Requirements for Admission

Applicants for the Master of Public Administration program must satisfy all requirements for admission to the Graduate School and receive a favorable endorsement from the public administration faculty. Admissions decisions are based on undergraduate GPA, standardized examination scores (GRE, GMAT, or MAT), and additional information provided by a resume, two letters of recommendation and a personal statement of interest.

The following criteria are used when considering an application:

Undergraduate grade point average

The average undergraduate grade point average of all students admitted in the last three years was 3.1 on a 4.0 scale.

Standardized examination score

A. You must take the Graduate Record Examination [GRE], Graduate Management Aptitude Test [GMAT], or Miller Analogy Test [MAT]. 

B. The typical nonwaiver student admitted in the last three years had an average combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 1040.

C. The standard exam criteria may be waived if the applicant meets appropriate professional public service experience requirements. Follow the link below for more information on the exam waiver.

Standard Exam Waiver

Résumé documenting previous education and/or experience

Two letters of recommendation

Preferably, at least letter is from an academic familiar with the applicant’s academic background.  The applicant’s references should address the applicant’s academic background or work experience, specifying in detail the applicant’s capabilities for graduate study and for future performance as a public service organization administrator.

Statement of interest

This statement should articulate the applicant’s experience, career goals and education objectives related to the pursuit of the MPA degree.  The personal statement must be 500-750 words in length.

How Do I Apply?

Step 1:    Apply to the University of Memphis Graduate School.  The Graduate School will forward your application to the M.P.A. program after you've submitted a completed application package, including transcripts and graduate exam scores.

Step 2:    Send the following supporting documents directly to the Division of Public and Nonprofit Administration: 

A. Resume

B. Statement of Interest

C. Two letters of Recommendation

Mail your documents to:

Dr. Charles Menifield

138 McCord Hall
Division of Public and Nonprofit Administration
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
cmenifld@memphis.edu
Phone: 901-678-5527
Fax: 901-678-2981

Financial Aid

For information regarding financial aid, please follow the link below.

Financial Aid

DEADLINES

All application materials must be sent in by the stated deadlines. Exceptions to these dates will not be allowed.

Spring Admissions: Domestic Applications Due December 1, International Applications Due September 15

Summer Admissions: Domestic Applications Due May 1,  International Applications Due February 1

Fall Admissions: Domestic Applications Due July 1,  International Applications Due May 1

Graduate Assistantship Application

The Division awards a small number of graduate assistantships each year to deserving students. Serving as graduate assistant provides a stipend for the academic year plus a waiver of tuition and fees for up to twelve credit hours per semester.

Twenty hours of service per week to the Division is required of the student.  This service normally takes the form of aiding one or more faculty members with their research or teaching responsibilities. Graduate assistants may not be otherwise employed outside the Division. Appointments of graduate assistants are made on an annual basis but may be renewed by the Division for one additional year, depending on performance.

A graduate assistant is expected to make satisfactory progress towards the completion of his/her degree. To do this, a graduate assistant must enroll for a minimum of twelve hours of course work per semester and must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 at all times. Failure to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 disqualifies a student from holding a graduate assistantship

Twenty hours of service per week to the Division is required of the student.  This service normally takes the form of aiding one or more faculty members with their research or teaching responsibilities. Graduate assistants may not be otherwise employed outside the Division. Appointments of graduate assistants are made on an annual basis but may be renewed by the Division for one additional year, depending on performance.

A graduate assistant is expected to make satisfactory progress towards the completion of his/her degree. To do this, a graduate assistant must enroll for a minimum of twelve hours of course work per semester and must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 at all times. Failure to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 disqualifies a student from holding a graduate assistantship.

To be considered for a graduate assistantship, a student must:

1. Submit a completed Application for Graduate to the Division of Public and Nonprofit Administration. The applicant's academic background (including GPA), entrance exam scores from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) will be considered.
2. Provide two letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to comment on the applicant's work and/or academic abilities.
3. Sign and date the application.

Submit all materials and direct inquiries to:

134 McCord Hall

Public and Nonprofit Administration

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN 38152

901-678-3368

dnrrstrr@memphis.edu