Admissions

Getting started

Rolling Deadlines!

The Department of Public Administration and Policy reviews applications on a rolling basis (rather than after a set deadline), and we continue to make admissions decisions until the program is full. The earlier you submit your application, the earlier you鈥檒l receive a decision!

Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Sustainable Communities (MS) applications are accepted for both fall and spring semesters.

Those wishing to be considered for funding should have their applications in by the following deadlines:

Program Fall  Spring 
MPA February 1 October 15
Sustainable Communities February 1 October 15

NOTE: Applications received after this deadline are considered on a space-available basis or are deferred until the following semester.

Admission Requirements 

Requirements to be eligible for graduate study

You must provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:

  • You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university OR
  • You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and 成人AV视频

You also must have earned, at minimum, one of the following:

  • A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
  • A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as pass/fail)
  • A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as pass/fail)
  • In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

Program-Specific Requirements

  • Master of Public Administration (MPA)

    Online graduate degree application, including application fee

    Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended

    Personal statement

    • The personal statement should be no more than 500 words or two double-spaced pages and should answer this question: "Why do you want an MPA?"
    • We encourage you to describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in public administration, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee.
    • When evaluating the personal statement, the graduate admissions committee assesses commitment to public and/or nonprofit administration as well as ability to communicate in writing.

    R茅sum茅 or curriculum vitae

    Two letters of recommendation

    • The letters should be from individuals who know you in a professional capacity, such as professors, work supervisors, and professionals from organizations where you have served as a volunteer or in another capacity.
    • When evaluating the letters of recommendation, the graduate admissions committee looks for evidence of academic achievement, community involvement, and personal characteristics that suggest the capacity to foster an institutional culture that advances democratic administration and governance.

    GRE scores are not required

  • Sustainable Communities (MS)

    Online graduate degree application, including application fee

    Transcripts from each college or university you have attended

    Personal statement:

    • 1-2 pages answering the following questions
      • Why do you want to pursue a Master in Sustainable Communities?
      • Do you have any special interests in the field?
      • How does this degree relate to your career goals?

    R茅sum茅 or curriculum vitae

    Two letters of recommendation

    GRE scores are not required

Guaranteed admission for eligible SUNY graduates

The Department of Public Administration and Policy offers guaranteed admission for students who hold a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher from seven of the most competitive SUNY schools:

  • 成人AV视频
  • University at Albany
  • University at Buffalo
  • SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  • SUNY Geneseo
  • SUNY New Paltz
  • Stony Brook University

Students who wish to apply to the MPA program through the guaranteed admissions process should contact us at dpap@binghamton.edu.

(Please note, you will still need to submit your r茅sum茅, transcripts, writing sample, and personal statement for guaranteed admission via the online application.)

International student admissions

International students must also submit the following materials: 

  • International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
  • Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
  • Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic scores)

For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend you contact dpap@binghamton.edu with questions about program-specific requirements

Not ready to commit? Apply as a non-matriculated student

Financial aid and funding

成人AV视频 offers affordable tuition rates and several options for financing your education. The University also awards hundreds of assistantships every year to graduate students admitted to our master's and doctoral programs. In addition, scholarships are a great way to help you pay for the cost of your education. Visit the Graduate School for more information about financial aid and funding opportunities.

Scholarships

A number of scholarships are available to master's students enrolled in a College of Community and Public Affairs program. To learn more, visit the CCPA scholarships and fellowships webpage.

Felony statement

Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. Students who have concerns about such matters are advised to contact the Department Chair of their intended academic program.

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