Prerequisites + Admissions Requirements

All MPA applicants must have:

• A four year bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. university or foreign equivalent
• At least 10 years of post baccalaureate professional work experience. Pre-baccalaureate experience may be considered for applicants with a significant gap (15 years or more) between completion of high school and college.
• English language competence. If English is not your native language, you must pass the TOEFL or IELTS exam with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), 100 (internet-based, minimum 22 on each section), or 7 for the IELTS. TOEFL or IELTS scores must be less than two years old.
• Competency in MS Excel and Word

In addition, you must demonstrate:

• Academic achievement
• Engagement in public affairs
• Leadership talent
• Ability to work effectively in teams
• Conceptual and analytic thinking

For further information and/or to maximize your preparation for applying to the MPA program, attend an information session. If you don't live in the Twin Cities area or if you have questions about your academic preparation after attending an information session, contact the admissions office at hhhadmit@umn.edu or 612-624-3800.

Click here to apply to the MPA program. Application materials include two online applications, a resume, a personal statement, college transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.