APPLICATION DEADLINES AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Application deadlines
MPP, MURP, MS degrees:
Postmark deadline for fall admission and scholarships/fellowships consideration: January 5.
Postmark deadline for fall admission: April 1.
MPA degree:
Postmark deadline for fall admission and scholarships/fellowships consideration: April 1.
Postmark deadline for spring admission: October 15.
Admission requirements
All admitted students must hold a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. university or foreign equivalent. Students with majors in any academic discipline are encouraged to apply for the MPP, MURP and MPA programs. MS applicants are expected to have completed a degree or taken coursework beyond the introductory level in the natural or engineering sciences. The University of Minnesota Graduate School prefers a 3.0 or better undergraduate GPA. On average, students enter the Humphrey Institute with GPAs of 3.5. Students in all programs must demonstrate basic competence in computers. Competence in college-level algebra (including facility with functional notations; algebraic manipulation of polynomials, logs, and exponentials; and graphic representation of equations) is required for MPP and MURP students and strongly recommended for MPA students. MS students must have completed at least one semester of calculus. Completion of an introductory course in microeconomics (with a grade of B-minus or better) is required for MPP and MS students and strongly recommended for MURP students. At least one course in political science (that analyzes political institutions) is strongly recommended for all incoming students. MPA students are required to have 10 or more years of professional experience.
Admission is based on a variety of factors, and the weight given to individual factors varies according to the strengths of each applicant. Criteria include:
- Prior academic achievement (transcripts required)
- Professional experience (resume required ' minimum 10 years of experience (not including the Bachelors degree) required for mid-career MPA applicants)
- Leadership and community/public service experience
- At least 3 letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (outlining your background, commitment to a career in public affairs or planning, and how the program at the Humphrey Institute will help you meet your goals)
- GRE scores (not required for MPA applicants. Other test scores (LSAT, GMAT, etc.) may not be substituted for the GRE)
- Commitment to a career in public affairs or planning
- TOEFL (minimum scores of 250 CBT, 600 PBT, or 100 IBT required for international student whose native language is not English. Applicants who will have completed 24 quarter/16 semester credits (within the past 24 months) in residence as a full time student at a recognized institution of higher learning in the United States before entering the University of Minnesota are exempt from TOEFL Requirement.)
- Potential contribution to the diversity of views and experiences represented at the Humphrey Institute
The Humphrey Institute's admissions and awards committee reviews all applications and makes recommendations to the University of Minnesota Graduate School. The Graduate School makes final admissions decisions and notifies applicants. Applicants must submit separate applications to the Humphrey Institute and the Graduate School.
Apply to the Humphrey Institute with the
Humphrey Institute Online Application Form
Download the Humphrey Institute
Application Packet |
