How to Apply
Admission
The MPA program gives preference to students with undergraduate grade point averages of at least 3.0. Mid-career applicants with strong professional experience may be admitted with grade point grade point averages below 3.0 in some cases.
Students must also be admitted to the Graduate School which requires a GPA of at least 2.7 (4.0 scale) on the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work for those who received their Bachelor’s degree, or a 2.7 on the last 45 hours for those in their last semester of undergraduate study.
Application Process
There are two application periods for Summer and Fall admission. The first is February 1, 2008, and the second is April 1, 2008. Applicants interested in being considered for graduate assistantships must have their application turned in by the February 1 deadline (including valid GRE scores) and must indicate interest in the assistantship/fellowship on the application. Application for the Spring semester must be completed by October 1, 2007.
All application forms may be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate link below. Forms may also be obtained by contacting the MPA Program via letter, phone, fax, or email (see below).
International applicants are strongly encouraged to download their application forms from this website instead of requesting the program to mail an application packet. This will speed up the application process.
A complete application consists of:
(1) the MPA Program application
(2) Graduate school application
(3) application fee of $45.00
(4) three letters of recommendation
(5) official transcripts from all institutions attended
(6) a statement of purpose
We encourage students to submit a resume. International students must provide an official TOEFL report and a financial statement.
*Note: Transcripts are not official unless they are sent directly by the university's registrar.
Applications must be sent to:
Director, MPA Program
Department of Political Science
Mail Code 4501
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois 62901
If you have any questions concerning the application process, please contact the MPA Program staff by phone at (618) 453-3177, by fax at (618) 453-3163 or by email: mpaprog@siu.edu
Application Material Links
—MPA Program Application form.pdf
—Application for Admission to the Graduate School (online application)
—Recommendation Request form.pdf
Additional materials for international students:
—For your information: International applicants.pdf
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