Admissions Requirements

Admission to the DPA program is highly selective. The program looks to fill new cohorts of approximately 15 students to begin in the fall of every odd year (2019, 2021, etc.). Students who wish to be admitted early and begin their elective course work prior to the fall of an odd year should contact the Director of the DPA program at dpa@uis.edu. To be eligible for serious consideration, applicants should provide evidence of:

1. A completed master’s degree
2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 for all graduate work

Application Process

Prospective students must submit an application for admission to the UIS Office of Admission for entrance to graduate studies to be eligible for consideration for the DPA Program. All transcripts should also be sent to the Office of Admission. In addition, prospective students must submit a portfolio of supporting materials along with their application, including:

1. An educational and professional goals statement of at least 600 words written by the applicant that includes possible research interests and curricular interests in the DPA fields of specialization
2. Three letters of recommendation
3. At least one sample of professional writing (policy brief, white paper, strategic plan, etc.) that was written solely by the applicant
4. Resume or vita with evidence of significant professional achievement or promise of achievement in a public affairs field

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit GRE scores as part of their portfolios. GRE scores may provide useful information about an applicant’s readiness for program course work.

Applicants may be asked to participate in an interview with the DPA Program Committee.