Question: Are there any online Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs that do not require the GRE?

Answer: Yes. In fact, most online Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs no longer require applicants to submit Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or other standardized test scores (e.g., GMAT, LSAT) as part of the admissions process. For programs that still require the GRE, some allow students who meet specific academic or professional criteria, such as a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA or significant relevant work experience, to waive the GRE requirement. There are online MPA programs, however, that do mandate the submission of test scores from all applicants or may require them on a conditional basis depending on an applicant’s other credentials.

The admission requirements for online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree programs varies by school. Prospective students are typically asked to submit an online application along with an application fee, and a bachelor’s degree is required for admission to an MPA program. (Note: Application fees vary by institution and some schools offer application fee waivers.) Additional requirements often include a minimum undergraduate GPA ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, a personal statement, and relevant professional experience. Many programs will also ask applicants to submit official undergraduate transcripts (and graduate transcripts, if applicable), a resume, a writing sample or completed project in public service, and two to three professional and/or academic letters of recommendation.

MPA programs require a considerable time commitment from students. As many MPA students continue to work full-time throughout their course of study, applicants are expected to show they are prepared to balance their current professional and personal obligations with a rigorous course load and comprehensive capstone project. Certain schools may ask applicants to participate in a virtual interview by phone or video conferencing software or submit a recording answering specific questions. It is important for students to clearly demonstrate why they wish to pursue an MPA degree in their personal statement and why they wish to attend a specific school’s program.

It is important to note that the majority of online MPA programs have a selective admissions policy. This means that even if a student meets or exceeds all criteria for admission, they may not secure a spot in the program, particularly in programs that feature small cohorts. For example, a program may have a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement of 3.0, but the average GPA of a student admitted to the program may be higher.

GRE Requirements for Online MPA Programs

At present, OnlineMPAPrograms.com’s comprehensive database includes a total of 158 online MPA programs offered by colleges and universities in the United States. GRE requirements for these programs are as follows:

• Online programs that do not require GRE scores: 130
• Online programs that require GRE scores: 3
• Online programs that require GRE scores on a conditional basis: 25

Schools that require GRE scores often ask that the exam be taken within a specific timeframe, typically within five years of a student’s application. Students researching online MPA programs should always confirm admission requirements with their programs of interest before starting the application process, as requirements can change over time. In addition, most schools have dedicated graduate admission advisors on hand to assist with application and program-related questions.

Online MPA Programs with No GRE Required

As highlighted above, 130 online MPA programs do not require submission of GRE or other standardized test scores for admission consideration. Certain schools may allow students who have taken the exam and feel their scores enrich their application to submit them along with other application materials. Though not expressly stated or guaranteed, submission of test scores could improve a student’s chance of acceptance, particularly if a program is highly selective.

Because these programs no longer require the GRE, students must use other parts of their application to demonstrate their readiness and ability to be successful in a graduate degree program. Students should spend extra time preparing their personal statement to ensure it clearly explains their academic and career goals, and how specific MPA programs will help them meet those goals.

Online MPA Programs that Require the GRE on a Conditional Basis

Online MPA programs that require the submission of GRE scores on a conditional basis or allow students to forgo/waive the GRE requirement, generally address this in one of the following ways:

• Applicants who meet a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement
• Applicants with significant relevant professional experience
• Applicants who have earned an additional master’s degree

Many programs base their GRE requirement on an applicant’s undergraduate GPA. Applicants in these instances are only required to submit test scores if their GPA falls below a designated threshold, typically between 3.0 and 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (although for some programs it is as low as 2.5). Some programs look at a student’s cumulative GPA, while others consider the GPA earned during the last 60 credit hours of study.

Another factor programs base the GRE requirement on is professional experience. The number of years of professional experience required to waive the GRE varies by program, although most programs require a minimum of three years of related experience in a managerial role. In these instances, submission of a resume is typically required, and a waiver is not guaranteed.

A third condition some programs use in determining eligibility for a GRE waiver is prior academic achievement. Students who have already earned a master’s degree in another field are often able to waive the GRE requirement as they are able to demonstrate that they have already successfully completed a graduate degree program.

GRE Requirements by Online Master of Public Administration Program

The following table contains the GRE requirements for all online MPA programs listed on OnlineMPAPrograms.com.

---