students will be admitted on limited standing, with clearly stated conditions that must be met for conversion to full graduate standing.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR DOMESTIC DEGREE-SEEKING MPA STUDENTS:

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 (MC/278)
The University of Illinois at Chicago
412 S. Peoria St., Rm. 130
Chicago, Illinois 60607-7064

1. Graduate College Application. 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 undergraduate institutions attended.
4. Three letters of recommendation (sealed and signed) from former professors or supervisors
5. One or two-page personal statement. Please identify a concentration in your statement. You may use the following as an outline for your personal statement:
• What is your background and academic interests?
• Why did you decide to study public administration at the graduate level?
• What are your professional goals?
• How does an MPA degree fit into your short and long-term plans for your professional career?
6. Resume
7. A sample of your written work no more than 8-10 pages double-spaced in length. Academic writing samples preferred.
8. GRE scores (required for MPA applicants requesting program administered financial assistance; optional for MPA applicants who are not requesting aid)
9. Application for Graduate Appointment Form (if you wish to be considered for a research assistantship)

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