Do you have a commitment to public service? We can give you the tools and experience necessary for rewarding management careers in public and non-profit organizations.
Earn your Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at Binghamton University!
Get started
- Visit the MPA prospective student hub
- Attend an info session
- Book an appointment for a one-on-one meeting to learn more about our program
Rolling Decisions!
Departments in the College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA) review applications on a rolling basis rather than after a set deadline, meaning we continue to make admission decisions until the program is full.
The earlier you submit your application, the earlier you’ll receive a decision!
- Those wishing to be considered for fall funding should have their applications in by February 1; applications received after this deadline are considered on a rolling/space available basis or are deferred until the next semester.
- Applications are accepted for both fall and spring semesters.
Requirements to be eligible for graduate study
You must provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
- You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university OR
- You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
You also must have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
- A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
- A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail)
- A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.
Guaranteed Admission for Eligible SUNY Graduates
The Department of Public Administration and Policy offers guaranteed admission for students who hold a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher from seven of the most competitive SUNY schools:
- Binghamton University
- University at Albany
- University at Buffalo
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
- SUNY Geneseo
- SUNY New Paltz
- Stony Brook University
Students who wish to apply to the MPA program through the guaranteed admissions process should contact us at dpa@binghamton.edu.
Regular Admission Requirements
Online graduate degree application
- Including the graduate degree application fee
Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
Personal statement
- The personal statement should be no more than 500 words or two double-spaced pages and should answer this question: "Why do you want an MPA?"
- We encourage you to describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in public administration, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to your program's admissions committee.
- When evaluating the personal statement, the graduate admissions committee assesses commitment to public and/or nonprofit administration as well as ability to communicate in writing.
Résumé or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation
- The letters should be from individuals who know you in a professional capacity, such as professors, work supervisors, and professionals from organizations where you have served as a volunteer or in another capacity.
- When evaluating the letters of recommendation, the graduate admissions committee looks for evidence of academic achievement, community involvement, and personal characteristics that suggest the capacity to foster an institutional culture that advances democratic administration and governance.
GRE scores are not required.
International student admissions
International students must also submit the following materials:
- International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
- Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
- Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic scores)
For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.
This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend you contact dpa@binghamton.edu with questions about program-specific requirements.
not ready to commit? Apply as a non-matriculated student
Felony Statement
Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. Students who have concerns about such matters are advised to contact the Department Chair of their intended academic program.
