Apply to the MPA Program

You can start your application on the Graduate School website.

Required Essay No. 1 (Personal Statement)

There are many pathways you can follow to make a difference in the world. The admission committee would like to learn about your career goals and how an MPA degree from NC State is a good fit to help you achieve those goals.

Why is an MPA degree from NC State part of the right path to help you achieve your public service career goals? In answering this question, let us know your career goals, indicate what values drive your commitment to public service, and how an NC State MPA degree helps you build on your work, volunteer, and/or academic experiences to achieve these goals. (300 to 400 words)

Required Essay No. 2 (Analytic Thinking Question)

Describe a time when you had to solve a problem but didn’t have all the necessary information about it in hand. What did you do? (250-word limit)

Optional Essay

If you have any concerns about your prior academic, professional, or personal background, please share with the Admissions Committee elements from your background, education, etc. that adds to your desire and ability to successfully complete graduate-level work. (250-word limit)

Include education, prior experience, etc.

Include transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (minimum GPA of 3.0 is required).

At least one academic reference is suggested but not required.

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at a level necessary to be successful in a graduate program at NC State. This requirement can be met by:

• Taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT (NC State minimum score of 80, expectation of 100 for MPA applicants); or
• Taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 7.0 on the listening, reading, and writing sections or
• Taking the Duolingo test with a minimum total score of 115; or
• Being a citizen of a country where English is an official language and the language of instruction in higher education; or
• Having successfully completed at least one year of full-time study in a degree program at a regionally accredited four-year U.S. college or university.

Note: The TOEFL or IELTS test date must be no more than two years old (24 months) prior to the beginning of the requested entry term.

Prior to being fully admitted, international students must submit a Certificate of Financial Responsibility form that confirms the availability of funds to cover all expenses of the student and accompanying dependents.

For more information on International Student Life, visit the Office of International Services.