masters in public administration personal statement

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• Public Administration Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Sarah Hastings-Woodhouse

This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Public Administration. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement .

What has always fascinated (and troubled) me about local and national governance is the enduring difficulty of implementing positive change, despite the best intentions of policymakers. Of particular interest are the deeply engrained political, social, and economic barriers that continue to impede our efforts to tackle the climate crisis.

My ultimate aspiration is to pursue a career in climate policy at the national level, to help combat one of the most urgent threats facing our own and future generations. My hope is that studying your Masters in Public Administration will equip me with the skills necessary to do so.

My Bachelors in Environmental Politics has equipped me with an in-depth knowledge of the ecological crisis we face, as well as the ways in which governments have attempted to address it, both in the UK and internationally. What became abundantly clear is that even where policymakers are ideologically united on the problem of climate change, many of the obstacles to implementing meaningful change are administrative, logistical, or bureaucratic.

For this reason, I was particularly interested in the aspect of your course that examines how we can improve collaboration between policymakers and scientists. I would love the opportunity to attain the management and leadership skills necessary to bridge the gap between politics and climate science, and to find innovative ways that experts can work together in our collective interest.

Outside of academia, I have gained extensive experience that I feel would be of relevance to this course. During my degree, I volunteered for the Green Party, which involved canvassing and helping with social media campaigns. I had personal interactions with our constituency’s candidate and gained valuable insight into the processes behind policy development and strategic communications.

After graduating, I completed a 12-week internship in the UK’s Civil Service, where I worked in internal communications. This allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of how governmental organisations operate, and how we can promote cohesion amongst members. I am interested in how this course can help me apply this understanding to the larger goal of uniting multiple sectors around a shared purpose.

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• July 2, 2024
• Personal Statement

Personal Statement is written to communicate your background and why you want to join a particular program. When applying for a master of public administration, applicants are faced with the task of connecting their current occupation and their chosen course which most times don’t come off as an easy task. So, we are presenting a master of public administration personal statement sample which was submitted by another applicant to guide you when writing yours.

P.S: This sample provided here is solely for education purposes, do not copy it. If you need assistance writing yours, click here to hire our experts today .

Table of Contents

Areas to Cover When Writing Your Personal Statement Include:

• Personal motivation to study the course
• Academic and professional background
• Relevance of the program to your career
• Why did you pick the school and country?
• Qualities that would make you a good addition to the program

How to Introduce Yourself in Your Master’s Personal Statement

Start your statement by  describing your strengths immediately . Because faculty will be reading many statements, it’s important to start off with your strengths and not “bury your lede.” Consider traits of successful graduate students from your informational interviews, and identify which of these traits you have.

Tips on How to Make Your Personal Statement Stand Out

1. Plan Before You Write: We know you’re eager to jump in and start writing, but as the old phrase goes; ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’. Before you start, briefly outline the points you want to make in your personal statement, and make sure you’re answering the questions; what, why, and  how .  What  do you want to study?  Why  do you want to study it?  How  do your skills and past experiences prove this?

2. Format Correctly: Careful formatting will make your personal statement appear neat and professional. To do this, separate it into paragraphs, making sure to include an introduction and conclusion. Each paragraph should discuss a different topic, so that, as a whole, your personal statement reads clearly and fluidly.

For example:

Paragraph 1 : Introduction

Paragraph 2 : Academics

Paragraph 3 : Why you’re interested and how you’ve demonstrated this

Paragraph   4 : Hobbies and interests (including relevant work experience)

Paragraph 5 : Conclusion

3. Make your introduction clear and direct: Grab the attention of your reader from the start, with a strong opening sentence highlighting your main skills, as well as outlining why you are applying to this course.

4. Include examples (but make sure they’re relevant): For every statement you make, follow it up with a ‘so what?’. Ok, so you were on your school debating team. So what? Follow up this statement by talking about the skills you therefore developed, as well as what you learned from this experience. Perhaps this taught you how to develop a structured argument, which will be useful in an essay-based subject where you will need to approach a question critically and argue your point.

5. Put the ‘personal’ in ‘personal statement’: Making your application personal, ensuring it doesn’t sound insincere or generic, is the winning ticket for your personal statement. What makes you unique? Don’t be afraid to think a little outside of the box. Admissions tutors read hundreds of personal statements, so saying something a little different will see your application dazzle the masses.

6. Make your conclusion brief but informative: The conclusion is your final chance to make an impression on the admissions tutor. Use it to sum up and explore themes you have mentioned previously and apply them in a wider context. Decide what your main message is in your personal statement and reaffirm this in your conclusion.

7. Proofread when you’re done: Check through your personal statement, it’s extremely easy to miss out on mistakes in your work, which is why it’s vital to have someone else read through it before you send it off.

Word Count of a Master’s Personal Statement

State the name of the program and the University, and write a separate personal statement for each application. Even if the courses you are applying for are very similar, you should write a tailored response for each one. In most cases, there will be a word limit of  400 to 600 words .

What has motivated you to pursue an M.P.A. degree? Why are you interested in public administration and public policy?

I am writing to indicate my interest in your distinguished Master’s of Public Administration Program and I wish to use this study to develop robust knowledge in administration and policy development. Studying Public Administration will help me stay informed about public policy decisions made both in national and international institutions and I hope to apply the knowledge to actualize my personal goal of becoming a policymaker in my country.

One of my reasons for picking Public Administration is because the knowledge can be applied across the public and private sectors, and being equipped with the right managerial, administrative, and leadership competence will put me in a position to proffer effective and efficient solutions in the area of national and international trade. Born and brought up in xxx, and having received my first degree here too, I am interested in enrolling for this study in a country that will give me solid backing in learning and cultural exposure.

How will your background and preparation, including education and professional experience, contribute to your success in the M.P.A. program?

My undergraduate study in xxx equipped me with communication, negotiation, and human relationship skills that have paved my path to success on the professional front. So far, my career experiences have involved the application of managerial competencies and understanding, my recent work experience in International Trade Operations in a multinational bank has served as a bridge for communicating and relating with a lot of people, thereby ensuring the resolution of customers’ problems and orienting them on how to apply government policies to succeed as business owners and citizens. More so, this position has made me increasingly aware of the importance of promoting policies that protect customers. Hence, I developed an interest in understanding how nations can create an equally competitive playing field for trade and investment both locally and internationally. Public administration is a preparatory and clarifying course that will enable me to establish a refined knowledge to provide a relevant contribution to our private sector. Therefore, I believe that knowledge from my previous study and professional background will play an important role in my success during this program and upon graduation.

What particular policy interests do you hope to explore, specifically as they relate to our three areas of research priority (Governance, Social Policy and Inequality, and Innovation, Science, and Technology). Why are you interested in these areas?

My interest to study at the University of xxx stems from the reputation of this school and the courses offered by this program. Going into this program, my area of interest is Social Policy and Inequality, and I am interested in these areas because despite the moral decadence in my country today, a lot of people are hoping to have a better social system that cares and prioritizes their needs. So, getting a degree in Public Administration with a focus on Social Policy and Inequality will enable me to understand what it takes to support social policies for my country.

What do you hope to achieve in this program?

I already have experience working in the private sector, and one area of focus will be to utilize my knowledge from this program to serve as a link for policy-makers to ensure the implementation of their corporate responsibilities, especially in the underdeveloped areas where they are operating.

Free Master of Public Administration Personal Statement Sample PDF

Download the free Master of Public Administration Personal Statement PDF Sample

This file is strictly for educational purposes, do not miss out on this change by copying it.

See other Samples:

• University of Plymouth, UK
• University of Algarve, Portugal
• University of Jyvaskyla, Finland
• University of Canterbury, New Zealand
• Lund University, Sweden
• University of California, USA
• Brock University Ontario, Canada
• Ulster University, UK
• Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
• New Brunswick, UK
• Uppsala University, UK
• University of Birmingham, UK
• University of Warwick, UK
• University of Toronto, Canada
• University of Hertfordshire, UK
• McMaster University, UK
• University of Bradford, UK
• University of Waterloo, Canada
• Birmingham City University, UK
• James Cook University, Australia
• University of Sunderland, UK
• University of Hull, UK
• University of Westminster, UK
• University of Derby, UK
• Coventry University, UK
• University of Oxford, UK
• University Canada West, Canada

Need Assistance Writing a Master of Public Administration Personal Statement?

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Breaking down the MPA/MPP personal statement, personal essay, and supplemental essay

Essays for graduate study cover a myriad of topics. Here at SPIA, we hope our essays help reflect and speak to our culture, our community, and our values—the stuff we care about. We require a variety of essays and short answer written responses, and each serves a slightly different purpose toward helping us to understand the academic and professional trajectory of each person as well as the motivation for graduate study at Princeton. No one thing is determinative in our process or application; we read each file individually and holistically, and admissions decisions are based on the totality of information in the file. 

The personal statement should answer the prompt and include an explanation of one’s commitment to a career in public service. We are interested in a clear description of the policy areas of interest to you and why you care about them as well as how your previous academic, personal, and professional experiences have shaped your career goals. We want to know why you want to enroll at SPIA, what you hope to gain from our program, as well as your career plans in terms of policy issues and agencies or organizations you wish to work with and why. We are looking to understand Why Princeton. Why now. And what’s next.

SPIA’s supplemental essay has long been the part of our application where we ask you to go beyond the other dimensions of the file and where we seek to get to know you on a more personal and individual basis. We all come from somewhere and it shapes us – both in who we become and what we value. We’re interested in your story and what shaped you. What do you value? This essay often helps us to further understand the person behind the paper.

This year, the Graduate School introduced the personal essay . The announcement of this essay reaffirms Princeton’s strong commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. It provides applicants an additional space to describe how their academic interests and life experiences will help them contribute to Princeton’s scholarly community. We hope to further understand how you will contribute to our tight-knit and vibrant campus community.

We understand there may be some similarities and overlap in how you interpret and write each essay. Our hope, of course, is that each essay will reveal something new and that each provides space and opportunity to translate through as rich and as full a description of your background, goals, and aspirations as possible. 

Through each of them, we are looking for you to tell us your story in the way that only you can.

Sample Public Policy Personal Statement (Harvard, Brown, Erasmus Mundus)

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following essay is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in public policy (MPP). Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Brown University, Harvard’s Kennedy School, UC Berkeley and Erasmus Mundus scholarship program. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in public policy should look like.

Related Personal Statement:  Sample Public Administration Personal Statement (MPA)

Here is the example personal statement for MPP

I grew up in Monrovia. People here are resourceful and hardworking, but many live in crushing poverty with little opportunity for upward mobility. Like many rural towns in Liberia, the overwhelming needs of the public are neglected by paradigmatically dysfunctional bureaucracies. So when I was in high school, I thought getting a degree wouldd lift me beyond my humble background. But a strange thing happened while I was doing my undergrad. I found that many people around me, including my professors, were using their education to improve the lives of people living in places like Monrovia.

As a result, education became about empowerment – giving me the language to diagnose social issues. It gave me the understanding to recognize fulcrum points in political hierarchies and the skills to research, propose, and implement strategies for improving social policies. Finally, it gave me the heart and the will to take on the difficult task of making a better life for Liberians in need.

My goal is to become a policy analyst for the government. This position would allow me to promote and implement innovative educational, health, and social welfare policies. I have looked at many schools, but I have found very few that seem as aptly suited to my educational goals as Brown. The course offerings support specialization while allowing room for meaningful electives. Institutions and Policy Making is exactly that kind.

I need to expand my theoretical and practical concepts of social policy and welfare in developing countries. Most impressive to me is the number of faculty who are not just teachers but policy practitioners. For example, Professor John Tyler’s work on returns to education is impressive and shares themes with my thesis research: Economics of Education. In addition, I believe the diverse university culture at Brown will promote my concepts of global culture, practices, and ethics.

A graduate degree is essential to my goal of affecting multiple dimensions of policy in Liberia. I have worked on this goal from the beginning of my undergraduate degree. During my first few semesters, I realized how a shortage of skilled professionals inside public offices had undermined Liberia’s development for a long time. I saw that policy framework serve as ‘paradigms,’ dictating a country’s growth and development rules. I looked for courses that could build on this understanding and help me formulate realistic ideas for improving the status quo.

Courses on policy issues explained how unequal growth patterns in a country could destroy class mobility and quality of life. Economics provided an area of study that brought all these social and political factors together in one implementable philosophy. The more I learned, the more I saw how a small innovation could go a long way in places like Monrovia. I also began to understand that properly implementing this support is key to its success.

I found many others who shared my interests in the Economics department during my undergrad, including Dr. Mishu Pati and Dr. Cmeha Konaya. Both Professors are extremely active in their field, contributing cutting-edge research in trade and education policy, healthcare, and governance. I was immediately impressed with the scope and focus of their ideas. However, only after a few semesters of academic exposure and experience with internships, I realized the most impressive aspect of their work: it was theoretically impressive and implementable.

Working with Dr. Mishu Pati, I discovered my passion and appreciation for research. As a result, I completed three major research projects during my undergraduate degree. Each addressed a unique and important aspect of economic policy across various social influences. First, I studied inefficient pricing mechanisms in the wheat industry that translate into inflated prices. Furthermore, as part of my thesis, I studied economic returns to secondary education, especially regarding the acquired human capital and associated externalities that have a bearing on social well-being. Finally, the most influential and accomplished study allowed me to work with the Trade Development Authority of Liberia (TDAL) to improve export statistics for sanitary and phyto-sanitary handling of citrus fruit. Upon the conclusion of this project, my findings were presented to the officials at TDAL.

After graduation, I started working with Dr. Nakhai Abramozid, an esteemed Public Policy professor in Liberia. As a Research Assistant, I am currently studying livestock micro-insurance, a concept still developing in Liberia that requires the attention of academics and practitioners. Micro-insurance provides low-income families with risk-averse methods to increase their financial independence and fosters growth in their enterprises. Therefore, I was especially excited when I discovered that there are currently only two pilot projects in Liberia.

My RAship analyzes these pilots and advises potential micro-insurance providers and other stakeholders. This experience has allowed me to stay connected with policy practitioners and academics by ensuring continued interaction in the field of Public Policy. It has also put me at the forefront of a developing policy that is beginning to show a lot of promise.

Since I have kept a clear direction and set of goals throughout most of my undergraduate degree, I have been able to do a lot to develop and grow my understanding of public policy, research, and ethics. I have undertaken extra responsibility whenever possible and focused my education on my goals. And yet, imagining all the experiences, classes, and projects I will be able to undertake at Brown University makes me feel like I still have so far to go.

Nevertheless, the holistic skill set developed in the Public Policy program will allow me to pursue my goals. I want to be equipped with a deep understanding of policy analysis, project management, financial management, and technology integration. I wish I had more opportunities to talk with you about the difference Brown would make in my education and the difference my education can make to the underserved people in Liberia.

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Cornell Brooks School MPA Application Tips: The Personal Statement

Tom O’Toole, Executive Director of the MPA Program, offers his perspective on making the personal statement section of your graduate school application truly stand out.

When it comes to graduate school admission, the personal statement/essay represents your chance to truly shine.  In addition to providing a tremendous opportunity to convey the quality of your writing to admissions committees, the personal statement allows you to highlight your purpose for pursuing graduate studies.  Here are a few tips for making sure your essay reaches its full potential:

1)  The Personal Statement is a Writing Sample : Some graduate schools require writing samples as part of their applications, and some do not.  For those that do not, the personal statement is the only sample of your writing that the admissions committee will see.   For this reason, it is important (particularly for a professional program where writing skills are essential), to tell your story in a clear, coherent manner, and to  proofread carefully .  Grammatical errors, typos, and colloquial language will severely diminish the professionalism and credibility of your statement.  These errors will also indicate that you do not invest much effort into representing yourself well.

3)  Graduate Admissions Committees are Immune to Guilt : Although admissions committees do look for evidence of resilience and perseverance in applicants, many applicants spend their entire statement conveying difficult personal circumstances they have had to overcome, and explaining why, because of these circumstances, they are deserving of admission.  This tells the committee very little about whether an applicant has the drive to succeed in graduate school, and many reviewers find being “guilted” into approving an application off-putting.  Focus instead on experiences that are directly relevant to your motivation for pursuing a specific graduate degree.

4)  Are you Ready for This?  Another common error in personal statements is conveying that graduate school is the “logical next step” in an applicant’s career.  Graduate schools want to admit bright, capable individuals who have a genuine interest in making intellectual contributions to their field.  They are not keen on admitting applicants who are pursuing graduate studies because they cannot figure out what to do with their lives, or are avoiding a difficult job market.  Graduate school is a rigorous, challenging commitment, and conveying that it is the “logical next step” in an applicant’s career doesn’t convey a strong clarity of purpose behind the application.

5)  Tailor:  One of the many problems associated with the “revolution” in electronic applications is that electronic submission encourages applicants to be generic.  The “point, click, apply” mentality that yields poor results on the internship/job market also yields poor results for many graduate school applicants.  Each statement should be tailored for the strengths of the individual program in question, (convincingly) citing faculty, courses, and specific initiatives that the applicant intends to leverage as a student.  Part of what admissions committees are looking for in applicants is intellectual capability, but they are also looking for “fit.”  As an exercise, if the applicant can replace the name of our program with any other MPA/MPP program in their statement, and the statement still makes sense, the statement isn’t well-tailored to a specific program.

6)  Tell us a New “Story”:  After reviewing several hundred applications, admissions officers find that each statement tends to run together because applicants rely on many of the same strategies to tell their story.  The trick is to balance professionalism and maturity with creativity.  Give us an example of how you resolved a problem using an interdisciplinary, entrepreneurial approach.  Discuss a public policy space that you feel would benefit from a new infusion of energy or ideas.  However you decide to tell your story, make it innovative.

If you have questions about attending the MPA Program at Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, we encourage you to request more information  today!

Subscribe to our graduate education blog —  Public Policy in Action  —  for tips and tools related to pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree!

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How to Apply - MPA

Apply For KU Graduate Admission

Main Criteria Considered:

• A commitment to public service;
• Demonstrated leadership or leadership potential; and
• An academic background that indicates an ability to be successful in a rigorous, writing intensive social science program that promotes critical thinking.

Enhancing Factors Include:

• Service involvement in leadership positions.
• Professional work experience in the public or nonprofit sector. Professional work is defined as having responsibility for service or program management, policy creation or implementation, or providing leadership for a section or unit.
• Bringing diverse experiences or perspectives to the classroom.

Domestic Student Application Deadlines

Fall Admission: July 1

CGSC Leavenworth Fall Admission: August 15

Spring Admission: December 1

City/County Management Fellowship / Summer Admission: February 1

International Student Application Deadlines

Fall Admission: June 1

Spring Admission: November 1

• MPA Overview
• MPA Curriculum
• Graduate Certificates
• Professional Program Careers
• How to Apply - MPA Fellows
• MPA Fellows Overview

Application Materials Required for Admission

A complete online application.

Please be prepared to upload the documents detailed below. You will also include the names and email addresses for your recommenders.  When you are ready,  Apply for KU Graduate Admission .  An application fee is required.

Official Transcripts or Copies of Official Transcripts

Transcripts must be sent from your undergraduate institution and any post-graduate institutions attended directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions at [email protected] or Graduate Admissions, University of Kansas, KU Visitor Center, 1502 Iowa St., Lawrence, KS 66045.

KU graduates may upload either a copy of an official transcript or a KU Advising Report. 

Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution by the start of their MPA.

Three Letters of Recommendation

Recommendation letters should be from persons who can address your ability to do graduate work and the admissions criteria. At least one academic reference is preferred.

PLEASE NOTE: The names and email addresses of references will be requested in the online application. References will receive an email with instructions for submitting their letters of recommendation electronically. Please communicate application deadlines to your recommenders and follow up as needed. 

Current Resume

A copy of your current resume and employment history. Highlight any additional community engagement and service projects beyond employment in the resume to offer a full perspective on your preparation in public service leadership.

Personal Statement

Write a 3-5 page reflective essay describing your background and career goals. Clearly indicate how the MPA degree fits those goals. Please describe how your personal background has influenced your decision to pursue a career in public service. For example, you may discuss any educational, economic, cultural, or social experiences that shape you as a candidate. If there are any academic deficiencies in your record, please address them in your statement.

Writing Sample

A writing sample at least five pages in length. This should be a work where you critically analyze an issue (not just summarize) and be well-cited.

Some possibilities include an undergraduate research paper; a policy paper completed for work; another work product that analyzes an issue and makes an argument for a position.

If you do not have a written sample that meets the requirements, you may prepare a report on a book or academic article relevant to the field of public administration. The KU Libraries can assist you with searching databases and accessing materials.

Proof of English Proficiency

The University requires all applicants, international or domestic, to demonstrate English language proficiency for admission to any graduate program at KU. 

Admission Timelines and Admission Statuses:

The MPA Admissions Committee will assess applications immediately after the application deadline and will convene to make admission recommendations 2-3 weeks after the admission deadline.  Applicants will be notified of their admission recommendation status no later than 4 weeks after the application deadline. 

Regular Admission

Students with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a clear indication of how they meet the following criteria are recommended for admission to the MPA degree program.

The main criteria considered are:

• An academic background that indicates an ability to be successful in a rigorous, writing-intensive social science program that promotes critical thinking.

Enhancing factors include:

• Service involvement in leadership positions;
• Professional work experience in the public or nonprofit sector. Here, professional work is defined as having responsibility for service or program management, policy creation or implementation, or providing leadership for a section or unit.

Provisional Admission

Applicants who meet all University admission standards but have one or more deficiencies in the admission requirements above, as determined by the program, may be admitted on a provisional basis.

If an applicant is admitted provisionally, the student's department will review the student's progress immediately following each semester of graduate study until the student has completed 9 credit hours of graduate level course work. These reviews will determine whether the student has met the requirements for regular admission. Upon passing the review at the completion of 9 credit hours, the provisionally admitted student’s admission status will be updated to ‘regular’ admission.

Deny Admission

Applicants who do not adequately represent themselves as meeting the main criteria of admission, or have a holistic record that indicates the potential for success in graduate level course work will be denied admission to the degree-seeking program.  Most students denied admission are invited to apply to attend courses as a non-degree seeking student in order to strengthen their academic profile and/or clarify their goals for the degree.   

Can I have my application fee waived?

To be considered for a fee sponsorship from the program, applicants must submit a fee waiver request .  All application materials (except for letters of recommendation) must be complete to receive program consideration for fee sponsorship.  Fee waiver requests with incomplete application materials will automatically be denied.  To ensure timely review and processing, application fee waivers will only be considered by the program at least 30 days prior* to the application deadline.  No appeals of the program’s waiver decision will be considered.

*Active duty military CGSC participants have until the August 15th deadline to complete the fee waiver request form.

Is the GRE required?

No.  The GRE is no longer required for MPA applicants.

Are there scholarship funds or financial aid available?

Because we are a public administration professional program within the School of Public Affairs and Administration, we do not have regular opportunities for GRA, GTA, or Graduate Assistant positions within the program like graduate research programs.  Most of the MPA scholarships are earmarked specifically for our City Management Fellows cohort since they complete 33 of the 40 credits required for the degree in their first year.  There are a limited number of merit-based scholarships earmarked for our continuing on-campus MPA students. 

A helpful financial resource is the Office of Graduate Studies' Costs and Financial Aid webpage.

Can I take a course without applying to the MPA or a certificate?

Yes!  You can apply as a non-degree seeking (NDS) student .  You can take unlimited courses under the NDS designation but only 9 graduate-level credits are eligible to be counted toward degree if you choose to apply for the degree later, per University policy.   NDS Application Requirements:

• A complete non-degree seeking graduate application and submission fee of $30
• A current resume
• A statement of purpose describing background, current or previous experience in public service, course/s you are interested in and how they will aid your current and future professional goals, etc.
• Official transcripts showing a conferred baccalaureate degree and transcripts showing any post-baccalaureate course work
• Proof of English proficiency: The University requires all applicants, international or domestic, to demonstrate English language proficiency for admission to any graduate program at KU. 

  Application Review : Completed NDS applications will be evaluated by the MPA Committee & Program Manager for reference, but do not require a full review.   Application Deadlines:  The deadline is the 1st of the month prior to the start of each semester.

Can I transfer courses that I have taken at another college or university?

Visit with the MPA Program Manager & Academic Advisor for transfer credit information. Masters students may transfer in up to 9 hours of course credit. All transfer credits must be approved for relevance and must be transferred in prior to a student’s final semester in the program.

Connect with Us

Questions about  mpa program.

Program and admission information Derek Bixler, Graduate Program Coordinator [email protected] 785-864-6814

Issues submitting application KU Graduate Studies [email protected] 785-864-3140

Internship & professional development Cari Ann Kreienhop, Graduate Programming Manager [email protected] 785-864-3665

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November 19, 2021

Harvard Kennedy School MPP and MPA2 Application Essay Tips [2021 – 2022]

The essays discussed below are for the  MPP and the two-year MPA  applications. (The MPA/ID and the MC/MPA and Mason’s program have different prompts.)

HKS seeks accomplished, well-rounded master’s students – people with proven academic success, strong leadership and career potential, and “commitment to advancing the public interest.” The school also wants the student body to be diverse. Your application overall will address these factors; the essays provide a valuable opportunity to underscore through specific detail how you meet these criteria and will be a significant contributor during the program and later in your career. Most important, use the essays to weave together these elements into a coherent story and presentation – one that clarifies your path to your public interest goals.

Further, HKS seeks students who embrace change. The website notes, “Our programs will change you. They are changing the world through the outstanding leaders and dynamic ideas that come out of HKS.” This “change” theme is echoed in the mandatory essay questions. Keep this emphasis on change on your radar as you work through your essays. Showing you can change and grow strengthens your credibility for goals that involve driving change externally – i.e., you are not just talking the talk, but walking the walk.

Harvard Kennedy School 2021-2022 MPP & MPA application essay questions

Mpp and mpa mandatory personal history essay.

Diversity of all kinds (race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, physical abilities, political philosophy, intellectual focus, socioeconomic status, geographic and many others) is important to enriching the educational experience at the Kennedy School. Please share with us anything in your background or life experience that has shaped your perspectives and how that would contribute to the classroom and community at HKS.  (250 word limit)

This essay is a lovely opportunity to round out your profile and to show unique and distinctive aspects of your life experience – approach this essay with pride and passion. It has potential to give deeper color to the whole application.

I’ll start with some don’ts: Don’t write a mini autobiography. Don’t talk about your love of travel. Don’t fear to present topics that are often considered no-no’s, like religion and politics (there is of course a right way and a wrong way to discuss such things). Don’t drench the discussion in buzz words and abstractions (the topic of “diversity” has a tendency to bring these out).

Select your topics – anywhere from one to three, as more than that will be too many for meaningful discussion – and root each one in anecdote and example. Consider topics that will  both   expand and enhance your profile  and   support (directly or indirectly) your “case” for admission delivered in the other essays. Add a brief reflection about the contribution, as it’s not the fact that you have a certain type of diversity; it’s the insight and perspective you’ve gained from it that ultimately make it meaningful to the adcom and future classmates.

MPP and MPA expectations essay

Describe a time when you did not meet expectations and elaborate on how the experience changed you. (250 word limit)

The adcom is clearly seeking out people who are able to grow and change – in this case, in response to a failure of some sort. That requires understanding one’s shortcomings related to not meeting expectations. Choose a specific example/story (if well in the past, make sure it’s weighty to justify the distance) and tell the story. And, whose expectations? It could be someone from any realm: a friend, a colleague or work superior, a professor, etc. – or you. “How it changed you” can be part of the story – ideally include some action taken as a result of the change, not just “realized” or “understood” or “broadened perspective.” 

MPP and MPA perspectives essay

Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view.  (250 Word limit)

There’s that word again – change. This time, it’s about a time you changed in response to an experience or interactions (expanding your point of view is also a form of change). And, again, approach the essay straightforwardly, as a story, narrating what happened and your growth as a result of it. If possible, include some action taken as a result of the change, beyond “merely” increasing your understanding in some way. 

MPP and MPA JFK essay

The Harvard Kennedy School motto, echoing the President for whom the School is named, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee your plans to create positive change through your public leadership and service.  (500 word limit)

This is essentially a vision-and-goals question. I suggest a professional focus, though in some cases it could also include non-work plans. Three keys to making this essay work:

• In describing your plans/goals, clarify what “positive change” means to you – it’s easy to forget that it means different things to different people. (I see a lot of drafts of these and other essays talking about making change without any clear idea of what constructive change means to that person.) And cite specific impacts you intend to deliver through your service.  Make it concrete.  These results need not be comprehensive, “save the world” level changes – it’s more realistic, more credible, and probably more interesting to the reader to discuss changes to a given corner of the world, or segment of population, or issue. Show your engagement with and knowledge of the region or issue by employing anecdote and detail.
• Discuss practical aspects – how you envision executing those plans in real terms, focusing on your anticipated leadership and sense of service. Of course, you needn’t have all the answers – that’s part of what the program will help you with.
• Since the question asks you to portray how you’ll do the above “through your public leadership and service,” root the plans in your experience to lend credibility to what you say you will do in the future. Weave in brief examples of public leadership and/or service as a basis for your future efforts.

Essay for MPP applicants

The MPP curriculum is designed to broaden students’ perspective and sharpen skills necessary for a successful career in public service through a rigorous set of courses that draw on the social sciences but are adapted for action. Please describe how the MPP curriculum at HKS would leverage your distinctive abilities and/or fill gaps in your skill set as you equip yourself to achieve your career goals. (500 word limit)  

You’ve delineated your career vision and plant in the JFK essay. Based on these goals, what are your relevant distinctive abilities and your skills gaps? Don’t just cite these facts; provide brief examples or anecdotes of at least some and make specific how they relate to your goals. It’s an opportunity to strategically showcase some of your experience. Finally, describe how the MPP program will enhance your existing abilities and fill in the gaps – always in the context of your goals, keeping in mind the practical nature of the program: how it will help you leverage your strengths and gain requisite skills/knowledge to effect desired change.

Essay for two-year MPA applicants

There are many pathways one can pursue in order to make a difference in the world. Why is the MPA Program at HKS an appropriate pathway to achieving your goals?  (500 word limit)

Here too, your goals cited in the JFK essay will be the starting point: they create the need to learn certain things and the conditions to benefit from certain opportunities. So, first, identify the gaps in learning that you must fill to realize your goals and also the opportunities that would be helpful in realizing your goals (such as access to certain types of people or challenge to move past reflexive thinking). Then  detail how the HKS program meets these needs and offers these opportunities . This “how” can include all manner of things about the program, depending on your needs: curriculum structure and/or content, professors, special programs, classmates, extracurricular clubs/programs, partner groups/programs, etc. The key is to be specific and to link the elements you cite to your goals, learning needs, and/or broader professional growth and development.

Optional essay question (MPP & MPA)

If you have any concerns about your prior academic, professional, or personal background that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee, please provide an explanation.  (250 word limit)

This optional essay question specifically instructs you to write the essay only if there are concerns about your background. If you do need to use it, write a succinct, straightforward explanation. If you have evidence that academic under-performance does not reflect your true ability, add a sentence stating that point with the evidence (e.g., maybe you did poorly overall in college, but in your last semester earned straight A’s).

Harvard Kennedy School 2021-2022 MPP & MPA2 application deadline

Source: Harvard Kennedy School website

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

Related Resources:

• 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Grad School Statement of Purpose , a free guide
• Harvard Kennedy School: An Interview with Admissions Director Matt Clemons , a podcast episode
• Different Dimensions of Diversity , a podcast episode

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Gre prep online guides and tips, 3 successful graduate school personal statement examples.

Looking for grad school personal statement examples? Look no further! In this total guide to graduate school personal statement examples, we’ll discuss why you need a personal statement for grad school and what makes a good one. Then we’ll provide three graduate school personal statement samples from our grad school experts. After that, we’ll do a deep dive on one of our personal statement for graduate school examples. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a list of other grad school personal statements you can find online.

Why Do You Need a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a chance for admissions committees to get to know you: your goals and passions, what you’ll bring to the program, and what you’re hoping to get out of the program.  You need to sell the admissions committee on what makes you a worthwhile applicant. The personal statement is a good chance to highlight significant things about you that don’t appear elsewhere on your application.

A personal statement is slightly different from a statement of purpose (also known as a letter of intent). A statement of purpose/letter of intent tends to be more tightly focused on your academic or professional credentials and your future research and/or professional interests.

While a personal statement also addresses your academic experiences and goals, you have more leeway to be a little more, well, personal. In a personal statement, it’s often appropriate to include information on significant life experiences or challenges that aren’t necessarily directly relevant to your field of interest.

Some programs ask for both a personal statement and a statement of purpose/letter of intent. In this case, the personal statement is likely to be much more tightly focused on your life experience and personality assets while the statement of purpose will focus in much more on your academic/research experiences and goals.

However, there’s not always a hard-and-fast demarcation between a personal statement and a statement of purpose. The two statement types should address a lot of the same themes, especially as relates to your future goals and the valuable assets you bring to the program. Some programs will ask for a personal statement but the prompt will be focused primarily on your research and professional experiences and interests. Some will ask for a statement of purpose but the prompt will be more focused on your general life experiences.

When in doubt, give the program what they are asking for in the prompt and don’t get too hung up on whether they call it a personal statement or statement of purpose. You can always call the admissions office to get more clarification on what they want you to address in your admissions essay.

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What Makes a Good Grad School Personal Statement?

A great graduate school personal statement can come in many forms and styles. However, strong grad school personal statement examples all share the same following elements:

A Clear Narrative

Above all, a good personal statement communicates clear messages about what makes you a strong applicant who is likely to have success in graduate school. So to that extent, think about a couple of key points that you want to communicate about yourself and then drill down on how you can best communicate those points. (Your key points should of course be related to what you can bring to the field and to the program specifically).

You can also decide whether to address things like setbacks or gaps in your application as part of your narrative. Have a low GPA for a couple semesters due to a health issue? Been out of a job for a while taking care of a family member? If you do decide to explain an issue like this, make sure that the overall arc is more about demonstrating positive qualities like resilience and diligence than about providing excuses.

Specific Examples

A great statement of purpose uses specific examples to illustrate its key messages. This can include anecdotes that demonstrate particular traits or even references to scholars and works that have influenced your academic trajectory to show that you are familiar and insightful about the relevant literature in your field.

Just saying “I love plants,” is pretty vague. Describing how you worked in a plant lab during undergrad and then went home and carefully cultivated your own greenhouse where you cross-bred new flower colors by hand is much more specific and vivid, which makes for better evidence.

A strong personal statement will describe why you are a good fit for the program, and why the program is a good fit for you. It’s important to identify specific things about the program that appeal to you, and how you’ll take advantage of those opportunities. It’s also a good idea to talk about specific professors you might be interested in working with. This shows that you are informed about and genuinely invested in the program.

Strong Writing

Even quantitative and science disciplines typically require some writing, so it’s important that your personal statement shows strong writing skills. Make sure that you are communicating clearly and that you don’t have any grammar and spelling errors. It’s helpful to get other people to read your statement and provide feedback. Plan on going through multiple drafts.

Another important thing here is to avoid cliches and gimmicks. Don’t deploy overused phrases and openings like “ever since I was a child.” Don’t structure your statement in a gimmicky way (i.e., writing a faux legal brief about yourself for a law school statement of purpose). The first will make your writing banal; the second is likely to make you stand out in a bad way.

Appropriate Boundaries

While you can be more personal in a personal statement than in a statement of purpose, it’s important to maintain appropriate boundaries in your writing. Don’t overshare anything too personal about relationships, bodily functions, or illegal activities. Similarly, don’t share anything that makes it seem like you may be out of control, unstable, or an otherwise risky investment. The personal statement is not a confessional booth. If you share inappropriately, you may seem like you have bad judgment, which is a huge red flag to admissions committees.

You should also be careful with how you deploy humor and jokes. Your statement doesn’t have to be totally joyless and serious, but bear in mind that the person reading the statement may not have the same sense of humor as you do. When in doubt, err towards the side of being as inoffensive as possible.

Just as being too intimate in your statement can hurt you, it’s also important not to be overly formal or staid. You should be professional, but conversational.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

Our graduate school experts have been kind enough to provide some successful grad school personal statement examples. We’ll provide three examples here, along with brief analysis of what makes each one successful.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 1

PDF of Sample Personal Statement 1 – Japanese Studies

For this Japanese Studies master’s degree, the applicant had to provide a statement of purpose outlining her academic goals and experience with Japanese and a separate personal statement describing her personal relationship with Japanese Studies and what led her to pursue a master’s degree.

Here’s what’s successful about this personal statement:

• An attention-grabbing beginning: The applicant begins with the statement that Japanese has never come easily to her and that it’s a brutal language to learn. Seeing as how this is an application for a Japanese Studies program, this is an intriguing beginning that makes the reader want to keep going.
• A compelling narrative: From this attention-grabbing beginning, the applicant builds a well-structured and dramatic narrative tracking her engagement with the Japanese language over time. The clear turning point is her experience studying abroad, leading to a resolution in which she has clarity about her plans. Seeing as how the applicant wants to be a translator of Japanese literature, the tight narrative structure here is a great way to show her writing skills.
• Specific examples that show important traits: The applicant clearly communicates both a deep passion for Japanese through examples of her continued engagement with Japanese and her determination and work ethic by highlighting the challenges she’s faced (and overcome) in her study of the language. This gives the impression that she is an engaged and dedicated student.

Overall, this is a very strong statement both in terms of style and content. It flows well, is memorable, and communicates that the applicant would make the most of the graduate school experience.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 2

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 2 – Musical Composition

This personal statement for a Music Composition master’s degree discusses the factors that motivate the applicant to pursue graduate study.

Here’s what works well in this statement:

• The applicant provides two clear reasons motivating the student to pursue graduate study: her experiences with music growing up, and her family’s musical history. She then supports those two reasons with examples and analysis.
• The description of her ancestors’ engagement with music is very compelling and memorable. The applicant paints her own involvement with music as almost inevitable based on her family’s long history with musical pursuits.
• The applicant gives thoughtful analysis of the advantages she has been afforded that have allowed her to study music so extensively. We get the sense that she is insightful and empathetic—qualities that would add greatly to any academic community.

This is a strong, serviceable personal statement. And in truth, given that this for a masters in music composition, other elements of the application (like work samples) are probably the most important.  However, here are two small changes I would make to improve it:

• I would probably to split the massive second paragraph into 2-3 separate paragraphs. I might use one paragraph to orient the reader to the family’s musical history, one paragraph to discuss Giacomo and Antonio, and one paragraph to discuss how the family has influenced the applicant. As it stands, it’s a little unwieldy and the second paragraph doesn’t have a super-clear focus even though it’s all loosely related to the applicant’s family history with music.
• I would also slightly shorten the anecdote about the applicant’s ancestors and expand more on how this family history has motivated the applicant’s interest in music. In what specific ways has her ancestors’ perseverance inspired her? Did she think about them during hard practice sessions? Is she interested in composing music in a style they might have played? More specific examples here would lend greater depth and clarity to the statement.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 3

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 3 – Public Health

This is my successful personal statement for Columbia’s Master’s program in Public Health. We’ll do a deep dive on this statement paragraph-by-paragraph in the next section, but I’ll highlight a couple of things that work in this statement here:

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• This statement is clearly organized. Almost every paragraph has a distinct focus and message, and when I move on to a new idea, I move on to a new paragraph with a logical transitions.
• This statement covers a lot of ground in a pretty short space. I discuss my family history, my goals, my educational background, and my professional background. But because the paragraphs are organized and I use specific examples, it doesn’t feel too vague or scattered.
• In addition to including information about my personal motivations, like my family, I also include some analysis about tailoring health interventions with my example of the Zande. This is a good way to show off what kinds of insights I might bring to the program based on my academic background.

Grad School Personal Statement Example: Deep Dive

Now let’s do a deep dive, paragraph-by-paragraph, on one of these sample graduate school personal statements. We’ll use my personal statement that I used when I applied to Columbia’s public health program.

Paragraph One: For twenty-three years, my grandmother (a Veterinarian and an Epidemiologist) ran the Communicable Disease Department of a mid-sized urban public health department. The stories of Grandma Betty doggedly tracking down the named sexual partners of the infected are part of our family lore. Grandma Betty would persuade people to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, encourage safer sexual practices, document the spread of infection and strive to contain and prevent it. Indeed, due to the large gay population in the city where she worked, Grandma Betty was at the forefront of the AIDS crises, and her analysis contributed greatly towards understanding how the disease was contracted and spread. My grandmother has always been a huge inspiration to me, and the reason why a career in public health was always on my radar.

This is an attention-grabbing opening anecdote that avoids most of the usual cliches about childhood dreams and proclivities. This story also subtly shows that I have a sense of public health history, given the significance of the AIDs crisis for public health as a field.

It’s good that I connect this family history to my own interests. However, if I were to revise this paragraph again, I might cut down on some of the detail because when it comes down to it, this story isn’t really about me. It’s important that even (sparingly used) anecdotes about other people ultimately reveal something about you in a personal statement.

Paragraph Two: Recent years have cemented that interest. In January 2012, my parents adopted my little brother Fred from China. Doctors in America subsequently diagnosed Fred with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). My parents were told that if Fred’s condition had been discovered in China, the (very poor) orphanage in which he spent the first 8+ years of his life would have recognized his DMD as a death sentence and denied him sustenance to hasten his demise.

Here’s another compelling anecdote to help explain my interest in public health. This is an appropriately personal detail for a personal statement—it’s a serious thing about my immediate family, but it doesn’t disclose anything that the admissions committee might find concerning or inappropriate.

If I were to take another pass through this paragraph, the main thing I would change is the last phrase. “Denied him sustenance to hasten his demise” is a little flowery. “Denied him food to hasten his death” is actually more powerful because it’s clearer and more direct.

Paragraph Three: It is not right that some people have access to the best doctors and treatment while others have no medical care. I want to pursue an MPH in Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia because studying social factors in health, with a particular focus on socio-health inequities, will prepare me to address these inequities. The interdisciplinary approach of the program appeals to me greatly as I believe interdisciplinary approaches are the most effective way to develop meaningful solutions to complex problems.

In this paragraph I make a neat and clear transition from discussing what sparked my interest in public health and health equity to what I am interested in about Columbia specifically: the interdisciplinary focus of the program, and how that focus will prepare me to solve complex health problems. This paragraph also serves as a good pivot point to start discussing my academic and professional background.

Paragraph Four: My undergraduate education has prepared me well for my chosen career. Understanding the underlying structure of a group’s culture is essential to successfully communicating with the group. In studying folklore and mythology, I’ve learned how to parse the unspoken structures of folk groups, and how those structures can be used to build bridges of understanding. For example, in a culture where most illnesses are believed to be caused by witchcraft, as is the case for the Zande people of central Africa, any successful health intervention or education program would of necessity take into account their very real belief in witchcraft.

In this paragraph, I link my undergraduate education and the skills I learned there to public health. The (very brief) analysis of tailoring health interventions to the Zande is a good way to show insight and show off the competencies I would bring to the program.

Paragraph Five: I now work in the healthcare industry for one of the largest providers of health benefits in the world. In addition to reigniting my passion for data and quantitative analytics, working for this company has immersed me in the business side of healthcare, a critical component of public health.

This brief paragraph highlights my relevant work experience in the healthcare industry. It also allows me to mention my work with data and quantitative analytics, which isn’t necessarily obvious from my academic background, which was primarily based in the social sciences.

Paragraph Six: I intend to pursue a PhD in order to become an expert in how social factors affect health, particularly as related to gender and sexuality. I intend to pursue a certificate in Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Reproduction. Working together with other experts to create effective interventions across cultures and societies, I want to help transform health landscapes both in America and abroad.

This final paragraph is about my future plans and intentions. Unfortunately, it’s a little disjointed, primarily because I discuss goals of pursuing a PhD before I talk about what certificate I want to pursue within the MPH program! Switching those two sentences and discussing my certificate goals within the MPH and then mentioning my PhD plans would make a lot more sense.

I also start two sentences in a row with “I intend,” which is repetitive.

The final sentence is a little bit generic; I might tailor it to specifically discuss a gender and sexual health issue, since that is the primary area of interest I’ve identified.

This was a successful personal statement; I got into (and attended!) the program. It has strong examples, clear organization, and outlines what interests me about the program (its interdisciplinary focus) and what competencies I would bring (a background in cultural analysis and experience with the business side of healthcare). However, a few slight tweaks would elevate this statement to the next level.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples You Can Find Online

So you need more samples for your personal statement for graduate school? Examples are everywhere on the internet, but they aren’t all of equal quality.

Most of examples are posted as part of writing guides published online by educational institutions. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones here if you are looking for more personal statement examples for graduate school.

Penn State Personal Statement Examples for Graduate School

This selection of ten short personal statements for graduate school and fellowship programs offers an interesting mix of approaches. Some focus more on personal adversity while others focus more closely on professional work within the field.

The writing in some of these statements is a little dry, and most deploy at least a few cliches. However, these are generally strong, serviceable statements that communicate clearly why the student is interested in the field, their skills and competencies, and what about the specific program appeals to them.

Cal State Sample Graduate School Personal Statements

These are good examples of personal statements for graduate school where students deploy lots of very vivid imagery and illustrative anecdotes of life experiences. There are also helpful comments about what works in each of these essays.

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However, all of these statements are definitely pushing the boundaries of acceptable length, as all are above 1000 and one is almost 1500 words! Many programs limit you to 500 words; if you don’t have a limit, you should try to keep it to two single-spaced pages at most (which is about 1000 words).

University of Chicago Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples

These examples of successful essays to the University of Chicago law school cover a wide range of life experiences and topics. The writing in all is very vivid, and all communicate clear messages about the students’ strengths and competencies.

Note, however, that these are all essays that specifically worked for University of Chicago law school. That does not mean that they would work everywhere. In fact, one major thing to note is that many of these responses, while well-written and vivid, barely address the students’ interest in law school at all! This is something that might not work well for most graduate programs.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 10

This successful essay for law school from a Wheaton College undergraduate does a great job tracking the student’s interest in the law in a compelling and personal way. Wheaton offers other graduate school personal statement examples, but this one offers the most persuasive case for the students’ competencies. The student accomplishes this by using clear, well-elaborated examples, showing strong and vivid writing, and highlighting positive qualities like an interest in justice and empathy without seeming grandiose or out of touch.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 1

Based on the background information provided at the bottom of the essay, this essay was apparently successful for this applicant. However, I’ve actually included this essay because it demonstrates an extremely risky approach. While this personal statement is strikingly written and the story is very memorable, it could definitely communicate the wrong message to some admissions committees. The student’s decision not to report the drill sergeant may read incredibly poorly to some admissions committees. They may wonder if the student’s failure to report the sergeant’s violence will ultimately expose more soldiers-in-training to the same kinds of abuses. This incident perhaps reads especially poorly in light of the fact that the military has such a notable problem with violence against women being covered up and otherwise mishandled

It’s actually hard to get a complete picture of the student’s true motivations from this essay, and what we have might raise real questions about the student’s character to some admissions committees. This student took a risk and it paid off, but it could have just as easily backfired spectacularly.

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

In this guide, we discussed why you need a personal statement and how it differs from a statement of purpose. (It’s more personal!)

We also discussed what you’ll find in a strong sample personal statement for graduate school:

• A clear narrative about the applicant and why they are qualified for graduate study.
• Specific examples to support that narrative.
• Compelling reasons why the applicant and the program are a good fit for each other.
• Strong writing, including clear organization and error-free, cliche-free language.
• Appropriate boundaries—sharing without over-sharing.

Then, we provided three strong graduate school personal statement examples for different fields, along with analysis. We did a deep-dive on the third statement.

Finally, we provided a list of other sample grad school personal statements online.

What’s Next?

Want more advice on writing a personal statement ? See our guide.

Writing a graduate school statement of purpose? See our statement of purpose samples  and a nine-step process for writing the best statement of purpose possible .

If you’re writing a graduate school CV or resume, see our how-to guide to writing a CV , a how-to guide to writing a resume , our list of sample resumes and CVs , resume and CV templates , and a special guide for writing resume objectives .

Need stellar graduate school recommendation letters ? See our guide.

See our 29 tips for successfully applying to graduate school .

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Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

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Writing Personal Statements for Graduate School

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Personal Statements

Preparing a well-written and effective personal statement (sometimes referred to as statements of purpose or personal essays) that clearly articulates your preparation, goals, and motivation for pursuing that specific graduate degree is critically important. You will need to spend a considerable amount of time and effort in crafting these statements. The focus, structure, and length of personal statements vary from program to program. Some will have prompts or questions you need to answer, while others will leave the topic open-ended. The length varies widely as well. Read instructions carefully and make sure to adhere to all parameters laid out in the application guidelines.

Clear writing is the result of clear thinking. The first and most important task is to decide on a message. Consider carefully which two or three points you wish to impress upon the reader, remembering that your audience is composed of academics who are experts in their fields. Your statement should show that you are able to think logically and express your thoughts in a clear and concise manner. Remember that the reader already has a record of your activities and your transcript; avoid simply restating your resume and transcript. Writing your statement will take time; start early and give yourself more than enough time for revisions. If no prompts are given, you can use the questions below to begin brainstorming content to include in your statement.

• What experiences and academic preparation do you have that are relevant to the degree you’re seeking?
• Why are you choosing to pursue a graduate degree at this time?
• Why do you want to pursue this particular degree and how will this degree and the specific program fit into your career plans and your long-term goals?
• What specific topics are you aiming to explore and what does the current literature say about those topics?

After you’ve written a first draft, start the work of editing, refining, simplifying, and polishing. Provide specific examples that will help illustrate your points and convey your interests, intentions, and motivations. Is any section, sentence, or word superfluous, ambiguous, apologetic, or awkward? Are your verbs strong and active? Have you removed most of the qualifiers? Are you sure that each activity or interest you mention supports one of your main ideas? Spelling and grammatical errors are inexcusable. Don’t rely on spell-check to catch all errors; read your statement aloud and have it reviewed by multiple people whose opinion you trust. If possible, have your statement reviewed by a writing tutor. For individual assistance with writing your personal statement, consult with the writing tutor in your residential college  or the Writing Center within the Yale Center for Teaching and Learning .

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How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 109,283 views

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a personal statement?
• Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
• How to write a personal statement for masters
• Personal statement for masters sample
• Examples of personal statement for masters
• Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out:  How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

• Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
• How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
• How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
• What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
• How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

• Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
• How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
• How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:  

• Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
• Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
• Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
• Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
• Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
• Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
• Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
• Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

• Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
• Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
• Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
• Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:     

• The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
• Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
• Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
• Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
• Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

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3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management .  , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

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5. psychology masters personal statement

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6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

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15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration    

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: •    Avoid negativity. •    Following an online template blindly. •    Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. •    Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. •    Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. •    Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. •    Do not make pleading statements. •    Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. •    Avoid using sentences that are too long. •    Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. •    Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. •    Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. •    Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.  

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How to Write a Good Financial Aid Appeal Letter (13 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Personal Statement for a Scholarship ( 7 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Good Motivation Letter For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Letter Of Intent For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample LOI Example).

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Master of Public Administration

Northeastern University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the management degree for those who serve the public good.

In this MPA program, students participate in interdisciplinary work and applied research with government and community partners, as they learn to effectively create social change and address the emerging challenges affecting cities. The program is currently offered online and in-person at our Boston campus — and beginning in Fall 2024 at Northeastern’s campuses in Arlington, Virginia and Oakland, California. This degree lets students connect with a nationwide network of faculty and peers. Our unique multi-modality learning opportunities allow students to interact with each other, consult with faculty, and work collaboratively from any location in the world.

NASPAA-Accredited MPA

We have been fostering leaders since 1969, making Northeastern’s the longest-running MPA program in New England. Ours is a NASPAA-accredited degree that meets the rigorous standards of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.

“Studying and working in public administration has never been more important than it is now. A professor reminded me that it is important to focus on the small wins. I know that if my classmates and I can continue to produce small wins in the public sector, it can amount to big changes for all.” Monique Gibbs, MPA ’18

Northeastern MPA at a Glance

• Take MPA courses online or on-campus in Boston — or, beginning in Fall 2024, in Arlington or Oakland
• The upcoming start date is January 6, 2025
• Courses taken at Northeastern University outside of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities are subject to different tuition rates.
• Complete an optional certificate of specialization

Master of Public Administration Overview

The Northeastern Policy School’s MPA takes an experiential, research-based approach to leading in the public sphere. Students develop core leadership, budgeting, management, and analysis skills, which they supplement with elective courses reflecting their individual interests. Public administration graduates enter or advance in government and non-profit careers as program directors, management analysts, research analysts, town administrators, and more.

Our MPA curriculum incorporates experiential partnerships with governments and nonprofits. The Policy School partners with public and non-profit organizations to offer co-op, capstones, and internship opportunities.

Students can take all courses online, on campus, or via a combination of virtual and in-person classes.

All online classes are offered asynchronously, and all on-campus courses take place after 5 p.m.

Our Campus Options

The Boston campus offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant historic city, foster deep connections with public and non-profit organizations, and access an urban hub renowned for its tech and biotech industries.

• Arlington – Available Fall 2024

Situated in the heart of the U.S. National Capital Region, Northeastern’s Arlington campus offers students unparalleled access to government, nonprofit, and NGO organizations engaged in transformative work. Students gain valuable guidance and networking opportunities that are essential to navigate the dynamic D.C. ecosystem.

• Oakland – Available Fall 2024

As the West Coast hub of Northeastern’s global network, the Oakland campus provides graduate students with extensive career- and community-building activities in the San Francisco Bay Area, connecting them with local governments and community partner organizations for collaborative research and professional development.

Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

The goal of the Northeastern MPA program is to equip students with skills in policy analysis, program evaluation, research methods, and written and verbal communications to become change agents in public administration.

Students also develop competencies in budgeting and human resources, organizational management and antiracist leadership, and the interplay between ethics and accountability in a diverse society. The program seeks to place students in management and leadership careers in a broad range of public and nonprofit settings, both domestic and international.

As a professionally oriented graduate program, the MPA develops leaders for a changing world through:

• Coursework that combines methodological rigor, diverse analytical tools, and real-world relevance through applied management and leadership projects
• Policy-relevant internships and opportunities to work with faculty on applied research with a social justice lens
• Team-based capstone projects that deliver actionable advice to a range of local and regional clients

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Lead and manage in public governance
• Participate in and contribute to the policy process
• Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
• Articulate and apply a public service perspective
• Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry

Master of Public Administration Graduation and Degree Completion Rates

For MPA students entering in 2017-2018, 79% earned their degrees within two years.

Master of Public Administration Admission Requirements

• Completed online application
• Application fee ($100)
• Personal statement
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• Three letters of recommendation
• Evidence of English proficiency for international applicants

Applicants to the MPA program are not required to submit GRE scores.

Visit our admissions page for more details about application requirements, tuition, and financial aid.

“Northeastern is an exciting and dynamic place, and we attract students who reflect that.” Alicia Sasser Modestino, Associate Professor School of Public Policy & Urban Affairs and the Department of Economics

Program Curriculum

The Master of Public Administration at Northeastern consists of 40 credits and can be completed in as little as 1.5 years (4 semesters as a full-time student). Both our online and on-campus modalities include the same core courses, and are taught by exceptional faculty.

This degree combines MPA fundamentals with a unique focus on public sector and nonprofit needs. Students build core policy and leadership skills that can be applied to any position. The curriculum is centered on rigorous, applied training in organizational management, public and nonprofit finance, policy analysis, and ethics and accountability. MPA courses include:

• Statistical Analysis
• Techniques of Policy Analysis
• Economic Analysis for Policy and Planning
• Principles of Public Administration
• Public Budgeting and Financial Management
• Institutional Leadership
• Capstone in Public Policy and Urban Affairs

Visit our MPA curriculum page for more information, including a full course list with descriptions.

Choose a Certificate

Students who would like to target specific areas of expertise can earn a specialty certificate alongside their public administration master’s degree.

Certificate Options

• Computational Social Science
• Information Ethics
• Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy, and Social Change
• Public Policy Analysis
• Security and Resilience Studies
• Sustainability and Climate Change Policy
• Urban Analytics
• Urban Studies

Find out more about these customization options .

Experiential Learning: Real-World Experience for Real-World Impact

Our experiential learning opportunities are a hallmark of Northeastern’s graduate programs in public administration. The co-op is our signature program, where students earn graduate credit for full-time work at a partner organization.

The MPA requires a capstone project with a real-world client, and students can also learn experientially through internships and partnerships with research labs and centers. Students also get practical experience throughout their coursework with case studies, small group exercises, applied projects, action research, and more.

Visit our experiential learning page for more information.

“I decided to pursue my MPA degree because I felt that it was a great way for me to advance my leadership and management skills. . . . I became well-versed in policy, management, and the non-profit sector. As a result, I believe that my MPA degree will open up many job opportunities centered around public service and government. It has deepened my understanding of society and has prompted me to think critically about the current problems of today and how to competently address them in the future.” Joelle Juarez, MPA, ’19

Master of Public Administration Careers

MPA graduates are equipped with essential organizational skills, and they also understand the unique requirements of public-service work, which includes accountability, transparency, and efficiency. They are prepared for leadership roles in government agencies, nonprofits, international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), social enterprises, private businesses, and more.

An important goal of our MPA is to prepare students to be effective in a dynamic and increasingly diverse professional environment. This includes assisting students in every possible way to secure internships, post-graduate employment, and career advancement.

Learn more about salaries and careers with a master of public administration degree.

100% The job placement rate of the 2021–22 graduates of Northeastern’s MPA program

Interested in a role focused on the design and impact of policy? Northeastern also offers a Master of Public Policy (MPP) . For more information, view our article “ MPP vs. MPA: What’s the Difference? ”

See how you can advance your career.

Master of Public Administration Mission Statement

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Northeastern University aspires to provide a platform where students, faculty, and communities partner to address contemporary challenges in public administration and governance. Recognizing the complexities of the fast-changing civic environment in the 21st century, we design adaptable academic and professional pathways.

Our pragmatic approach fosters an environment that invites participation from a diverse range of actors, including scholars, non-profit leaders, and policymakers. We emphasize experiential learning, inviting students to engage with real-world issues and collaboratively devise feasible solutions. We often view challenges through an urban-centered lens, and we embrace a global-to-local perspective.

Accountability and inclusivity lie at the heart of our program. We are committed to ethical governance and strive to create a space that values social equity and inclusion. We aim to develop changemakers equipped with the skills and awareness to bring about transformative solutions that extend beyond geographic and disciplinary boundaries. By setting measurable objectives, we uphold these standards and continually assess and improve the impact of our initiatives.

Get Started Now

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Martin School of Public Policy and Administration

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Jeongyoon Lee, PhD

Director of Graduate Studies

MPA/MPP programs

Bill Hoyt, PhD

PhD program

407 Patterson Office Tower

Lexington, KY 40506-0027

Other programs from the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration:

Public administration - online, public financial management (masters or graduate certificate) - online.

The Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, a research, academic and service unit of the Graduate School, offers the Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration, the Master in Public Administration (MPA), the Master in Public Policy (MPP) degrees and the online Master of Public Financial Management. The Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration is designed to prepare students for positions with academic institutions or policy think tanks. 

Master of Public Administration Description

The MPA program offers a professional degree that prepares students for careers of leadership in public service as analysts and managers in the public, not-for-profit, and private sectors. Students enter the program with diverse academic backgrounds.

Application Requirements - MPA

• Personal Statement  (Please indicate your background in public service and why you want to obtain a Master's in Public Administration).
• Two letters of recommendation

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements .

 Students interested in funding can submit a funding interest form here .

​For additional instructions on how to apply, visit:   http://martin.uky.edu/how-apply

Application Deadlines

Spring:  December 6

Fall:  July 24

Master of Public Policy Description

The MPP program offers a professional degree that prepares students for careers as professional policy analysts in government and non-profit organizations. Students enter the program with diverse academic backgrounds, but should have taken statistics, calculus, and intermediate microeconomics. 

Application Requirements - MPP

• Personal Statement

Spring: December 6

Fall:  July 24

Doctor of Philosophy Description

The curriculum of the Ph.D. program provides knowledge of the principles of organizational behavior, an understanding of the public policy process and policy issues, and an ability to analyze policy and administrative problems through research and analytical methods.

Application Requirements - Ph.D.

• Please also indicate if you have previously applied to the Martin School?  If so, when? 
• How many years of paid public or non-profit experience have you had?
• Do you have support from any of the following programs: The Fulbright Foundation, and/or Government Support (Give information).
• Please explain why you want to earn this degree at the Martin School and what your research interests are.
• ​Please upload a sample of academic or professional work.
• The GRE is no longer required for admission.
• Three letters of recommendations
• For additional instructions on how to apply, visit:  http://martin.uky.edu/how-apply

Fall:  To receive full consideration for financial aid, students must submit completed applications by January 15. We only admit for the fall semester.

• OU Homepage
• The University of Oklahoma

Master of Public Administration

The mission of OU’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is to equip students with knowledge and skills to adapt to changing public service environments and to work collaboratively to solve problems in the public and nonprofit sectors. We accomplish this mission through: offering a robust curriculum in a manner sensitive to the diverse perspectives present in Oklahoma, preparing our graduates to provide leadership and analytic skills within their communities, generating knowledge relevant to public service based on rigorous research, and engaging our community in teaching, research and service activities.

The MPA is the preferred graduate degree for a career in public service, enabling our graduates to pursue a multitude of career paths in federal, tribal, state, local government, as well as the nonprofit, education and private sector.

Students graduate with an understanding and knowledge of government institutions, actors, and processes. As a professional program, emphasis is placed on learning the concepts, processes, and techniques associated with conducting society's business. The degree blends theoretical and practical dimensions while encouraging a broadened scholarly and professional perspective.  

The Department of Political Science, an academic unit of the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, is the academic home of the MPA program. The OU Graduate College is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring academic quality and excellence with all aspects of graduate education at the University. All three units share a responsibility to guide, support, and enhance the educational experience of every MPA graduate student.

The MPA degree requires completion of 36 hours of graduate credit and is designed as a self-paced program giving both part-time and full-time students flexibility in completing the degree. Courses are scheduled in the evening, weekends, online, and during the day. The full degree can be completed on either the Norman or Tulsa campus.

Many prospective students inquire if our degree can be completed online. T he OU-MPA program is not an online degree program . While our program does offer occasional online courses throughout the academic year, the degree cannot be completed online.

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ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

In order to be considered for admission to the MPA graduate program, students must first meet Graduate College admission requirements as described in the  Graduate College Bulletin . To seek admission, students must apply directly to OU Graduate College Admissions by submitting the official online application form along with transcripts and the application fee. Students whose native language is not English are required to submit their scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL institutional code for the University of Oklahoma is 6879.

In addition, the MPA admissions committee requires all students to submit the following materials with their online application:

• current résumé
• statement of about 1,000 words or less articulating the applicant's specific preparation for graduate study, proposed fields of study and area of focus, and career aspirations. A compelling statement is a critical part of the application; the applicant should invest time in crafting the personal statement.
• two letters of recommendation from persons in a position to speak knowledgeably about the applicant's academic ability. Typically, these would be academic references rather than personal acquaintances or employers. 

The GRE is not a requirement for admission.

Applications are accepted for summer, fall and spring admission terms during the academic year. To ensure your application is reviewed for the term you wish to enroll, the admissions committee strongly recommend that all applicants submit a completed application well in advance of the intended enrollment semester. Typically, the committee evaluates applications on a monthly basis to ensure that a recommendation is made expeditiously. The admissions committee reserves the right to defer a recommended application for another semester based on enrollment capacity.

All MPA students are required to select one of four concentrations when applying to the program. These concentrations are: General (sometimes referred to as "standard"), Non-Profit Management, Public Management, or Public Policy.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The MPA degree requires the minimum completion of 36 hours of graduate credit.  Since we are certifying your competence to potential employers, we require that at least 24 of those hours be in Public Administration/Public Policy graduate coursework offered by the Department of Political Science. With the majority of your courses within the department, you will receive the high-quality education we have pledged to provide. Political science courses can be found in the OU catalog prefixed with "P SC."

The MPA degree program features great flexibility with course scheduling. However, your first six credit hours of coursework must be P SC-prefixed courses. To take non-P SC courses during your first six credit hours of coursework, you must petition the Director of Graduate Programs in Public Administration for permission; however, variances are unusual.

MPA Degree Structure Required courses: 15 hours Concentration courses: 9 hours Electives: 12 hours

Total hours for MPA: 36 hours

Required Courses

• P SC 5003 – Introduction to Public Administration (3 hours)
• P SC 5143 – Program Evaluation & Applied Policy Analysis (3 hours)
• P SC 5363 – Public Financial Management (3 hours)
• P SC 5913 – Introduction to Analysis of Political & Administrative Data (3 hours)
• P SC 5963 – Capstone in Public Administration (3 hours)

Total Required Courses: 15 hours

Concentrations All students are required to select one concentration and complete nine hours within the concentration area. At the time of admission, students select one of four concentrations.

• General/Standard – Degree/Concentration Code M805/Q550
• Non-Profit Management - Degree/Concentration Code M805/Q471
• Public Management – Degree/Concentration Code M805/Q556
• Public Policy - Degree/Concentration Code M805/Q561

To complete a concentration, a student must have nine hours within the concentration area, with at least three of those hours being from political science. The general/standard concentration has no specific requirements concerning concentration electives and is the most popular concentration for our students. The nonprofit management concentration is designed for students who are interested in executive positions in nonprofit organizations and policy advocate groups. A concentration in public management is ideal for students currently in or seeking careers in managing federal, state, and local governmental programs. The public policy concentration is designed for students who are interested in policy analysis positions or political leadership roles.  

MPA Program of Study (pdf)

Dual Degree - OU offers dual master’s degree programs allowing students to pursue degrees simultaneously in two fields of study. To learn more about pursuing a dual degree consult the current Graduate College Bulletin or contact the OU-MPA program staff at [email protected] .

STUDENT PROFILE

LENGTH OF DEGREE

The MPA degree requires completion of 36 hours of graduate credit. A full-time student taking nine hours during the fall and spring semester can complete the degree in two years (less when taking coursework during the summer semester). A part-time student taking six hours during the fall and spring semester can complete the program in three years (less when taking coursework during the summer).  

The table below demonstrates the graduation rates during the Academic Year (AY) 2019-2020 for both the Norman and Tulsa campus cohorts combined. A total of 30 students enrolled in the program with more than three-fourth of the combined cohort graduating within three years.

Graduation Rates 2019-2020 Cohort

Estimated Total Cost of Degree 2024-2025

Cost of Degree Statement - All tuition and fees are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice. The total degree cost is an estimate based on completing 36 graduate credit hours and does not include discounted costs. Costs of housing, food, books, and other personal expenses are not included. All tuition and fees shown are in U.S. dollars. Course-specific fees are not included. Individual courses may have special fees associated. Late registration fees are applied to all students enrolling after first official day of classes. This is not a guarantee of future costs.

FINANCIAL AID

As the cost of higher education continues to rise across the nation, many students need financial assistance to pursue their education. OU Financial Aid Services awards and monitors all federal and need-based awards for students. For additional information on financial aid programs at OU, or to start your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) visit the Student Financial Center .

Student Financial Center

Buchanan Hall, Room 105 Norman, OK 73019-4078 (405) 325-9000 [email protected]

Types of Aid for Graduate Students Below are a few select types of financial aid for eligible graduate students.

Federal Grants

TEACH Grant

Tribal Grants and Resources

Eligible American Indian/Alaska Native students are encouraged to contact their respective tribal agency for specific information and application materials for higher education grants, scholarships, and fellowships.   

Another resource of funding is through the Native FORWARD Scholars Fund , a national resource for nonprofit organization providing resources for American Indian students.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services connect eligible persons with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities by providing resources and other supportive services.

Department of Political Science-MPA Scholarships MPA scholarships   are available for enrolled students who meet scholarship eligibility requirements. Specific scholarships are the John Halvor Leek Memorial Scholarship, Walter F. Scheffer Scholarship and the Joyce and Edmond Peters Scholarship.

The OU Veteran Support Alliance  is an excellent resource for GI Bill educational benefits available to students who are active-duty, reserve personnel, or veterans.

Graduate Assistantships

On occasion to support the teaching and research mission of the department of political science, graduate assistantships may be available to eligible MPA graduate students. To learn more about graduate assistantships with the department, please email [email protected] .

Direct Subsidized Loan

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Direct PLUS Loan

Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

OU Institutional Loan

The OU-MPA is comprised of six nucleus faculty members pursuing active teaching and research portfolios. Many of our MPA faculty lead affiliated research units or hold leadership positions with the University.

Deven Carlson*

Director of Graduate Programs in Public Administration

Meg Myers Morgan*

Program Director - MPA Tulsa

Taylor Delaney

Alisa Fryar*

Hank Jenkins-Smith

Heyjie Jung*

Meeyoung Lamothe*

Scott Lamothe*

Joe Ripberger

Carol Silva

*NASPAA nucleus faculty members.

The career path of recent MPA graduates at OU is varied and reflective of students’ own interests and career aspirations. The majority of our graduates seek careers in the public sector; specifically, career tracks in federal, tribal, state, and local government. Other graduates are pursuing careers in the nonprofit or public sector.

OU-MPA Graduate Employment Placement Data 2021-2022

MPA students are not required to complete an internship to obtain the degree, but many of our preservice students pursue internship opportunities.

Internship Placement Organizations CY-2023

• U.S. Department of State, Office of Foreign Assistance, Washington, DC
• Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis, Norman OK

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The Art of Applying®

MBA Admissions Consulting | MPP & MPA Admissions Consulting | Harvard Application Advice

Woodrow Wilson School MPA and MPP Personal Statement

posted on November 12, 2015

“Your personal statement should showcase your strengths and provide an overview of your background, goals, academic and professional aspirations, and a commitment to public service. The personal statement should be approximately two to four pages. If you wish to address any weaknesses in your application, it is better to write a separate, succinct, fact-based explanation as an addendum.” You have two to four pages to say what you need to say, which is a wide range and gives you space to work with. Just because they give you four pages doesn’t mean you  need to fill the full four pages. A well written and concise statement is better than filling it the to the max. Let’s start with the last phrase which is critical to this application component, “ a commitment to public service .” Think hard about what your commitment to public service actually is. What they’re really asking is: what draws you to this work?  Why have you chosen to pursue a career in public service? When answering, don’t fall into platitudes, like “I want to serve my country” or “I care about using policy to improve the lives of others.” Go personal. The personal statement is the place where your application comes alive and you become more than test scores and transcripts. If you’re having trouble articulating what it is that really motivates you, sit down with a friend or family member and have them interview you, probing for stories that have influenced you along the way. This should draw out the elements of public service that stimulate you the most, the elements that cause you to want to get up in the morning and work long days. Again, the more personal the better. Show the depth of your personality and the basis for your commitment to public service. “ Goals, academic and professional aspirations . “ This is another section that trips up many applicants. Make sure you’re clear in your goals, that you describe them in a compelling way, and that they make sense, particularly for this program. Academic and professional aspirations may be slightly different from other goals or they may be one and the same; I find it most helpful to think of them all together. One way to tackle this is to lay out 3, 5, 10 and 20 year goals. You may not choose to write about all of them, but it’s a way to think about where you’re going, where you want to end up, and everything along the way. Once you think you have a good set of goals to include in the personal statement, run them by someone else alongside the articulation of your commitment to public service and make sure the two complement each other. Finally, your   talk about your  background . This is just another space Woodrow Wilson is allowing you to tell your story. Hopefully, your answer is linked to your commitment to public service and you can tell them about where you come from and/or what you’ve done academically and professionally. How does what you are saying support the arc, or continuity, of your story? You want the admissions officer reading your statement to get a sense of you as a person, what makes you tick and why. You want to give them facts that support your claims and goals. Don’t regurgitate your resume or your transcripts–they have those in front of them. If you need ideas, mention a job you had or a course you took (only if you have more to say about it). Was it a pivotal time for you? Did it shift they way you thought about something? If yes, then feel free to mention. Finally, think about this: if you had 3 minutes of time in front of the person making the decision about your acceptance, would what you say to sway them? Why you? Make sure to include this in your personal statement. (Note: Contrary to some other programs that may encourage you to address weaknesses in your application in the personal statement, WWS specifically tells you not to do this and instead discuss those in an addendum. Pay attention to this and don’t include this in the Statement. Following the rules is the #1 rule of these applications.) Once you feel happy with the content of your statement, have a few friends read it over to make sure they come away with the message you intended. Ask them what their take-aways were after reading your statement and what they’ve learned about you as an applicant. This will provide valuable insight into how compelling your essay is. After you’ve made any adjustments these conversations generate, next ask 2-3 people (and it could be the same people) to read it over for grammar errors and typos. There is no excuse for these mistakes in your personal statement. Don’t give the admissions officer any reason to discount your otherwise great story! 

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Personal Statement for the Master’s in Public Administration

Are you trying to get admission for the master of public administration in a global university but have no idea how to write the personal statement? Need a sample personal statement for MPA that can help you with the writing process? Looking to find a suitable format for MPA personal statements to use for your own statement?

Well, if your answer is affirmative to all these questions, then you have come to the right place. We are a team of  professional personal statement writers . We have been helping students write exceptional personal statements for MPA for a decade.

We know how each personal statement for MPA needs to be written, formatted, and structured for maximum value in the eyes of the admission committee. We also know how the content must follow in the statement and how your candidature needs to be presented for better chances of admission. That’s why we are one of the best.

Master of Public Administration Personal Statement Examples

The possibility and execution of numerous medical procedures could never have been conceivable without the advancement of anesthesiology and its implementation in operating rooms. People always desire to be relieved of their pain, and anesthesiology has improved a huge number of individuals’ lives around the world. I was pursuing medicine, yet I had no clue about what to specialize in. While choosing which specialty to seek out and which fit best with my insight into medicine and my longing to practice, I tried to keep a receptive outlook toward the beginning of my third year. The way that anesthesiology consolidates the psychological obstacles of medicine with the involved approach of medical procedures has inspired me to keep considering and practicing medicine. Having the chance to collaborate with and look at various patients permits me to remain refreshed and keep up with my emphasis on the current turn of events. I’m trusting that the variety in anesthesiology will offer me the valuable chance to treat every patient exceptionally by putting my clinical preparation and creative plans to use.

A profoundly useful method for learning and investigating new things was clinical rotations. I saw many people with differing conditions and ailments who were wanting to rapidly recover. I addressed everybody in the ward, yet they didn’t hold my attention. I genuinely felt pleased with myself when I conversed with a patient named Gabriel. Because of schizophrenia and diabetes, he was admitted to the hospital. The attending doctor and I discussed the expected reasons for his raised glucose level. Notwithstanding my earlier orthopedic clinical rotations experience, I gave him a logical clarification for the new episodes in Gabriel’s day-to-day lives. It fulfilled me to become familiar with medicine and helped me have a positive outlook on utilizing what I had previously realized. Although internal medicine kept my brain dynamic, I was downright anxious and needed to be associated with the patients.

All through my clinical rotations, I came to realize what gives me joy and fulfillment. I conversed with a patient who had been treated for xxx (a sickness) before she went through a medical surgery. I consoled her by telling her that she could have a smooth surgery while we discussed her profession, her family, and her friends. A couple of days after that incident, I ran into her at the hospital, and she remembered me immediately. She showed me around her family while they were present. She said thanks to me for my time with her and her family and requested that I do likewise for her upcoming surgery. Something turned out badly during her second surgery, and I saw nurses running toward the operating room while the anesthesiologist called for help from different associates and endeavored to stabilize the patient. However, she succumbed to intestinal necrosis a week later. 

My communication with her permitted me to understand what and how I needed to practice medicine. I wanted to practice medicine in a manner that would empower me to foster close bonds with my patients. Rather than characterizing patients exclusively upon their sickness, I savored the opportunity to get to know and understand every single one of them personally. I found that anesthesiology was the best fit for my objectives. Both independence and backing are esteemed in this field. I will foster a more elevated level of confidence in the care I can provide for my patients. Furthermore, I need to utilize my anesthesiology experience to give patients the most ideal treatment while likewise offering their families solace and consideration. Since they put their trust in us with their lives, I believe it’s important to give them the regard and care they need.

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How to Write a Personal Statement for MPA?

Writing a winning, engaging, and focused personal statement for MPA for admission in any university in the world is a tough job. The more popular the university is, the better your statements need to be as you will face a lot of competition.Further, with the right focus and hard-work, you can surely create an impressive personal statement for MPA.However, a student has to understand that if you prepare well enough for the challenge, it can easily be met. What happens with most students is that they fail to prepare to write the statement. Hence, they fail.

But if you are willing to put in the right efforts, the following tips will help you:

• Getting to know the university requirements for the MPA statement
• Create a suitable strategy that you can follow to write the statement
• Find the most suitable MPA personal statement format to use
• Decide on the elements you want to include and not in the statement
• Start writing the process well in advance to make the statement better
• Seek someone’s help and advice to review the statement for quality

These tips can help you walk in the right direction while writing a personal statement. This will teach you how to go about making a genuinely impressive statement rather than relying on sample personal statements for MPA online.

What Makes Us the Best Name to Write A Personal Statement for MPA?

Every student that wants to get admission for MPA in any foreign university of repute needs to submit their application with an exceptional personal statement. While a personal statement for MPA alone cannot get you the admission, the document is extremely important for you to bolster your chances.

Over the years that we have worked with our students, we have provided them with exceptional service support when it comes to writing personal statements for MPA. This student-focused support has made us one of the best in the field.

And we can help you write inventive and engaging personal statements for MPA as well. And we do that with the help of our service qualities given below:

Unrivaled Quality

We are extremely adamant about the quality of the MPA personal statements that we offer. Whether we do deliver the statements in PDF or Doc formats, we keep the quality to be the best in the field. In order to do that, we integrate various quality systems into our statement writing processes.

Flexible Services

We know that different students would want to get different services from us. As we know this, we always provide our students with flexible services that can meet their expectations exactly. This client-specific approach has made us one of the best in the field to create customized MPA personal statements for admission.

Timely Deliverance

We know that the timely deliverance of personal statements is extremely important for the student and their application. Keeping this in our minds, we always deliver the statement even before the project deadline. This ensures that our students will have ample time to review the statement before it is submitted.

Samples and Formats

Many students want to see sample personal statements for MPA before associating with us. Being an experienced team, we have numerous sample and MPA personal statement formats with us. If our students need them to review it for our quality, we can deliver them in PDF and Doc formats.

Professional Team

We know that nothing beats an excellent team. Hence, we have taken great efforts to build an excellent team for our service offerings. The team has experienced writers who know how to write a personal statement for MPA creatively. The team also knows how to bring the best out of the given inputs from the students.

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In our efforts to deliver our students with the best overall customer experience along with an impressive MPA personal statement, we have constituted a strong customer care team. Our students can contact the customer care team and get all their concerns addressed in the shortest time possible.

Hire the Our Personal Statement Writing Help for MPA

We understand that the potential of public administration for better career and success makes it one of the most sought-after courses in any university. Hence, getting admission to such a course can be tougher than one can imagine. However, with our expertise and experience, you will be in a better position for admission.

As we have created thousands of personal statements, we can help you with writing an engaging MPA personal statement.

We can deliver you with a statement that is:

• Assertive of your candidature
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• Developed from scratch for you
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• Checked with paid tools for quality

Apart from this, as per your singular requirements, we can create the best and most value-adding personal statement for you for MPA. As we work closely with you, we try to learn about your goals and aspirations in your career. We integrate these insights into the personal statement for MPA for more value.

Being a client-centric service provider, we can also deliver the best MPA personal statements in PDF and Doc as and when you need it.

Get more details about our offerings from our client support desk. Contact us!

What is a Master of Public Administration (MPA) personal statement?

An MPA personal statement is a written document that outlines your academic and professional background, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a Master of Public 

Administration degree.

Why is a personal statement important for my MPA application?

A well-crafted personal statement provides insight into your qualifications, motivations, and suitability for the MPA program, helping you stand out to admissions committees.

What should I include in my MPA personal statement?

Your personal statement should highlight your academic achievements, relevant work or volunteer experiences, your passion for public administration, and your career aspirations.

Can you assist me in creating a customized MPA personal statement that reflects my unique profile?

Yes, our team of experienced writers specializes in crafting personalized personal statements that showcase your individual strengths and aspirations.

Are your writers knowledgeable about the field of Public Administration?

Absolutely. Our writers have expertise in Public Administration and can effectively communicate your passion and understanding of the field.

How do I get started with your service?

To begin, simply reach out to us through our website or email. We will guide you through the process of ordering an MPA personal statement.

What is the typical turnaround time for receiving my completed personal statement?

The turnaround time depends on the complexity of your request and your specified deadline. We offer flexible delivery options to accommodate your needs.

Is my MPA personal statement guaranteed to be unique and free from plagiarism?

Yes, all personal statements we create are unique and written from scratch to reflect your individuality. We have strict quality control measures to ensure originality.

Vasuki Ram, senior writer and the founder of SOP Consultants is a B-tech Graduate who used to work in an MNC. Starting from 2013, she along with her team has assisted more than 10,000 students. Shift in her career was drastic. Read full story here.

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Program Info

Program purpose.

The Master of Public Administration Program at University of West Georgia is a professional degree program that relates academic study to administrative practice. The curriculum is designed for those individuals who are either now in the public service or who are seeking a career in government or nonprofit agencies. The MPA program is designed:

• to augment the skills and knowledge of those already in the public service;
• to provide a professional graduate degree program to meet the growing need for many additional skilled, knowledgeable public administrators;
• to encourage students to pursue careers in government by providing public administration education; and
• to equip superior students for research and study at the doctoral level.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the MPA program at University of West Georgia (UWG) is to educate current (in-service) and future (pre-service) public service leaders with ethical behavior and professional competences that promote public service values extending from UWG’s values of achievement, caring, collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, innovation, integrity, sustainability, and wisdom. The program prepares students with the knowledge and skills to advance the public interest through teaching, research, and service to the community.

Public Service Values 

• Professional competencies
• Service to the public interest
• Diversity in the faculty and student population
• Ethical behavior

Career Opportunities

Application requirements.

• Two letters of recommendation from former professors or from job supervisors.
• A minimum 2.5 cumulative grade average (GPA) equivalent on a 4.0 scale
• A personal statement that describes your work experience, professional goals, the reasons you have chosen this program, why you want to attend UWG, and how the MPA program will help you achieve your goals.
• A current resume

THE CURRICULUM

The MPA program at the University of West Georgia requires the completion of 36 graduate course credits. Students without social science preparation at the Bachelor's level will be required to take POLS 5200, Principles in Public Administration. A Core of 7 courses (21 hrs) is required of all MPA students.  All of the MPA courses are available online.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The core curriculum includes the following topics as they relate to the public sector (21 hours)

• POLS 6200 - Public Budgeting and Financial Management
• POLS 6201 - Theory of Public Administration and Ethics
• POLS 6202 - Research Methods for Public Administration
• POLS 6203 - Public Organizational Theory
• POLS 6204 - Public Policy Analysis/Program Evaluation
• POLS 6205 - Administrative Law and Procedures
• POLS 6206 - Public Human Resource Management

The Comprehensive Research Project (3 hours) is taken at the completion of the degree program.  A research paper analyzing a policy or program in Public Administration will be completed by the student.

With the approval of the program advisor, each student selects 12 hours beyond the core courses.  The track courses can be taken from a variety of departments. Generally, electives should form a coherent whole.  Examples of track emphases include disaster planning, management, healthcare administration, non-profit administration, and other particular areas of public policy.  Students not working in the public sector or with no governmental experience will take the Public Administration Internship as one elective class. 

The Program responds to the changing public service environment through: an innovative curriculum, faculty scholarship and service, links to professional organizations, interaction with governmental agencies, and a commitment to state of-the-art technology. Students may take either face-to-face or online courses depending on their work schedule and/or learning preference.

Students may complete the degree within two years if they take three courses per semester as a full time basis. The program and the faculty provide individual mentoring through various activities to improve student learning experience and job placement. 

Internship and Elective Courses

Public Administration Internship is one elective course and must be completed if not working full time. Various local, regional, and state organizations in both government and nonprofit sectors provide internship opportunities for our students. Elective Courses are 5000 or 6000 level courses offered by the Political Science Department or other departments (courses from other departments must be approved by MPA Director). Elective Courses are offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters.

Specialization

The program provides three specialization opportunities in the area of public administration and policy: Public Management, Management of Nonprofit Organizations and Community Development, and Disaster/Emergency Management. Specialization is not required but utilized as elective courses for students who are interested in these foci. These specializations are also associated with Graduate Certificates (see the Graduate Certificate site for more detailed information).

MPA Core Faculty

• Anthony Fleming, PhD (West Virginia). Associate Professor, Interim Department Chair
• Karen Owen, PhD (University of Georgia). Associate Professor, Interim Dean of University College
• Kathleen Barrett, PhD (Georgia State Univeristy). Assistant Professor
• Paul Rutledge, PhD (West Virginia). Professor
• Sooho Lee, PhD (Georgia Tech). Professor, MPA director
• Vanessa Griffin, PhD (University of Southern Mississippi), Professor

Financial Support

MPA students can apply for assistantships, scholarships, travel awards, and other financial aid to support their studies. Information on tuition, fees, health insurance, and general financial aid is available via UWG Graduate Admissions.

Graduate Assistantship: The department of Civic Engagement and Public Service awards several graduate assistantships on a competitive basis to MPA students each academic year. Graduate assistants (GAs) assist primarily for the teaching and research activities of faculty in the department. GAs are provided a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver, but are responsible for paying fees and health insurance. All GAs must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours during the fall or spring semester. Potential graduate students should contact the MPA director for the assistantship application.

Other Financial Aid: The department of Civic Engagement and Public Service typically distributes scholarships and travel awards for graduate students on a competitive basis. These opportunities are announced regularly and students should contact their faculty advisors and the MPA director for more information. Also, visit the Graduate School to learn more about other scholarship opportunities and Federal Student Aid.

Coordination with the Public Sector

Job placement and Career Services

Career Opportunities in Public Administration

The MPA program faculty have demonstrated their continuing concern over the practicality of the program by establishing an MPA Advisory Board. The MPA Advisory Board is composed of alumni, practitioners at federal, state, and local levels of government, and current students. The Board serves as an advisory body for program activities including the following:

• Curriculum development;
• Program improvement;
• Liaison and networking for program graduates; and
• Career development.

Our MPA graduates are working in diverse public professional positions, mostly in governments and nonprofit organizations. For example, among a total of 17 graduates in the academic year 2017-2018, currently two are working in the Georgia state government, three in local government, six in nonprofit organizations, two in the private sector, one in military service, and three in doctoral programs. The program and the university provide various services for student’s successful job placement. For more career services, contact Career Services and faculty advisor.

Government needs leaders, today more than ever.  Ethical, organized, creative thinkers go far whether they’re a city planner, county administrator, state bureau director, or member of the U.S. Cabinet.  If serving humanity and doing public good through government employment is your goal, then UWG’s NASPAA Accredited Master’s of Public Administration (MPA) degree is for you. 

What Can You Do With A UWG MPA?  

• Administrative Analyst
• Finance and Budget Manager
• Public Relations Officer
• Personnel Officer
• Office/Department Manager
• City Manager
• Urban Planner Director
• Volunteer Services Manager
• Community Organization Director
• Community Relations Advisor
• Economic Development Director
• Director of a Nonprofit Organization
• Assistant City Manager
• Director of Ethics
• Program coordinator
• Policy analyst
• County administrator
• Grant writer
• Occupational safety coordinator
• Government relations
• Legislative staffer
• Information specialist
• Correctional facility manager
• Park manager
• Emergency services administrator

For Students Seeking Jobs, These Resources Provide Great Opportunities:

Government Job Listings

• America's Job Bank
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
• US Office of Personnel Management - USAJOBS
• American Federal Jobs Digest
• Government Jobs listing
• Federal Bureau of Investigation jobs
• U.S. Federal Agencies
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Nonprofit Job Listings

• Foundation Center Online Job Center

Alumni Appointed

Julian Brown (class of 2015) became the City Manager in his hometown of Cairo, Georgia, a city with a population of approximately 10,000 residents which borders Florida.

Julian stated that, "This opportunity would not have been possible if I did not graduate from UWG's MPA Program. I have already used knowledge and skills studied in the Public Budgeting and Public Personnel courses. I am very thankful for the faculty and staff at UWG."

SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS, SUPPORTIVE FACULTY

“The MPA program at UWG has some of the BEST professors around. There is no way to choose just one favorite. I can say that Dr. Sooho Lee and his team really take pride in what they do and each student.”

-Shawnzia Thomas, Georgia’s Chief Information Officer and Executive Director of the Georgia Technology Authority

A NASPAA ACCREDITED PROGRAM

• MPA Student Handbook (.pdf)
• Student Statistics for Admission, Enrollment, Diversity, Employment, Graduation Rate, and Internship Placement (.pdf)

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Sooho Lee

Phone: 678-839-4991

Email: [email protected]

Personal Statement for Master's Degree in Public Administration

Added on   2023-06-14

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Program Overview

Empowering the next generation of public service professionals.

The MPA program at the University of Georgia strives to be a leader in educating and inspiring students for managerial and analytical careers in public service. Through instruction by leading scholars, engagement with policy and management problems in the field, and service opportunities within the community, MPA students are prepared for professional careers in government and the non-profit sector, advancing the values of ethics, accountability, and inclusion in democratic governance.

The mission is fulfilled by educating and inspiring students for careers in management, administration, and policy analysis in government and nonprofit organizations domestically and abroad.  The program produces leaders with a wide range of analytic, communicative, and managerial abilities to meet the demands of contemporary public and nonprofit sectors.  The MPA curriculum encourages within students the development of the intellectual capacities and professional skills necessary for the successful performance of critical public service jobs.  The program accomplishes these goals by contributing to the advancement of the public administration and policy field through teaching, research, and public service.  The program also creates an awareness of and sensitivity to ethical concerns and accountability issues within the public service arena.

Public Service Values − +

The program’s dedication to public values permeates all teaching, curriculum, and conduct of students and faculty.  This predominance originates from our mission statement, which emphasizes the following values that distinguish MPA programs from other graduate offerings:

Accountability, Transparency, and Ethical Considerations Our mission statement specifically identifies the importance of an awareness of ethical concerns and accountability in the public service arena, so the Department operates according to these values.  The Department’s emphasis on accountability, inclusiveness, and transparency ensure all stakeholders are considered and informed of the processes and outcomes of the program.

Professional Competency and Service to the Public Good The program emphasizes the necessity of professional skills and intellectual capacities to ensure students are capable of serving in government and nonprofits as leaders exemplifying critical thinking, fairness, and decisiveness.  Students are trained in analytic, communicative, and managerial skills that will enable them to become productive public leaders who involve all stakeholders, utilize fact-based evidence to make decisions objectively, and execute public initiatives for the welfare of others.

Upholding Democratic Principles of Equity, Due Process, and Representativeness Students are trained to appreciate the importance of efficiency and effectiveness in executing public initiatives while maintaining a respect for the rule of law.  The program curriculum focuses on the unique concerns and challenges faced by today’s public administration and policy leaders, such as diversity and equity concerns, distinctive bureaucratic processes, and serving a variety of stakeholders and constituents.

Curriculum Overview − +

A total of 41 semester credit hours are needed for the completion of the MPA program. A mandatory socialization sequence and five core courses introduce the student to the various fields of public administration and the economic foundations of public policy. In addition, two required courses in research methods assist students in developing a familiarity with quantitative techniques in public decision making. Students must also select six courses from a number of available elective specializations to complete their degree. Students attending full-time can expect to complete the program in two years (four semesters).

The following provides an outline of the MPA Curriculum:

1. MPA Socialization Seminar (1 semester credit hour)

• PADP 6980 Socialization Seminar

2. Public Management Core (15 semester credit hours)

• PADP 6910 Public Administration and Democracy
• PADP 6920 Public Personnel Administration
• PADP 6930 Public Financial Administration
• PADP 6950 Economic Foundations of Policy Analysis
• PADP 6960 Public Management

3. Research Methods Sequence (6 semester credit hours)

• PADP 7110 Research Methods in Public Administration
• PADP 7120 Data Applications in Public Administration

4. Elective Courses (18 semester credit hours)

5. Internship 

6.  Capstone Paper and Portfolio  (1 semester credit hour)

• PADP 6990 Capstone Paper and Portfolio

Internship Requirement − +

Before graduating, the student must complete a public service internship and submit a paper on the experience. Internships must be completed at a public sector government agency or nonprofit organization that is non-partisan and non-sectarian in scope. This requirement helps to ensure that the degree candidate can perform responsibly and proficiently at a professional or managerial level. Additionally, the internship provides students with an experiential basis for linking their coursework to their future careers as public service professionals. Students must intern for a minimum of 300 hours at the same agency. Students will not receive course credit for completing an internship and cannot count as an internship any experience for which they received course credit. Students have completed internships in a wide variety of federal, state, and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations. For examples of specific locations, please visit our  Career Services  website. If you are interested in learning more about internships through the SPIA Emerging Leaders Program check out the qualifications  here .

Most positions with a government agency or a non-profit organization will meet the internship requirement for the MPA Program, but formal approval by the department is required. Internship placements for 2022/23 include a wide range of government and non-profit organizations, including the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the Forsythe (GA) County Government, Extra-Special People, Partnership Gwinnett, Energy Alabama, and many other organizations listed here. Prior to starting the internship, please submit the  Internship Approval Form  via drop box on ELC Career Services page. Include all necessary information needed before submitting for approval.

Two weeks prior to completing their internship, students should complete the  Internship Exit Interview Form  with their supervisor and submit via the drop box on ELC Career Services page. Information, like the start and end date, should match the previously submitted approval form. Any questions, please contact Brandon Solie, Career Services and Recruitment Assistant Director.

Students with prior successful experience in a position at a professional or managerial level at a government agency or nonprofit may seek a waiver from the internship requirement. Students desiring such an exemption should complete the  Internship Waiver Form  and submit it to the MPA Program Director, justifying the waiver. The Program Director will decide whether the applicant’s experience meets departmental requirements. Students who must complete an internship should consult with the MPA Career Services and Recruitment Assistant Director, who will assist the student in arranging to satisfy the requirement.

CAPSTONE PAPER AND PORTFOLIO ASSIGNMENT

See the  Capstone Paper and Portfolio Information Document  for details on this requirement.

Fields of Study − +

A student may choose either to specialize in a single specific area of study or to complete a generalist degree. Areas of specialization include the following:

• Criminal Justice
• Health Policy and Administration
• Higher Education Administration
• International Policy and Administration
• Local Government Administration
• Nonprofit Administration
• Public Budgeting and Financial Management
• Public Management/Organization Theory
• Public Policy

To achieve a concentration in an area of specialization, an MPA student must take four courses in that area. To complete a generalist degree, students must choose a minimum of two courses from within at least two of the specified areas of specialization. The areas of specialization and a detailed listing of courses are referenced in the MPA Program Guide.

Independent Study courses are available for content not offered through a regularly scheduled course. The use of Independent Study courses to fulfill elective requirements is limited and permitted at the discretion of the MPA Program Director. To request enrollment in an Independent Study course, students must download and complete the appropriate form from the website and obtain signatures of the course instructor and the MPA Program Director.

• Independent Study Form

Completion Rate and Placement − +

The MPA degree is designed to be a two-year program (four semesters total) for a full-time student. Of the 71 students who matriculated in the 2017-18 academic year, 50 percent (35 students) completed the degree in two years and 82 percent (58 students) graduated within three years, and 90 percent (64 students) graduated within 4 years, with a total of 93 (66 students) percent graduating and persisting to graduation.

Graduates of the MPA program have obtained administrative and management positions at all levels of government and in nonprofit agencies. For students graduating during the 2020-21 academic year, 93 percent reported employment in the field within six months of graduation. For the 2021 graduates, 63 percent went into public sector employment, 7 percent reported jobs in the non-profit sector, 10 percent went to work in the private sector, 4 percent continued their education, and 3 percent continued military service.

In the 2021-2022 year, job placement for our students who were employed within six months of graduation can be broken down as follows:

The MPA Career Services Coordinator assists students in the placement process. For examples of specific locations where our graduates have accepted employment, please visit our Career Services web page.

National Recognition − +

Over the past several decades, UGA has become a major center of excellence for public service education. A recent study in the  Journal of Public Administration Education  ranked the UGA Public Administration and Policy faculty first in the nation in research published in scholarly journals associated with the American Society for Public Administration. The most recent survey from the  U.S News & World Report  (2025 edition) ranked the Georgia MPA program as a #4 program nationally. The program is fully accredited by the  National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration .

MPA Advisory Board − +

The MPA Advisory Board, composed of public service professionals from government and nonprofit organizations, helps in evaluating curriculum needs and setting standards and goals. Members of the Board also serve as important resource contacts for internship and employment opportunities.  The current 2023-2024 MPA Advisory Board members are:

• Lori Atkinson – U.S. Government Accountability Office
• Harrison Daniel – Athens-Clarke County Police Department
• Spencer Frye – Athens Area Habitat for Humanity and State Representative District 118
• Amelia Hines Dortch – U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Jestin Johnson – IBM
• Shayla Lee – City of Sugar Land, Texas
• Mercy Montgomery – City of Chamblee, Georgia
• Caroline Paris Paczkowski – UGA School of Public and International Affairs
• Tiffany Payne – UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences
• Ted Pestorius – U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Joan Prittie – Project Safe Inc.
• Tracie Sanchez – Georgia Department of Economic Development
• Zane Seals – State of Tennessee, Division of TennCare
• David Tanner – UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government
• Annelise Wornat – U.S. Department of the Treasury

*denotes new member for 2023-2024

Department Contact

Brandon Solie

Department of Public Administration & Policy Career Services and Recruitment Assistant Director

204C Baldwin Hall

Office: 706-542-9583

[email protected]

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Sophie Radke, a senior at the University of Georgia, is charting a remarkable course through her studies in International Affairs, complemented by a minor in International Human Rights Security and

September 2024 MPA Student of the Month: Elizabeth Schulze

Congratulations to Liz Schulze for being selected as August MPA Student of the Month! Liz is a part-time MPA student entering her fourth semester. With a background in aging and

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What Can You Do with an MS in Public Administration?

People pursue a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree to build careers focused on helping others rather than increasing profits for a business. Fortunately, this degree opens many pathways to achieving that goal.

An online MS in Public Administration program aims to produce graduates who understand how to manage staff, resources, and projects within government and nonprofit agencies. The program attracts individuals from diverse backgrounds and educational fields. Students often enter MPA programs with bachelor’s degrees in political science, liberal arts, management, economics, psychology, and sociology.

Career Paths with an MS in Public Administration

Earning an MPA degree opens doors to numerous career paths across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The degree equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to lead and manage public service organizations, craft policy, and improve community services.

The following highlights several potential public administration careers with an MPA.

City Manager

City managers work closely with elected officials, such as mayors and city councils, to implement policies and oversee city operations. They manage essential services like water treatment, public safety, and public works. City managers need excellent communication and leadership skills to report to the public and city officials about projects and financial health.

Government Administrator

Government administrators are crucial in managing local, state, and federal public agencies. They ensure that public services are delivered efficiently and effectively. This role can include budget management, policy implementation, and overseeing public programs.

Compliance Officer

Compliance officers ensure that organizations adhere to legal standards and regulations. They work in various settings, including healthcare, financial institutions, and government agencies. Their responsibilities include conducting audits, developing compliance programs, and training staff on regulatory requirements.

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They handle budgeting, program development, and fundraising efforts. This role often involves working closely with boards of directors and community stakeholders to ensure the organization’s mission is fulfilled.

Fundraising Manager

Fundraising managers lead efforts to secure donations and grants for nonprofit organizations. They develop fundraising strategies, organize events, and build relationships with donors. Successful fundraising managers have strong communication skills and a deep understanding of their organization’s financial needs.

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and evaluate public policies to provide recommendations for improvements. They work for government agencies, think tanks, and nonprofit organizations, analyzing data and studying the impact of policies on communities. Policy analysts are vital in shaping effective public policy through evidence-based research.

Urban and Regional Planner

Urban planners develop plans for land use and community development. They work on projects such as parks, housing developments, and transportation systems. Urban planners collaborate with public officials, engineers, and architects to create sustainable and functional urban environments.

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers in the public sector handle recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development. They ensure that public organizations attract and retain qualified personnel and that employees are supported in their professional development.

Financial Manager

Financial managers oversee the financial health of public and nonprofit organizations. They manage budgets, prepare financial reports, and develop strategies for financial planning. This role requires strong analytical skills and a thorough understanding of financial regulations and practices.

Public Relations Manager

Public relations managers develop and implement communication strategies to promote and protect the public image of their organization. They handle media relations, create press releases, and manage social media content. Public relations managers are key in how organizations interact with the public and media.

The Advantages of Earning an MPA Online

Professionals benefit in several ways when they pursue a degree online, including those interested in becoming leaders in their field . One of the most significant benefits is flexibility. Online MPA programs allow students to schedule the time needed for classwork and study around personal and professional commitments. This is particularly beneficial for working professionals who wish to advance their careers without pausing their employment.

Accessibility is another key advantage of online MPA programs. These programs eliminate geographical barriers. Students can enroll at the university of their choice, no matter where they live. This opens up opportunities to learn from top educators and network with a diverse cohort of peers from around the world.

Cost-effectiveness is another benefit. Online programs often result in lower overall costs compared to traditional on-campus programs. Students can save on commuting, housing, and even course materials. Also, many online programs offer the possibility to accelerate the degree completion timeline, further reducing costs.

NMU Global Campus Master of Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration from NMU Global Campus is designed for busy working professionals who can benefit from the flexibility of a 100% online program.

MPA students engage in comprehensive studies of research methods, advanced principles of public administration, budget management, and theoretical frameworks. Students can choose to complete either a capstone project or a thesis. Those with one or more years of relevant work experience (in-service students) may request an exemption from the internship requirement.

Core courses in the program include Research Methods of Public Administration, Principles of Public Administration, Organizational Theory, Public Budget Management, and HRM in Public and Nonprofit Management.

Earning an MPA can open the door to a broad array of career opportunities. Whether students are interested in managing city operations, leading a nonprofit, shaping public policy, or ensuring compliance with regulations, an MPA provides the skills and knowledge necessary to boost their careers.

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Public administration personal statement example.

Having various experiences of national and international institutions with mass experiences in the field of management besides other administrative experience, I would like to express my keen eagerness for getting admittance in the chevening scholarship for the academic year 2009-2010 in the field of Public Administration.

I am currently Risk manager (Market) at Centralbank of Afghanistan (Da Afghanistan Bank); I have completed my primary, secondary and high school education at Nanagarhar Afghanistan.

In addition, I had honor to be officially invited to participate in different regional and international conferences in Turkey, India and Pakistan. I have gone through many short term educational and technical courses and have had the opportunity to participate in various national and international trainings.

Besides I am president of AYIG (Afghan Youth Initiative Group). This is one of new established active associations in Afghanistan, working for peace through promoting and developing leadership training, arranging workshop, meeting and conferences among youths as well as I am lecturer of Economics subjects and English at karwan Karwan Inistitue.

I had thought English and Mathematic for more then two years in Arian English language Center and had the responsibility of back person for the general manager.

I am graduated from the Kabul University with B.A in Economics, during my study I started work with New Speen Ghar construction company as project and finance assistant as well as I joint AIESEC and I got key position their such as Team leader of External Relation, Vice President of Educational Exchange and MCP or National President of AIESEC in Afghanistan positions in very short time, AIESEC aims to developed the potential of youths at leadership and culture understating, by exchange program among Young's at more then 110 countries and 850 universities campus and introduce the young's with positive impact to communities.

As an Afghan citizen and social active, I know my country and the region well, and I am aware of my country and region' history, politics, sociology, local culture and especially socio-economic characteristics.

Afghanistan is now on its way toward reconstruction and rehabilitation despite of many challenges. And no doubt this process and breaking of these challenges needs educated Afghans, particularly youths who are valuable asset of community covering 75-80 % of the country population.

My academic background, aboard and inside work experience, and presences in various biggest international conferences in different European and Asian countries motivated me to gain more education and move forward for being able serve my country.

Therefore, attending this program will further enhance my higher education and cultural knowledge to comprehensively work for Afghanistan and utilize them for better future and prosperity of Afghanistan.

Hopefully after completion of this program in coming year I intend to work for the objectives of my professional career, which at the later stage transform to the objectives of my country in fighting against corruption and strengthening the economy of my country.

Therefore, I would like to request you for your assistance in providing me the opportunity of admittance in this program for further and higher education.

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This personal statement was written by paserly for application in 2008.

paserly's Comments

I write this statement about the strengthen of Economy by bringing transparency and accountability through education afghan youth.

I hope you guys give me some useful advice

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