Admissions Criteria for the MPPA Program
The MPPA admissions committee carefully evaluates each applicant record using the five following criteria:
- Bachelor’s Degree By the time of enrollment, prospective students must have obtained a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants must submit official transcripts documenting the baccalaureate degree and all other prior college and graduate-level coursework completed.
- Grade Point Average A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required to be considered for regular admission. This GPA is higher than the minimum for the Graduate School. An undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will be considered on an individual basis for restricted admission.
- Demonstrated proficiency in college algebra or the equivalent Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in college algebra or the equivalent. Graduate coursework also will be taken into consideration. Applicants who do not meet these criteria may be admitted on a restricted basis and asked to satisfactorily complete a math proficiency test.
- Letters of Recommendation Applicants must obtain three letters of recommendation. The letters should be from those who are familiar with your professional and/or academic skills. At least one of the letters must be from a current or former college-level instructor.
- Personal Statement Applicants are required to submit a 2-3 page personal statement to demonstrate competence in writing. The statement should explain how the MPPA program fits in with the applicant's educational and professional goals. This personal statement may be sent directly to the MPPA program; a short statement of purpose in the web-based admission application is not sufficient.
Application Process
Please note that the MPPA process differs slightly from UMSL’s standard graduate school application – see two italicized points below:
- Complete the online application: You must apply through the Graduate School’s online Application. There may be an application fee.
- Personal Statement: The MPPA Program requires a 2-3 page personal statement which may be submitted when you complete your online application.
- Three Recommendation Letters: should be submitted. At least one of the letters should be from a college-level instructor familiar with your academic abilities. You may request letters during the application process.
- 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 directly from the institution.
- Test Scores: The graduate online application includes a request for any standard test scores. These are not required for the MPPA Program and you may disregard.
- Application Deadlines: We admit students for both Fall and Spring semesters. 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, see GRE Information;
- International students: You are required to document English proficiency. Information on admission requirements for international students is available at the International Student Services office. The telephone number is (314) 516-5229; fax: (314) 516-5636; email address: iss@umsl.edu.
Tuition rate
The current tuition rate is available on the Student Financial Services site.
For information or questions about the program:
PPA Director, Adriano Udani, Ph.D.
Phone: (314) 516-6388
Email: udania@umsl.edu
