Applicants to the MPP program will be accepted year-round. Students may be granted admission for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Potential applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a related field are eligible to apply to the program.

The following entry level competencies are needed for admission to the program: an undergraduate social statistics course along with undergraduate course work in microeconomics, including coverage of market failure and public goods. Competency in statistics is met with a grade of B or higher in approved courses (PAF 401, POS 401, PSY 230, QBA 221, SOC 390) within the past two years or passing a diagnostic test approved by the MPP Committee. Other courses taken within the last two years may be substituted upon approval of the Director of Graduate Studies. Competency in microeconomics can be met through PAF 504 Public Affairs Economics or a similar course.

Download the MPA/MPP Admission Guide and the prerequisite information.

Regular admission may be granted to applicants who have achieved a grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or better in the last two years of work leading to a bachelor’s degree. GRE verbal, quantitative, and analytical scores will be used as one of the indicators to see how competitive an applicant is within the applicant pool. Particular attention will be paid to quantitative ability as evidenced by previous course work and/or GRE scores.

Students requesting graduate assistantships and tuition waivers should have their application files completed by February 1.

All applicants must submit the following materials to the School of Public Affairs:

• three letters of recommendation (at least two should be faculty who can evaluate applicant’s academic performance) - there is no form required for the letters of recommendation;
• written statement of applicant’s educational and career goals (this is also used as a sample of the applicant’s writing abilities) - statement should be between 1-2 pages in length;
  View ASU Career Services Guide on writing personal statements.
• applicants may also submit a resume or other documents.

All applicants must submit the following materials to the Graduate College:

• an official application;
• official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work;
• scores on the GRE (verbal, quantitative, analytical);
• international students should also submit TOEFL scores.

Arizona State University provides testing services for the GRE and the TOEFL examinations. Please visit University Testing Services for further information. Prospective students are also encouraged to visit the Graduate College website for more information on graduate studies at ASU.

Interested students who hold an MPA degree from ASU are also eligible to apply to the MPP program. View more information.

New Student Guide

We’re here to help you! As a future student, we want to ensure that you value us as a resource as you apply to ASU for one of our undergraduate or graduate programs in the College of Public Programs.  In your exploration and application process, please do not hesitate to contact us for individualized assistance.