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MPA Admissions Requirements and General Information
Admission to the MPA Program is open to all individuals with a BA or a BS degree from a recognized college or university who meet the admissions requirements of Binghamton University's Graduate School. Contact the Graduate School via its webpage or by e-mail. The mailing address is: Graduate School, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000, (607)777-2151. All official Graduate School application materials are available through their website or by calling/writing the Graduate School. Forward all application materials directly to the Graduate School. Do not send any application materials to the MPA Program.
Note: The Graduate Requisite Examination (GRE) is not required for MPA program applicants.
The MPA Admissions Committee will make admissions decisions based upon the cumulative record of the applicant. Successful applicants will demonstrate a positive public service orientation and the requisite skills to complete the graduate program. Undergraduate grade point averages, extra-curricular activities, community or professional service, demonstrated strong writing and/or quantitative skills, strongly supportive letters of recommendation and when necessary, personal interviews with the admissions committee, are factors that may influence the committee's decision.
Conditional Admission
Applicants with overall undergraduate grade point averages below a 3.0 may be admitted if the overall qualifications indicate likely success in graduate school. Such applicants may receive a conditional admission which will be converted to a regular admission upon earning grades of “B” or higher for all of the first 12 credits. A student who does not maintain this academic standard will not be converted to regularly matriculated status. Conditionally admitted students are not eligible for independent study or pass/fail credits.
Specific MPA Admission Requirements
In addition to the standard application materials, which are outlined on the Graduate School Admissions page, include the following:
- an answer to the following question in lieu of the standard personal statement: "Why do you want an MPA degree?"
- an updated resume including the following information:
computer skills, indicating skill level (very skilled, skilled, or no skill) in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint
- a writing sample (a research to professional writing sample prepared within the past 5 years; if none is available, the applicant may prepare a 4-5 page paper on a current policy or management issue)
Application Deadlines
Fall
- January 15 for consideration for departmental funding
- April 15 without consideration for departmental funding
Spring
- October 15: Note that funding may be limited or unavailable for spring semesters
Non Matriculated Admissions
Students seeking to take courses on a non-matriculated basis should apply to the Graduate School. Upon acceptance, students should complete the Non-Matriculated Admissions form and return it to the Department of Public Administration.
