Admissions
The MPA Program
At Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, we believe the MPA should be accessible to students from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Whether you choose our in-person program or our fully online program, if you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA, you are eligible to apply — and we strongly encourage you to do so!
Every year, we admit students with diverse experiences: recent graduates, career changers, and working professionals. Your statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and resume all give us valuable insight into your goals and potential.
Choose a Track
Who Can ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½
To apply for both the in person and online MPA programs at Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Background: If you hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject with at least a 2.5 GPA, you are eligible to apply. Many successful MPA students come from non-political science backgrounds — we welcome all fields.
- Recommended Coursework: Undergraduate courses in American Government and Statistics is strongly advised. Don’t worry if you haven’t taken these courses. We will help you build the necessary foundation during the program.
- Application Materials
- Letters of Recommendation: Submit two letters: Preferably, one from someone familiar with your academic abilities. One from someone who knows your work experience. Alternatively, two academic or two work-related letters are acceptable. Choose people who know your strengths. We understand applicants come from different backgrounds, so professional supervisors, community leaders, or mentors are all acceptable.
- Statement of Purpose: Describe your interest in pursuing an MPA degree and your future goals.
- Resume or CV: Detail your work history to help determine if an internship is required for your program.
- Transcripts: Unofficial or official transcripts from your Bachelor's Degree Institution, showing degree awarded.
- International Students: Provide proof of English proficiency if your undergraduate degree was from a non-English institution: TOEFL score: Minimum 580 (paper-based) or equivalent web-based score. IELTS score: Minimum 6.5 (as an alternative to TOEFL). For more information, visit CPP International Students.
Application Process
Step 1: For both programs, submit an application via .
- Use the to complete your application.
- Submit the following documents:
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume or CV
- Unofficial or official transcripts
- Submit the following documents:
Step 2: Graduate Admissions Office at Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½
Your application will be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office at Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. They may request additional materials, such as official transcripts, through your Bronco Direct account.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition and fees vary between the in-person and online programs.
- In-Person Program: Full-time students typically complete the program in two years across four terms. Tuition is charged each semester of enrollment. View the in-person program fee structure here.
- Online Program: Full-time students typically complete the program in two years across six terms. Tuition is charged on a per-unit basis. View the online program fee structure here.
Remember that tuition and fees differ for out-of-state and international students.
Should I ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½?
Absolutely!
- Our admissions process values your potential, not just your past coursework.
- Many of our admitted students started with questions like “Am I qualified?”
- If you are motivated to serve the public, build leadership skills, and grow as a professional, we encourage you to apply.
