Application Requirements
The Center for Public Administration and Policy (CPAP) is a department within the College of Architecture and Urban Studies and the School of Public and International Affairs. Our goal is to provide future and current members of the public administration community with a strong education and strong developmental experiences.
CPAP offers both the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree and the Ph.D. in Public Affairs and Public Administration. Our MPA program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), a non-profit organization that represents U.S. university programs in public affairs, public policy, public administration, and public management.
CPAP has locations in Alexandria, Blacksburg, and Richmond. Richmond only offers MPA classes. The application requirements for our degree programs are the same for all three campuses.
Students may also take classes as non-degree, Commonwealth Campus students. Requirements for applying for the Commonwealth Campus program are listed below.
Master of Public Administration and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees
The requirements listed below are intended as general guidelines for admission. The Center for Public Administration and Policy believes that it is not solely the test scores or GPA that makes a good public servant. The Center strives to examine evidence of the whole person and their individual aptitude for public administration when making admission decisions.
GPA
We currently ask that students have a 3.0 or above for admission.
Testing
We require all MPA and Ph.D. applicants to submit scores from one of the following tests:
- GRE
- GMAT
- MAT
- LSAT
All international students whose first language is not English or who do not hold baccalaureate degrees from America, Anglophone, Canadian, Australian, or British universities are required to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students must score at least 600 on the paper version, 250 on the computer-based version, or 80 on the internet-based version of the test.
GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL Testing Dates
Test dates vary by location and can be found on the Educational Testing Service website. This site is a great resource for anyone planning to attend graduate school.
Prerequisite courses for MPA and Ph.D. students
Entering students must have taken at least one college-level course in the institutions of American government or have equivalent experience, training, or instruction. Additionally, they should have taken a course in introductory statistics. Students who intend to enroll full time and finish the MPA in eighteen months must complete introductory statistics before beginning the fall semester program.
Prerequisites for Ph.D. students only
Introductory micro and macro economics are required.
Application Procedures for MPA and PhD Students- Application and Fee. File an application with the graduate school online at http://www.grads.vt.edu and pay the nonrefundable application fee, which is currently $45. If you are unable or choose not to apply online, you may download the application form at http://www.grads.vt.edu/admissions/applying/index.html.
- Transcripts. Have two official copies of undergraduate and/or graduate study transcripts sent directly to the graduate school from universities and colleges previously attended. VT applicants can simply request from the registrar.
- Personal Statement of Purpose. Provide a personal statement in which you (a) describe previous employment experiences and (b) discuss thoughtfully your future career plans. The statement should express how the Center's curriculum for which you are applying will assist you in achieving your future career goals.
- Resume. Provide a professional resume.
- Test Scores. Applicants must provide scores on a recognized aptitude test, sent directly from the testing agency. International students may be required to take TOEFL.
- Letters of Recommendation/Reference Forms. All applicants should arrange for submission of three (3) letters of recommendation or completed reference forms. Preferably the applicant's references should include a mix of former professors and others who know the applicant professionally, such as employment supervisors or others who have had an opportunity to observe the applicant in a professional capacity. It is especially important that applicants to the Ph.D. program provide at least two letters or forms from former college or university teachers.
Qualified students who wish to enroll in selected graduate courses may do so in the Commonwealth Campus program. Examples of students who seek admission into the Commonwealth Campus program include in- or out-of-state students who a) may qualify for regular admission but do not currently wish to work for a graduate degree; b) do not qualify for admission because of a poor undergraduate record but who have several years of appropriate professional experience and wish to improve their credentials; c) require graduate courses for professional certification; or d) are not U.S. citizens and are in a visa status that does not prohibit enrollment.
This classification is open to individuals who hold an earned baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited postsecondary institution. Students may take up to 12 hours of course work if they remain in good academic standing (students may petition to be allowed to take more courses). Students may not earn a graduate degree while enrolled in the Commonwealth Campus program.
Those students enrolled in courses as Commonwealth Campus students who later decide to pursue a graduate degree from Virginia Tech must make formal application for admission to the Graduate School. Students seeking to pursue graduate course work in the Commonwealth Campus program must complete the Application for Graduate Study and submit a transcript (unofficial is sufficient) or a copy of their diploma for the highest degree attained.
All applicants (MPA, PhD and Commonwealth students), please send your application materials to:
Virginia Tech Graduate Life Center
Donaldson Brown (0325)
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Deadlines
Application Deadlines for All Campuses
Domestic Students
For Fall admission, the deadline is July 1
For Spring admission, the deadline is December 1
For Summer 1 admission, the deadline is April 15
For Summer 2 admission, the deadline is June 1
International Students
For Fall admission, the deadline is May 15
For Spring admission, the deadline is October 15
For Prospective students interested in the Blacksburg Campus, the application deadline is March 1st in order to be considered for departmental funding and assistantships. See below for information under Tuition and Fees for information about applying for departmental funding and assistantships.
Tuition and Fees
The Bursar's Office maintains complete information about Virginia Tech tuition and fees for in-state and out-of-state residents.
Financial Aid
Graduate students are encouraged to apply for financial aid. Financial aid packages are available online from Virginia Tech's Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Applications should be submitted by the first week of March for the next academic year in order to have the best choice of options; however, applications can be submitted at any time.
The office requires that you submit the Federal Application for Student Financial Aid (FASFA), and have the information sent to Virginia Tech in order to be considered.
For further information, please contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at (540) 231-5179.
Fellowships and Scholarships
A limited number of departmental assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Please contact Laura Jensen, CPAP Chair, and Anne Khademian, Associate Chair, to express your interest.
Information about fellowships and scholarships from the Graduate School can be located at
http://www.grads.vt.edu/financial/fellowship_scholarship/index.html.
International Students
International students from all over the world choose graduate study at Virginia Tech. Tech offers a vibrant graduate community in which students and faculty from diverse backgrounds collaborate to advance research and scholarship. Tech welcomes international applicants and offers a range of services to support international students throughout their courses of study.
Learn more about the application process, financial aid and other requirements.