Application to the master of public administration program may be made for the fall or spring semester for the public management and community development specializations; the education leadership specialization admits students only for the fall semester.
All applicants must:
1. Complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Submit official transcripts showing all coursework and degrees completed in all previous undergraduate and graduate programs.
3. Submit the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Results must be received directly from the Educational Testing Service. Results of law school (LSAT) or business school (GMAT) entrance exams may be submitted in lieu of the GRE. All results must be submitted within three years of the test date.
The GRE requirement is waived for applicants holding a graduate degree or with three years or more of relevant public management experience. Waivers are also granted for accelerated bachelor of arts/master of public administration (B.A./M.P.A.) applicants,
4. Submit three letters of recommendation.
5. Submit a statement regarding the applicant's personal and professional goals and experience. (This statement should be prepared carefully since it weighs heavily in admissions considerations.)
6. Submit a current résumé.
7. Submit a completed online application via http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/apply-now. The required application fee may be paid online. The letters of recommendation and all supplemental information can be uploaded through the Rutgers University Graduate Portal or mailed to the Office of Graduate and Undergraduate Admissions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 406 Penn Street, Camden, NJ 08102.
Nonmatriculated Status
The department accepts a limited number of students on a nonmatriculated basis. To apply a student must:
1. Complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited undergraduate school.
2. Submit an online application for nonmatriculated (nondegree) graduate study.
3. Submit a written statement listing personal and professional goals and the reasons why nonmatriculated status is desired.
4. Submit official transcripts showing all course work and degree(s) completed in all previous undergraduate and graduate programs.
5. Submit a check for or pay online the required application fee.
6. Indicate the courses in which the student plans to enroll. (Note: Nonmatriculated students may not enroll in more than two courses per semester and in no more than a total of four 3-credit courses while in nonmatriculated status.)
7. Submit a current résumé.
A student who has been rejected for regular admission may not apply to take classes on a nonmatriculated basis within one year from the date of rejection.
No student will be approved to take classes on a nonmatriculated basis unless his or her application has been received by August 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.
Applicants who are accepted as nonmatriculated students may take no more than 12 credits, all of which must be chosen from the core curriculum (see Degree Requirements). Questions concerning admission should be directed to the M.P.A. graduate director.
Executive Master of Public Administration
Admissions to the executive M.P.A. program is limited to the fall semester.
All applicants must:
1. Have five or more years of mid- or upper-level administrative and/or managerial experience in a public or nonprofit sector position.
2. Submit official transcripts showing all coursework and degree(s) completed in all previous undergraduate and graduate programs.
3. Submit a current résumé.
4. Submit two letters of reference.
5. Provide a personal statement discussing demonstrated commitment to public service.
6. Submit a completed online application via http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/apply-now (from the Index of Graduate Programs, select Public
Administration-Executive). Please indicate in your personal statement that you are applying for the executive M.P.A. program, and notify the M.P.A. graduate director, via email, once you have submitted your online
application and mailed in supporting documents to the Rutgers University admissions office.
