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West Texas A&M University
Master of Public Administration Admissions

Program Admissions

The MPA admissions committee is made up of the MPA director and two members of the faculty chosen on a rolling basis. Students can apply for admission on a rolling basis each semester. The number of students admitted is determined by the student-to-faculty ratio and the quality of the candidates. The following dates for submission of admission materials are for guaranteed review of applications:

Semester to be admitted Priority Deadline Final Deadline
Fall March 15 July 1
Spring October 15 December 1

Students should work to ensure the submission of these materials by the preferred deadline. Applications received by the final deadline could be granted immediate admission pending on program availability or receive admissions for the following semester. An application received after the final deadline will not be considered. Materials will be held in the application system and students can reapply for another semester without paying an additional fee.  

Note: International students are advised to review the application deadlines set forth by International Student Services.

Required Application Materials

Detailed requirements for applying to the MPA at WT are as follows. Questions regarding application materials should be directed to the MPA program director. Application materials may be submitted online through the application portal on the graduate school website. An application FAQ is found here

Minimum application requirements and materials for regular admissions:

  • Undergraduate transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a 2.75 GPA overall. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred. Students with less than a 3.0 overall GPA with a 3.25 GPA in the last 60 hours will be given consideration.
  • Official transcripts are required from all colleges and universities that you have previously attended. This includes dual credit coursework during high school, community colleges, trade/vocational schools, military training, foreign institutions, undergraduate and graduate coursework, and any institutions that you attended where a degree was not received, if applicable.
  • Statement of intent/purpose showing the student’s intent to study public administration and their goals regarding public service of no more than two (2) pages. These statements can include explanations of public service, job experience, and/or potential areas of research interests as well as a potential intent regarding a concentration.
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation. These can be a combination of professional and academic recommendations. At least one letter from a faculty member with knowledge of the student’s academic performance is preferred but not required.
  • Writing sample that can include any of the following: an academic paper, term paper, publication, or other demonstration of writing ability.
  • No GRE score is required.

For assistance or additional information, please contact Dr. Darrell Lovell (MPA Program Director).