Admissions Requirements

Admission criteria

Admission to the certificate program requires the same application materials as the MPA. This includes a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, a 3.00 overall grade point average and three letters of recommendation. Unlike the MPA degree, a standardized examination such as the GRE is not required. Admission is open to qualified persons without regard to age, physical disability, national origin, race, religion or gender. 

In addition to the general requirements specified in the Missouri State University Graduate Catalog, selection is made on the basis of prior academic performance, professional accomplishments, and other indicators of the ability to successfully pursue graduate education and a professional career in public management.

Students who do not meet the normal admission requirements, but who show an indication of high promise, will be considered for probationary admission. The director of the MPA program will define probationary conditions and convey those to the student.

Admission to the MPA program from CPM

Admission to and successful completion of the CPM in no way guarantees admission to the MPA program.  Admission requirements include a 3.00 overall grade point average and three letters of recommendation.  Students who are enrolled in or have completed the CPM must apply separately for admission to the MPA and comply with the MPA admission standards and the requirements of the Graduate College, including completion of the GRE.

The CPM is designed for persons in management positions who need a limited number of selected courses in contemporary methods, skills, and models of management.  On occasion, however, a person may pursue the CPM and then decide that it would be desirable to pursue the MPA degree.  All CPM credits may be applied to the MPA.

Admission deadlines

Application packages should be received by the program office one month prior to the semester you wish to begin. Students may begin the Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.