Neither test is required for entrance into our programs. All criteria that will be evaluated on your application can be found on our admissions pages:
- The Graduate College at the University of Arizona requires a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Additional information can be found on the following pages:
- MPA Admissions
- MPA Admissions
- Graduate College GPA Calculation Methods
Additional MPP Information
- Degree candidates need not have significant prior experience in public policy; however, students admitted to the Master of Public Policy program are typically those whose academic and/or professional records indicate clear promise of success in the study and application of quantitative analysis. This can be expressed through at least one of the following means:
- the successful completion of an undergraduate or graduate course in statistics, quantitative analysis, calculus, or a related higher-level mathematics course (typically this means a grade of B or higher)
- strong quantitative GRE scores
- extensive use of data, math, statistics, or quantitative analysis in an employment setting
- if you feel that you have evidence of quantitative abilities that should be considered, but is not listed above, please contact the program directly.
Information about admissions, including deadlines, can be found on our admission pages:
Yes, students are allowed to attend as a part-time. It is recommended to complete at least 6 units each semester to finish the program within 3 years if attending part-time. While students attending the program full-time typically complete their degree in two years, students have 6 years to complete the program.
Yes, all core courses are offered in the evening, between 5:30pm and 8pm. Courses that are cross-listed with other departments or with 400-level courses are offered on the main campus at various times. Students should not expect to complete many classes from this program online.
View the MPA Admissions or MPP Admissions for links to the online application form, along with a list of other requirements for admission.
There are several opportunities for financial assistance through UA's Financial Aid Office and the Graduate College. Additionally, the School of Government and Public Policy offers a limited numbers of teaching assistantships and scholarships to highly qualified applicants. Interested students must apply by March 15th to be considered.
MPA and MPP graduates have been placed at various federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as non-profits and institutions of higher education. Recent graduates have been placed at the following:
- Non-Profits:
- Children's Advocacy Center
- Esperanza Dance Project
- Friends of Saguaro National Park
- International Rescue Committee
- Jewish Family & Children Services
- Lutheran Social Services of Southern AZ
- USAID
- Institutions of Higher Education:
- Harvard Law
- The University of Arizona
- Arizona State University
- Washington & Lee University School of Law
- Yale University
- Local Government Agencies:
- City of Tucson
- City of Casa Grande
- Town of Marana
- Town of Oro Valley
- Pima County
- Maricopa County
- City of Colorado Springs
- Federal and State Government Agencies
- U.S. Secret Service
- U.S. Customs & Border Protection
- U.S. Forest Service
- The White House
- House of Representatives
- Private Sector and Consulting Firms:
- Raytheon
- ILLUME Advising, LLC
- Massachusetts Division of Banks
More information can be found on our Cost & Funding Overview page: https://sgpp.arizona.edu/mpa-mpp-financial-aid
Each year, we have an average of 20-25 new students. There is approximately a 70:30 student ratio of female to male, respectively, with about 40% of students who are from underrepresented populations and 20% international.
Recent data suggests that in this economy, public sector employment is one of the few areas projected for growth. Public sector management and policy implementation faces real challenges in the coming years and an MPA or MPP from the School of Government and Public Policy will prepare you with the necessary skills to meet real-world challenges and make a difference.
Flexible scheduling and evening classes will help you accomplish this at your own pace. Interested applicants can contact SBS-sgppmasters@arizona.edu to discuss how an MPA or MPP can move their career forward.