Master of Public Administration
Application Process
The MPA Program evaluates applicants based on the following items:
- Undergraduate academic performance
- GRE scores*
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Work experience
- Activities indicating an interest in public management/public policy
- Other experiences that may indicate the ability to complete a professional program.
Each student and their portfolio will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Students may apply as either a full-time or part-time student. Applications will be accepted through the LSU Graduate School for admission in the fall semester. The deadline to apply is July 1.
GRE Information
The GRE is a standardized test designed to quantify your ability. Applicants are required to submit a GRE score with their application. The institution code for Louisiana State University is 6373.
For more information on the GRE General Text, visit the GRE website for more information on costs, test dates, requirements, and testing locations.
*The Public Administration Institute will waive the GRE requirement for MPA applicants who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Provide a GMAT or LSAT score that was taken in the previous five years.
- Successfully completed a minimum of six hours of non-matriculating LSU MPA coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and no less than a B in any individual course.
- Have a minimum of three years of full-time, management level public service experience or five years full-time non-management experience in either the public, non-profit, or private sectors.
GRE waiver requests will be reviewed and approved by the PAI director. Following the submission of the LSU Graduate School application, eligible applicants must provide a formal request to PAI at pai@lsu.edu indicating the criteria under which they are requesting a GRE waiver and any relevant documentation to support their request (transcript, test score, resume).
Financial Assistance
The Public Administration Institute offers assistance in the form of graduate assistantships. If you would like to be considered for an appointment, notify the department and your graduate school application will be utilized as an application for a position. Appointments are merit based, and contractual hours determine stipend amounts.
Periodically, opportunities may arise in other departments. When the Public Administration Institute learns of these opportunities, they will be forwarded to students. Additionally, LSU provides information about scholarships, grants, and need-based aid through the Financial Aid & Scholarships website.