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Admissions

The Truman School MPA Program is looking for students committed to making a difference in public service.

We seek applicants likely to succeed in a program of professional, graduate education. Considerable emphasis is given to the applicant's potential for growth and success in graduate, professional study and in a public service career. To be eligible for admission, a student must have earned a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

Admission Criteria
In making its decision, the Admissions Committee considers:

  • Overall grade point average in undergraduate work
  • Grades in the student's major area
  • The quality of the written statement explaining why the student wants to pursue the degree
  • Evaluations contained in letters of recommendation
  • Progressively responsible work experience and civic engagement
  • Acceptable performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  • Other factors bearing upon the candidate's qualifications

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants. Applicants whose native language is not English must achieve a score of 550 in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
University of Missouri-Columbia Institution Code: 6875
Truman School Department Code: 4801

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis; however, applicants are encouraged to complete their files at least 2 months before a semester or term begins. Full-time applicants who are applying for fellowships or research assistantships must have their applications completed by February 1 to be considered for the Fall term.

The following items are required in a completed application:

Fees
Fees are adjusted annually. All full-time students are required to pay a student activity fee, health fee, and computing fee. Prospective students should visit the MU Graduate School Fees web page for the most up to date fee information. The University expressly reserves the right to change any and all fees at any time and without advance notice. Students seeking admission to the program pay a nonrefundable application fee of $45.00 (for international students: $60.00).

Financial Aid
Many students in the MPA program receive financial assistance through research assistantships, graduate fellowships, or student loans. Students interested in fellowships and assistantships must complete applications by February 1.

Graduate research assistantships are available. Holders of such assistantships are assigned to research and other duties. Fellowships include Thurgood Marshall Fellowships and Truman School Fellowships.

Student loan funds come from a variety of sources and federally financed loan programs. For further information contact the financial aid office at (573) 882-7506.

You can learn more about admissions into the MPA program by attending one of the upcoming events in your area listed on the Recruiting Events Calendar.