MPA Admissions

Applicants must have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point-average on a 4 point scale (or equivalent measures of performance if a graduate of an institution with no grading system; or equivalent grade-point-average from an accredited foreign institution) for those credits earned at the regionally accredited institution awarding the bachelor’s degree OR at least a 3.0 grade-point-average (on a 4 point scale) for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits.
There are no formal course prerequisites for the MPA program. However, applicants with prior coursework in introductory microeconomics or statistics may be more competitive.  If you have not previously taken a college-level course in microeconomics or statistics, you may be interested in doing so at a local community college or university.

The MPA Admissions committee evaluates applications holistically. As part of their consideration, they will look for previous academic or professional exposure to government and policymaking, undergraduate work in mathematics, microeconomics, or statistics, and exceptional writing skills.

GRE and GMAT scores are not required and there is no minimum test score. All applications will be reviewed holistically and applicants who choose not to submit test scores as part of their application will not be at a disadvantage. Applicants who opt to submit scores should self-report scores into the application and need to have official scores sent electronically. For GRE scores, request that ETS send the official scores electronically to the University of Washington using institution code 4854, and department code 5199.

For TOEFL scores, request that ETS send the official scores electronically to the University of Washington, using institution code 4854 and department code 99.

All IELTS test centers can report scores electronically. You must request from the center where you took the test that your scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system (E-TRF) to the following address: University of Washington All Campuses, Organization ID 365, Undergrad & Graduate Admissions, Box 355850, Seattle, WA, 98105, United States of America. If you have already taken the IELTS, you can go to the IELTS test center location for the email address of the IELTS Administrator to make your request. Allow a minimum of 13 working days for reporting test results to our school. IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date.

Please use your statement to reflect upon any hardships or circumstances that may have informed your grade(s) and why you believe you are better positioned for academic success in the quantitative coursework of the MPA program.

We recommend asking faculty members from your undergraduate studies, and/or supervisors from a professional job.

You can track whether a recommendation has been completed in the application portal. If they have not yet submitted, reach out to them directly and give them a friendly reminder. When logged into your application, you can have the system re-send them the email with the link to complete the recommendation. Most importantly, you should still submit your materials by the deadline even if your recommendations are not yet complete.

Yes, you may include written examples in the Statement of Quantitative Preparation, although applicants should describe the work performed in academic or professional research and/or projects in the context of its relevance to the quantitative coursework in the MPA curriculum. The online application will not accommodate additional documents or other files, but applicants can embed links into their resumes to highlight additional materials that are posted online.

Yes, the UW Graduate School manages need-based application fee waivers for U.S. citizens. Requesting a fee waiver is the final step in the application and must be submitted at least seven days prior to the application deadline. If you do not qualify for the UW Graduate School fee waiver, you may qualify for a merit-based Evans School Fee Waiver (limited availability). Please email evansadm@uw.edu to learn more.

Re-applicants are not guaranteed admission to the MPA program and are required to submit a completely new application with all materials, and fees. When reapplying, highlight your growth since your previous application, whether through deeper self-reflection on program fit, additional coursework, new recommendations, or expanded professional experience. While the Admissions Committee can access your previous application, they conduct a fresh, holistic review of your new submission.

Many MPA students work or intern at least part-time while attending graduate school. Students may choose to work during the academic year, but most students seek a graduate-level internship or work experience during the summer between their first and second year in the MPA program. International students may work but must be aware of the U.S. laws for F1/J1 visas to work off-campus. Due to the connection of their visas to their academic status, it is strongly recommended for international students not to work full-time during the academic year.

Yes. The Evans School offers several formal and informal concurrent degree programs with other University of Washington departments, such as the School of Law, Foster School of Business, School of Social Work, and School of Public Health.

No. We only accept applicants for autumn entry in our MPA program.