The application process for the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is an online process. You will need to create digital copies (in PDF format) of your unofficial transcripts, your statement, and your résumé for uploading. We encourage you to begin the online application process. You may return to it later to complete the process as you gather the necessary application materials. Please contact Bob Choquette if you encounter any difficulties with the online system.

Incoming Master of Public Administration students share a passion and commitment to improving the social, economic, and environmental conditions locally and globally. The MPA program draws students from across the United States and from a number of other countries. Students' professional experience and undergraduate backgrounds are varied. While many majored in a social science field, it is not at all unusual to admit students with backgrounds in the arts and humanities or the sciences. What unifies the students is their interest and commitment to public service.

Approximately 15–20 students typically join the MPA program each fall, for a total of about 40 graduate students in the program at any point in time. Students are selected for the MPA program based upon a combination of their undergraduate academic performance, intellectual aptitude, public service experience, and written statements.

Most students complete the MPA as full-time students over two academic years. Students may complete the program part time, but doing so requires a flexible employment situation. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. PPPM is dedicated to fostering a diverse academic environment to prepare future public leaders.

The Master of Public Administration program encourages students from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all faculty, staff, and students regardless of ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic standing, or cultural beliefs and traditions. We welcome students from a full spectrum of professional and academic backgrounds because a broad range of experience enriches the learning environment for all and challenges us to widen our perspectives. We believe a diverse program better prepares our students to be effective leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Prospective students should contact Bob Choquette, graduate coordinator, with questions related to admissions and applications. Questions related to internships, job placement, and professional development can be directed to Julie Voelker-Morris, our career services director. Other questions about the MPA program should be directed to Nicole Ngo, the MPA program director.

Currently enrolled graduate students interested in concurrent degree program, please contact Bob Choquette for application procedures to the public administration master’s program.

We encourage prospective students to visit us. Learn more about the program and meet current faculty and students by attending a scheduled Graduate Info Session or arranging an individual visit.

Application Process

The online application system is open to receive prospective student applications for fall entry, with a priority acceptance deadline of February 1 (if space allows, new applicants will be considered on a rolling basis thereafter). Direct your questions about admission to Bob Choquette, the graduate coordinator. In exceptional cases, mid-year entry and alternative admission dates are possible. The application is a multipart process that must be completed before the application committee will review it.

1. University of Oregon Division of Graduate Studies Application—includes official transcripts and information on your personal and educational background, as well as English language competency for non-native English speakers. (Note: if you are applying to more than one program at the University of Oregon, you must complete one Graduate Application for each program. Be sure to use the checkbox on the application form to avoid paying a second application fee.)

UO Division of Graduate Studies: Apply Now

2. UO application requirements
    
3. Additional required materials:
    

• English Language Proficiency: All applicants for whom English is not a native/primary language must satisfy one of the following English Language Proficiency criteria in order to be eligible for admission.
   
• Transcripts​:
   
  • At the time of application, applicants must submit unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended, including the University of Oregon. Unofficial transcripts are uploaded as part of the online application.
     
  • Applicants who accept their offer of admission and matriculate must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities from which they received a bachelor’s degree or higher. Detailed information about submitting official transcripts is available here.
     
  • A comprehensive employment and education résumé, uploaded into the Online Graduate Application.
     
  • A personal statement, 1–2 pages, single spaced, PDF format, describing your motivation and preparation for entering the MPA program, uploaded into the Online Graduate Application.
     
  • OPTIONAL: You may submit a statement of application for an NSF Graduate Employee position in the Cascadia Coastlines and Peoples Hazards Research Hub with Assistant Professor José Meléndez (Read more about this opportunity).
     
  • Three letters of recommendation from references. We encourage, but do not require, applicants to include at least one letter from a professor or faculty member.
     
  • (Optional) Scores on the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) should be sent from the testing center. The University's institution code is "4846 UO," and use program code "Public Administration." GMAT scores are also accepted; use code "KSQ."