Application

The prospective student should complete the online application packet. Contact SPEA for the link.

Application Fee

A nonrefundable application fee of $40 is required of all applicants.  Contact SPEA for a waiver.

Application Requirements

For more information on SPEA’s graduate programs and for questions regarding the application process, please call 219-980-6696 or 219-980-6695.

All application requirements must be submitted online to the Graduate Application System. Contact SPEA for the link.

1. Online application.

2. Submit official copies of transcripts from all schools attended for undergraduate and/or graduate programs.

3. Applicants must have a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 for admission or will need to take the GRE. A minimum GRE score of 280 on the GRE is required for admission to the program. 

3. Submit a copy of resume or curriculum vitae.

5. Letter of intent (this is applicants personal statement as to why they want to pursue the degree, what they hope to gain from it, career goals, etc.)

6. Two (2) professional references - applicants will enter the contact info (name, address, phone and email address for each reference). Once application is submitted the references will receive a invitation to complete their reference electronically. References should be of a professional nature and cannot be from a fulltime faculty member in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Baccalaureate Degree

Certification of a baccalaureate degree is required for entrance into the Master of Public Affairs Program. Although the student may not have completed the undergraduate work at the time of application, a decision will be made on the strength of the student's work at the time of application. However, a final transcript, showing baccalaureate degree must become a part of the permanent record before the student can be formally admitted.

Application Validity

Following notice of admission, an applicant has one calendar year in which to enroll. Supplementary transcripts of any academic work undertaken during that period are required, and the division may request additional letters of recommendation. Should the updated material prove unsatisfactory, the admission may be canceled. If the applicant fails to enroll within one year, a complete new application is required.

Examinations for Admission

The School of Public and Environmental Affairs will consider results from the GRE, GMAT or LSAT, but the GRE is most common among our applicants.  Preparing to take the test and getting official  test scores can be a lengthy process, so plan accordingly. 

Admission Committee

Each application is considered carefully by the graduate program committee. While the applicant's undergraduate scholastic performance is the most significant index of ability to do graduate work, recommendations and the student's letter of intent are taken into account.  The aim is to select those applicants who can successfully complete graduate study and be effective in public affairs.