The UW Evans School EMPA program attracts mid-career leaders with diverse backgrounds looking for an equity-centered, accelerated masters degree. Our EMPA is a truly hybrid program, designed for students working full-time with families and other priorities that require their time and attention.
Take the Next Step on Your Career Journey
Application Deadlines: Final – May 15, 2025
Preparing Your Application
Most applicants have at least seven years professional experience, but we take a holistic approach to reviewing prospective EMPA applications. We welcome and actively promote a diverse student body comprised of different ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural, academic and personal backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
We take a holistic approach to reviewing prospective EMPA student applications. While we look for some substance in each aspect of the application, most viable EMPA candidates completed their undergraduate degrees several years ago, and their more recent professional experience, letters of reference, and ability to write professionally carry as much weight as academic performance.
Letters of reference from former professors are not required for admittance to the EMPA program. Most applicants ask current or former supervisors from a professional setting. It is more important that the recommender has worked closely with you and is familiar with how you work and your personal qualities, rather than that they have an important job title. You must submit a minimum of two and a maximum of five letters. While your first two letters should be from professional supervisors, for your 3rd, 4th, or 5th letters, you are also welcome to ask those from other supervisory positions. For example, from volunteer work, a board or committee chair if you sit on a board, a former professor or instructor, or a client you’ve worked for. Again, we’re interested in the breadth of your experience and how each angle might give perspective on your eligibility for this program.
Within the online application form you can enter the email addresses for your selected references, and the system will send them each an invitation via email asking them to complete a brief online form rating you in a few areas and submit their letters. Sometimes, these notifications do go to junk mail or are otherwise missed, so as backup, your references may submit letters to us directly at evansadm@uw.edu. For these letters, there is no set format or structure, and letters may be emailed as attachments or simply typed text in the email.
We do recommend contacting your references directly beforehand to make your initial request to them, to give them a sense of your application deadline, and to give them the backup email evansadm@uw.edu should they have any problems.
If you submit your application by the deadline, but your letters of reference submissions follow it afterwards, your application will still be considered as received on time. The most important thing is to pay the application fee and submit your application, and your letters of reference may take a number of days more to come in.
Unfortunately, as the EMPA program is a fee-based program, it is not eligible for Washington State tuition exemption.
The EMPA program is eligible for both federal financial aid FAFSA loans and military and veteran benefits.
There are a small number of fellowships offered each year. To be considered for fellowships, please submit your application by the priority deadline, January 15, 2025.
Contact Us
The EMPA admissions team is here to help you develop a high-impact career that serves the community and helps people reach their fullest potential. For questions and more information about the application process, contact us at evansadm@uw.edu or set up a meeting with our Admissions team using the scheduling tool on this page.