Applying to the Program

The MPA Program is one of several graduate programs in the Department of Urban & Regional Planning. In addition to the specific program requirements on this page, please visit the department's Graduate Admissions page for general information on how to apply.

Admission Requirements

A career in public service attracts individuals from a variety of disciplines. Our selection process aims to bring students from a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds to enhance the classroom experience.

Students may apply for admission to the MPA Program if they meet the following minimal requirements: (1) have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; (2) were in good standing at the last college attended; and (3) have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in all courses, during the last two years as an undergraduate, or in the major. If three or more years have passed since completion of their bachelor’s degree, students may be considered for admission if they have a minimum of a 2.75 GPA in all courses, during the last two years as an undergraduate, or in the major and provide evidence of relevant professional experience.

Admission in “Classified” Standing

Completion of the following requirements is necessary for admission in “classified” standing:

  • Undergraduate Training: No specific undergraduate major is required. Prerequisite preparation must include Introduction to American Government, microeconomics and statistics.
  • Grades: A GPA of 3.0 in all undergraduate work, or in the last two years, or in the major.

Admission in “Conditional” Standing

Applicants who lack some of the required prerequisites may be admitted in “conditional” standing, at the discretion of the Department. Application may be made for “classified” standing when missing prerequisites have been completed, and a GPA of at least 3.0 is maintained in the MPA courses.

Tests

The SJSU MPA program does not use the GRE as a performance measure for admission.

International students must demonstrate English Language proficiency by submitting test scores from Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other exams approved by the university. More information about test requirements here.

Application Process

Get started by visiting the Graduate Admissions website for useful information on how to get started in the process. 

STEP 1

Begin the process by applying through the CSU Apply website. As part of your application you will:

  • Pay the application fee
  • Upload two letters of recommendation
  • Upload a personal statement.
    The personal statement should be about 1.5 to pages in length and describe your interest in the professional of public administration and your career objectives. As part of the statement, please includes responses to these two questions:
    1. In one or two paragraphs, describe your current and previous work experience, noting specific technical skills (for example: software, data analysis, project management, financial modeling) and interpersonal skills that you feel would be an asset to our graduate program (for example: communication style, conflict resolution, empathy, emotional intelligence, effectiveness working in small teams to achieve shared objectives).
    2. In one or two paragraphs, please describe your work undertaking formal research projects under the supervision of a faculty member or employer. Describe the steps you took to organize your work and time, the project objectives, and outcomes. If you do not have formal research experience, it is fine to state this. 

STEP 2

Please email your CV/resume in pdf format for our Admissions Committee review.
Graduate advisor: gradadvisor-urbanplanning@sjsu.edu
Subject line: (Your Name) CV/resume, MPA program

STEP 3

In addition to the steps above, please refer to the University's Graduate Admissions office for requirements, deadlines, and requested materials.
Domestic Applicant
International Applicant