See separate instructions for MA/PhD and Public Management Certificate Programs
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible to apply to our MPA graduate program, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- an accredited bachelor's degree in a closely related discipline (as reflected in official transcripts submitted to the NAU Graduate College), with a completion date prior to the beginning of the first term of graduate study
- cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 OR at least 6 units of subsequent coursework at the graduate level with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Applications which do not meet these criteria will not be considered.
Required Materials for Application:
- Application to the NAU Graduate College: Submit on-line application, pay application fee, and have prior institution(s) send official transcripts to the Graduate College. The on-line application is the preferred method; for those who cannot use the online method, a paper alternative is available. For detailed instructions see Graduate College application procedures at http://www.nau.edu/gradcol/appoptions.htm. International Applicants: You must also submit TOEFL scores and meet all other requirements of the Graduate College for foreign applicants (see http://home.nau.edu/gradcol/international.asp). The department minimum TOEFL score is 237 (computer-based), 580 (paper-based), or 93 (internet-based).
- Department of Political Science application: If you use the on-line application process to apply to the Graduate College, that application serves as the Department application as well. The online application is the preferred method. If you must apply on paper, two separate application forms (available on the Graduate College and Department websites, respectively) are required. Please use the paper application process only if you cannot use the online method, and carefully follow the instructions for those applying on paper.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: Have your official scores reported to NAU (Institution Code 4006; Department Code 4801). There is no set minimum score; ranking at the 70th percentile in each testing area is preferred. Scores must be no more than 5 years old as of the application deadline.
- All the items listed below: Submit electronically in conjunction with the online application process, or if you are sending hard copies, mail to the Department of Political Science, at Post Office Box 15036, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5036 (address for in-person or express services is NAU Political Science Dept., Social & Behavioral Sciences Bldg. #65, Room 224, Flagstaff, AZ 86011). See additional instructions regarding recommendation letters.
Short essay (2-5 pages) discussing academic & research interests and long-range plans
Sample of your written work demonstrating your analytical and writing skills
Resume or curriculum vitae detailing relevant academic experiences and employment
Three letters of recommendation from writers acquainted with your ability to successfully pursue graduate study (and, if applicable, your ability to perform duties as a graduate assistant). IF your recommenders are submitting their letters electronically in conjunction with the online application process, they use only the online form; no additional forms are required. The electronic option is available to your recommenders ONLY if you apply online. If you apply on a paper application, the recommendation letters must include the department recommendation form, available on our website at http://www4.nau.edu/sbs/pos/Grad%20Forms/letterrecom.pdfin addition to a narrative letter.
Application Deadline and Cycle:
- There are three MPA application file reviews per year. Once all required admissions materials are received the file will be considered during the next admission review. Deadlines for the review are:
- February 15 (for Fall or Summer admission and for financial aid awards)
- April 15 (for Fall or Summer admission)
- October 15 (for Spring admission)
- The February 15 review is the only one during which financial aid awards (assistantships/tuition waivers) will be made for the following academic year.
- Applicants to the MPA program may apply at any time during the year, for consideration during the next review. The online application form will NOT be available for a short period following each review deadline, to allow for updating departmental information, dates, etc.
- An MPA applicant may be admitted provisionally, with a requirement to meet certain conditions specified at the time of admission. Examples of conditional requirements: completion of certain prerequisite courses; completion of a semester of graduate coursework with a specified GPA; language requirements for non-native English speakers; and other conditions the MPA admission committee may consider appropriate. Students in the process of completing a required degree at the time of application with be admitted conditional upon completion of that degree.
- Admitted students who cannot begin their graduate study in the semester of admission may request a deferral of one year. To wait more than a year, students must reapply and meet current requirements.
- Materials received in connection with an application for admission become the property of NAU. If an applicant is not admitted or an admitted student does not attend, admissions documents may be destroyed per NAU policy.
Financial Aid - Assistantships and Scholarships
Applicants who wish to be considered for a Graduate Assistantship and/or a Graduate Scholarship (tuition waiver) in conjunction with their application for admission MUST apply in the February 15 review; this is the only application review during which students can also apply for financial aid. The April 15 and October 15 reviews are for admission only; however, students admitted at those times will be able to apply for financial aid during the next February 15 review cycle. Applicants may apply for both assistantship and waiver (though only one type can be awarded in any given term). A limited number of assistantships is available each year, and the selection process is highly competitive.
Admissions Decision Process:
The MPA admissions committee gives full consideration to all applications that meet the submission deadline and eligibility requirements. The committee considers the strengths and weaknesses of the application as a whole. The Graduate College notifies students of the decision.
If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements:
Candidates whose undergraduate GPA is under 3.0 may resolve the deficiency by completing two Political Science graduate courses (6 credit hours) in which they earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. The courses must be completed PRIOR to the application deadline; coursework in progress at the time of the filing deadline or anticipated after the deadline is not applicable.
Additional Info:
If you have further questions about the application process, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us directly if you do not find the information you need (Graduate Programs Administrator, 928-523-6544, political.science@nau.edu).
