Admission

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Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or its foreign equivalent. A competitive undergraduate record that indicates strong academic ability is required, though applicants need not have extensive academic experience in public policy. Work experience in the public sector is desirable but not necessary. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, but strong scores bolster chances for admission. GRE scores and/or new, relevant course work at the undergraduate level are recommended for applicants whose previous academic performance was below a B average.

 

PART-TIME OPTION

Earn your degree by taking classes part-time.

Take any combination of online and evening on-campus courses to complete your degree and learn at a pace that works with your life.

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The Accelerated Option

Earn your degree in one year.

Immerse yourself in the program by taking a combination of three on-campus (evening and daytime) and online courses per quarter. 

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Application Checklist

Supplemental Materials

Supplemental materials, with the exception of transcripts, must be uploaded to the online application. Official transcripts may be sent to our Admissions office at spsadmissions@northwestern.edu or mailed to our Chicago office. Please be sure to include the name of your intended program when addressing transcripts. Applicants will be notified once all materials have been received and the application is complete.

  • One sealed copy of official transcripts from ALL previously attended colleges and universities. Official transcripts must arrive in our office in the original sealed envelope issued by the institution. Northwestern University School of Professional Studies accepts electronic transcripts from U.S. institutions via secure electronic transcript providers. Consult with your institution to see if they are part of a secure e-delivery network. All electronic transcripts should be sent to spsadmissions@northwestern.edu. Please note transcripts are not accepted by fax or email. If you are currently enrolled, please submit an official transcript showing courses in-progress. Applicants with international transcripts must request an official course-by-course evaluation of transcripts from a NACES member such as WES or ECE. A course-by-course evaluation will translate courses, degrees and grades to U.S. equivalency.
  • Two letters of recommendation focusing on academic achievement and ability
  • Statement of purpose
  • A writing sample
  • Current résumé or curriculum vitae

Transcript mailing address:
MPPA Graduate Admissions
Northwestern University School of Professional Studies
Wieboldt Hall, Sixth floor
339 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60611-3008

Statement of Purpose and Writing Sample

Applicants must submit a 300-word statement of purpose explaining how the degree program will help them meet their academic and professional goals. Applicants who did not major in public policy or a related field should explain how other academic and nonacademic experiences have prepared them to undertake graduate study in this program.

The writing sample should demonstrate the ability to present ideas and arguments in a manner appropriate to a graduate-level program and should not exceed 10 pages in length. The sample can be an academic paper, a short work-related memo or analysis, or an essay describing a critical public policy issue.

If you submit an academic paper, it should consist of the following:

  • A clearly articulated thesis on a topic drawn from public policy or a related discipline
  • An argument that persuasively supports the thesis and demonstrates an awareness of contrary arguments
  • Documentation of quoted material and acknowledgement of ideas taken from the works of others using an accepted academic style guide

If you submit a work-related analysis of a policy, problem, or program of which you are the sole author it should consist of the following:

  • A clear identification of the organizational issue in need of attention
  • An analysis of the issue and its importance to the organization
  • Well-reasoned action options and your final recommendations

If you are submitting an essay it should be comprised of the following:

  • Describe what you see as one of the most critical public policy issues that faces the nation, your state, or your community
  • Provide a summary of a course of action you advocate to address this issue as if you were serving in a policy-making or administrative leadership role
  • Provide supporting justification for the action you are advocating

Interviews

Interviews are by invitation only. Interviews with select candidates will be scheduled by the admissions staff.

Application Tips

The MPPA program is academic and professional, so the ideal student has substantial abilities and experience in both areas. An academic background and research experience in public policy-related areas, such as political science, history, sociology, statistics, is especially desirable. Students with no coursework in such areas should consider taking courses at the undergraduate level before applying. Work experience, even internships, is an advantage. All applicants should be able to demonstrate how they are prepared to succeed in the program and use the degree to advance their professional careers.

System Requirements

To ensure proper access to all online course materials, students in SPS online master's degree courses should verify that their computer meets the recommended system requirements.

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