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College of Humanities and Social Sciences
School of Public and International Affairs

Apply to the MPA Program

GRE Scores are no longer required to apply to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program.

Virtual Information Sessions

Register for one of our Virtual Information Sessions held via Zoom using the links below to learn more about the MPA program. You’ll have an opportunity to hear from faculty, current students, and alumni about the program and learn about the application process.

Application Requirements

Prospective students apply through the NC State Graduate School. A completed application for NC State’s MPA program includes:

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:

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.

Graduate Assistantships (Fall Applicants only)

A limited number of graduate assistantship positions are available to full-time fall applicants who submit a completed application by the February 1 deadline and indicate that they want to be considered for funding on their application.

Our graduate assistantships are one-year positions that require 20 hours of work per week and pay an annual stipend of $15,000 ($7,500 for the Fall semester and $7,500 for the Spring semester). The assistantship positions also come with tuition coverage and health insurance.

Funding Opportunity: On-Campus Research Fellow Position

Full-time Fall applicants can apply for our Research Fellow position, which offers one year of graduate funding, research mentorship and professional experience in research. This student will work on a research team and have data collection, management and analysis responsibilities.

This position requires in-office work shifts. To apply students should note their interest in this position as part of their personal statement.

Application Deadlines

Fall Admission 

  •  Priority deadline for funded positions: before February 1 
  •  Final deadline, international applicants: before March 1
  •  Final deadline, domestic applicants: before May 15

Spring Admission

  •  Final deadline, international applicants: October 1
  •  Final deadline, domestic applicants: November 1

Contact Information

For an application with all the necessary forms and instructions:

The Graduate School
North Carolina State University
1020 Main Campus Drive, Room 2300A
Campus Box 7102
Raleigh, NC 27695-7102

grad.ncsu.edu