MPA Admission

An applicant’s potential for distinguished academic and professional achievement is the principal criterion for admission to the Master of Public Administration program. In assessing applications, the admission committee evaluates:

• past performance as evidenced by grades, work experience, and community service
• future promise as indicated by letters of recommendation
• commitment to educational and career goals, as demonstrated particularly in the writing sample

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. First-year students may be admitted to the fall semester. And, those applying to the fall semester are encouraged to submit applications prior to December 15 in order to be considered for the best scholarships. Since the admission review process does not include an interview, submitted materials should clearly present an applicant’s qualifications.

» Application Materials
» International Application Materials
» Application Deadlines
» Funding

Application Materials

Required to complete the application process:
(NOTE: For your convenience, please save and use the Application Checklist)

• A USC Graduate Application — For step-by-step admission guidelines, visit: gradadm.usc.edu/apply
• $90 application fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.  USC now accepts official electronic transcripts from all countries, provided that the transcript originates from a secure site formally linked to the sending institution. All applicants should have their university registrar send transcripts electronically to [email protected]. To expedite review of your application, you may upload **OFFICIAL** copies of your transcripts into your application but you must still have official transcripts sent electronically to [email protected]. If your university doesn’t send transcripts electronically, please have them sent to the address listed on the transcripts requirements page here.
• Price has discontinued the GRE/GMAT requirement for admissions review. Applications will be reviewed holistically.
• Current resume
• Three letters of recommendation, including at least one academic reference. Letters of recommendation must be submitted through the online application system. We will not accept letters of recommendation through postal mail.
• Statement of Purpose (approx. 1000 words) addressing the following questions:
  • Why are you interested in pursuing the Master of Public Administration degree?
  • How will a Master of Public Administration degree affect or enhance your career aspirations and goals?
  • Please share how your experiences, background, and/or interests have shaped you and will shape your engagement in the Price community. 
• USC Price Scholarship Application Essays (If you wish to be considered for USC Price-sponsored scholarships, please complete the Scholarship Application Essays through the USC Graduate Application online)

International students must submit the following additional documents:

• Official TOEFL/IELTS scores – Official scores must be received directly from the testing service and date no earlier than 2 years (24 months) prior to the start of your intended first term at USC. (Institution code: 4852)
• Official transcripts indicating the award of all degrees with the title and date conferred in the applicant’s native language and an exact translation into English of each document
• Financial guarantee statement showing proof of ability to pay all tuition and living expenses

To verify application requirements by country, please click here.

MPA Program Application Deadlines