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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

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.

Funding Opportunity: Energy Policy Fellow Program

Prospective students can apply for the Energy Policy Fellow Program, which offers one year of graduate funding, research mentorship and professional experience in energy policy. The program, a partnership between the NC State Department of Public Administration and the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, will select one first-year student for the fellowship. To apply, students should note their interest as part of the personal statement in their graduate school application. Click here for more information, or email Christopher Galik with further questions.

Application Deadlines

Fall Admission 

  •  February 1 for full consideration for graduate assistantships 
  •  March 1 for international applicants
  •  May 15 for domestic applicants

Spring Admission

  •  July 15 for international applicants
  •  November 1 for domestic applicants

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