Application and Degree Requirements for Master of Public Administration

Applications are due 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester. We have three start dates: Students can begin in Fall, Spring, or Summer semester (year round).

The following documents are required when seeking admission to the MPA Program. The application and all components should be submitted to the SUU Admissions Office at gradapps@suu.edu:

• SUU Graduate Admissions application
• We do NOT require an admissions fee
• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
• A current resume is preferred but not required
• 3.0 GPA
  1. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0: On the application form, you will be asked to write a statement to the admission review committee. This statement must explain:
     1. What caused your academic preparation to be insufficient
     2. What have you been doing in your time away from school
     3. What support network do you have that will ensure your success
     4. Your study and academic plans for success
  2. Applicants may be interviewed by the Program Director. 
• Receipt of three (3) professional references (Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher need only submit a list of references with contact information. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 must submit letters of reference.
• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

1. Achieved and awarded a Bachelors Degree from an accredited university or college
2. Achieved an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher

3. International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate competency in the English language. A minimum score of (550: Paper based test, 213: Computer based test, or 79: Internet based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the past two years satisfies this requirement. International students may be required to complete POLS 1100 American National Government. In some cases, the student may take POLS 1100 American National Government concurrently their first semester. Additionally prerequisite courses may be required on a case-by-case basis.

After all of the above are received, the materials will be reviewed by the MPA admissions committee. Applicants meeting the minimum requirements may be interviewed by the Program Director. The admissions committee views each application in its entirety to ensure all applicants receive an appropriate opportunity for consideration. For questions on the admission requirements and the application process please contact the HSS Graduate Coordinator, Deena Marchal at deenamarchal@suu.edu and for program questions contact the MPA office at suumpa@suu.edu or 435-865-8150.

All admitted graduate students are expected to understand and follow APA writing standards prior to their first day of class.

National Standards and Academic Endeavor

SUU's Master of Public Administration program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), which is the global standard for public service education. Additionally, SUU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).