Admission |
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Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or its foreign equivalent. A competitive undergraduate record that indicates strong academic ability is required, though applicants need not have extensive academic experience in public policy or related fields. Work or research experience in the public sector is desirable but not necessarily a requirement. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, but strong scores bolster chances for admission. GRE scores and/or new, relevant course work at the undergraduate level are recommended for applicants whose previous academic performance was below a B average.
Students may petition to transfer graduate courses for credit, as long as the courses to be transferred were taken at Northwestern University and not counted towards any other degree or certificate. All transfer petitions must be submitted at the time of admission.
Application and admission requirements are identical for degree, nondegree special students, and professional graduate series students.
For more information about admission requirements, see www.scs.northwestern.edu/grad/ppa/admission.cfm.
Tuition
Tuition information can be found on the tuition page.
For detailed application, admissions, tuition, and administrative information, see Frequently
Asked Questions.
MPPA Application Checklist
Application
Supplemental Materials
- One sealed copy of official transcripts from ALL previous colleges and universities. Official transcripts must arrive in our office in the original sealed envelope issued by the institution. If you are currently enrolled, please submit an official transcript showing courses in-progress. Applicants with international transcripts must request an official course-by-course evaluation of transcripts from a NACES member. A course-by-course evaluation will translate courses, degrees, and grades to U.S. equivalency.
- Two letters
of recommendation focusing on academic
and professional achievement and ability
- Statement of purpose (see below)
- Current résumé or curriculum vitae
- Four copies of a writing sample
Statement of Purpose
Applicants must submit a 300-word statement of purpose explaining how the degree program will help them meet their academic and professional goals. Applicants who did not major in public policy or a related field should explain how other academic and nonacademic experiences have prepared them to undertake graduate study in this program.
The Writing Sample (3 to 5 double-spaced pages)
The writing sample allows the applicant to demonstrate the ability to present ideas and arguments in a manner appropriate to a graduate-level program. The sample can be an academic paper, a short work-related memo or other written analysis, or an essay describing a critical public policy issue.
If you submit an academic paper, it should consist of the following:
- A clearly articulated thesis on a topic drawn from public policy or a related discipline
- An argument that persuasively supports the thesis and demonstrates an awareness of contrary arguments.
- Documentation of quoted material and acknowledgement of ideas taken from the works of others using an accepted academic style guide (such as that of the American Psychological Association)
If you submit a work-related analysis of a policy, problem, or program of which you are the sole author it should consist of the following:
- A clear identification of the organizational issue in need of attention
- An analysis of the issue and its importance to the organization
- Well-reasoned action options and your final recommendations with supporting justifications for the action you are advocating
If you are submitting an essay it should be comprised of the following:
- Describe what you see as one of the most critical public policy issues that faces the nation, your state, or your community today. Describe the issue and explain why it is of importance at this juncture
- Provide a summary of a course of action you advocate to address this issue as if you were serving in a policy-making or administrative leadership role that could affect the issue
- Provide supporting justification for the action you are advocating
Application Evaluation
Your application will be evaluated by the MPPA Admissions Committee. The following considerations will guide the Admissions Committee in reviewing your application:
- The Statement of Purpose demonstrates whether a student's academic and professional goals are appropriate for this degree. This statement will also aid the committee in determining if the prospective student possesses the necessary writing skills and intellectual maturity for succeeding in this program.
- The Letters of Recommendation serve to underscore the applicant's commitment to graduate education and ability to succeed in graduate level work.
- The résumé is used to provide evidence of a student's continuing commitment to and/or understanding of the public policy and administration field. While we prefer candidates to possess three to five years of work and/or research experience in a related area, recent college graduates and career changers are also encouraged to apply. These applicants must demonstrate to the committee their commitment to the MPPA program by detailing previous internships, academic or volunteer work.
The MPPA program is academic and professional, so the ideal student has substantial abilities and experience in both areas. An academic background and research experience in public policy-related areas, such as political science, history, sociology and statistics, is especially desirable. Students with no coursework in such areas should consider taking courses at the undergraduate level before applying. Work experience, even internships, is an advantage. All applicants should be able to demonstrate how they are prepared to succeed in the program and use the degree to advance their professional careers.
For More Admissions Information
Please see the Frequently
Asked Questions for additional information related to admission.
If you have any questions, please call 312-503-1083 for assistance.
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