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Information for Prospective MPPA Students

Degree Program Information:

The Master of Public Policy Administration (MPPA) is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for managerial and policy analysis positions in the public and nonprofit sectors or in organizations having substantial interaction with the public and nonprofit sectors.  The program is a unit of the Graduate School and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.

Core faculty are on joint appointment in public policy administration and disciplines such as economics, history, political science, sociology, or business administration.  The program includes courses in policy analysis, public administration, management, budgeting, and economics in the basic curriculum.  The University of Missouri-St. Louis' MPPA program differs from existing programs available in the Missouri-Illinois region in its interdisciplinary nature and emphasis on the development of analytic and administrative skills. 

The program caters to individuals employed in federal, state and local government offices, public and related private agencies, as well as students at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and other institutions. In addition, MPPA courses are held in the evening, starting no earlier than 5:30 p.m., to accommodate those who completing a degree while working.

UM-St. Louis is accessible by MetroLink. Full-time students with a valid university ID are eligible for a discount on MetroLink and MetroBus passes.

Coursework:

A minimum of 40 credit hours divided into a 28-hour core and 12-hour specialization. The core curriculum combines work in public administration and policy analysis and trains students in both qualitative and quantitative approaches to the field. Included in the 28-hour core is a 1-credit Exit Project that requires students to analyze a policy or administrative program of their choice.

Applying for admission to the Public Policy Administration program:

The goal of PPA’s admission process is to ensure that MPPA students will meet their educational and professional goals while in the program.  We also use the information from the application and accompanying materials to evaluate each candidate for the potential or likelihood that they will successfully complete the program.

Criteria for Regular Admission: All applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School for admission. In addition, the PPA Review Committee carefully evaluates each applicant on the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree:  By the time of enrollment, you must have obtained a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited college or university.
• Grade Point Average:  You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission. Grade point averages below 3.0 will be considered on an individual basis for restricted admission.
• Letters of Recommendation: These letters are an opportunity for those who know you to speak to your ability to complete the MPPA degree.  It is helpful to have letters from those who are familiar with your professional and academic skills as well as your future goals.  At least one letter should be from a person who has had you as a student in a course and who can speak to your academic abilities.
• Goal Statement:  In a 2 to 3 page essay, you must be able to demonstrate that you have competence in writing.  This is also your opportunity to explain why you would like to earn an MPPA by describing your education and professional goals.  You will be submitting this statement along with your online application.

Application Process:

• Complete the online application: You must apply through the Graduate School’s online Application Form.  There may be an application fee.
• Goals Statement:  You must submit a 2-3 page statement describing your personal, career and educational goals and substantive areas of interest.  Tell us why you want to earn an MPPA while you demonstrate your writing skills.  This should be sent directly to the Public Policy Administration Program.
• Three letters of recommendation:  The Graduate School application link includes downloadable recommendation forms.  You should give these forms to three people who are familiar with your work and/or character and who can provide you with strong or positive recommendations.  At least one letter should be from an instructor familiar with your academic work.  These letters should be sent to the Public Policy Administration Program.
• Transcripts:  You must provide official transcripts from all institutions where you have completed undergraduate and graduate courses and/or degrees.  Transcripts should be sent to Graduate Admissions.
• Application Deadlines: Applications are processed on a rolling basis.  Prospective students may be admitted for the upcoming semester if space is available.

Additional Considerations:

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores:  The program does not require you to submit (GRE) scores.  However, if you believe it would help your case, you are welcome to take the GRE and submit your scores. For more information on Graduate Record Examinations, see GRE Information;
• International students:  You are required to document English proficiency. Information on admission requirements for international students is available at Prospective International Students or from the International Student Services office. The telephone number is (314) 516-5229; fax: (314) 516-5636; e-mail address: iss@umsl.edu.

Financial Aid:

• Graduate Research Assistantships:  A limited number of positions for Graduate Research Assistants are periodically available through the PPA Program.  These are competitive, paid, part-time positions in which students are provided a tuition waiver.  Students will be notified when GRA positions are available, and application is made directly to the PPA Director.  General information on GRA/GTA positions is available at GRA/GTA Positions.
• Other Financial Aid: You should contact the Financial Aid office for information on loans, grants and scholarships:  UM-St. Louis Student Financial Aid Office , 278 Millennium Student Center, (314) 516-5526.

For more information:
Graduate Program Director: Dr. Brady Baybeck
Phone: (314) 516-5145
Email
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