The Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) program is offered through the University of Alaska Anchorage College of Business and Public Policy. Students interested in the Master of Public Administration program may accumulate up to 9 credits in the program as a non-degree seeking student before applying for admission to the program.

To apply for admission, applications must meet both the University of Alaska Anchorage Admission Requirements for Master’s Degrees and the Department of Public Administration requirements. To qualify for admission to UAA graduate programs, a student must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a foreign equivalent. Students who expect to receive their baccalaureate degree within two semesters may also apply for graduate admission. Admission information regarding UAA admission requirements can be found at http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/admissions/admis_grad.cfm
Department of Public Administration Requirements:
MPA applications must meet one of the following-

1. Have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and have taken an introductory course in government (or demonstrate knowledge by taking an approved UAA college level achievement exam.
2. Complete two (2) PADM core courses as a non-degree seeking student with a grade of ‘B’ or better and complete all PADM core course prerequisites (BA 273, ECON 201 and 202 or ECON 602, and PS101) or their equivalents.
3. Have a combined undergraduate GPA plus GRE Analytic score totaling 7.0 or higher. The GRE test is not required for students having already earned a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or foreign equivalent, provided they have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

Students applying for admission to the MPA program must submit the following items to the Office of Enrollment Services:
1. A 300-500 word statement on their career goals and how the MPA degree relates to them.
2. A professional resume or vita
3. A completed Graduate Application for Admission
4. $45 application fee (no cash please)
5. Official transcripts
6. Official GRE scores, if applicable.
The Graduate Application for Admission can be completed online at http://uaonline.alaska.edu/ .All other material may be mailed to Enrollment Services at:
UAA Enrollment Services
PO Box 141629
Anchorage AK 99514-1629

Application instructions and the Transcript Request form can be found at: http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/admissions/forms.cfm
Deadlines for admission applications are:
• July 1st for fall semester
• May 1st for summer semester
• November 1st for spring semester

The University has a rolling admissions policy; applications are accepted at any time. However, applications received after the application deadlines may not be processed in time to qualify a student for Clear Admit status, or financial aid for the next semester. In this case, an applicant may take classes but must complete a non degree seeking student application.

Once all material s are received, Enrollment Services will forward the complete application packet to the Public Administration Department. All applications are reviewed by the faculty admission committee. After consideration of all application materials and discussion among themselves, the committee may:
• Admit the student unconditionally
• Admit the student conditional
• Suggest options students might follow before reapplying to the program.

The intent of the admissions process is to select students who have a strong probability of doing well in the program. We don not want to turn down students; however, we want to be sure that students come into the program without handicaps that will cause serious obstacles to success. If any of the following are present, we will be concerned, and may seek additional information before admitting a student:
• There are GRE scores below the 20th Percentile,
• There are problems with the content or the writing of the essay,
• There are inconsistencies in the materials turned in,
• There is evidence of dishonesty or other unethical behavior
• There is anything that raises questions about the student’s ability to succeed in the MPA program in the minds of the reviewers.

Formal acceptance to Master’s Degree Programs: The acceptance decision is made by the Dean or designee, who informs Enrollment Services of the decision. Enrolment Services sends the official Certificate of Admission directly to the applicant.