Admission Requirements

The public service attracts persons from a variety of disciplines. The richness of background and diversity of perspectives which result from this broad selection process are a valuable part of the classroom experience.

Students may apply for admission to the Graduate Division who (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, or during the last two years as an undergraduate, or a 3.0 in the major. If three or more years have passed since completion of the bachelor’s degree, students may be considered for admission with a minimum of a 2.75 overall GPA, or in the last two years, or in the major, and the applicant may be asked to provide evidence of professional development.

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 (except native English speakers) must submit a score of at least 575 from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Resume and Brief Essay

A resume and brief essay providing career interest information and a statement of purpose are also required. This information is used in the admissions decision and internship placement requirement. Students may also submit letters of recommendation if they have an outstanding project or achievement to highlight, please do not send unnecessary documents.

See San Jose State University General Admission for Graduate Program for more information.