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Application Process

Admission Requirements:

Undergraduate preparation for admission entails a B.A. or B.S. degree from a fully accredited academic institution.  Applicants must demonstrate that they possess academic potential for graduate study. Additionally, applicants must meet the general admissions requirements of the UCI Graduate Division. Selection for admission will be based on the following criteria:

  • A Minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate academic course work;
  • Three confidential letters of recommendation;
  • A Statement of Purpose (describing the applicant’s goals in seeking the Master’s degree and academic/research background and interests);
  • A Personal History Statement (describing the applicant's personal background. Only required for U.S. citizens and legal permanent U.S. residents);
  • A resume or CV (noting relevant work/academic experiences).

​Please note that the GRE is not required for MPA applicants. 

Admissions Timeline:

  • Application Period (for Fall 2026 Enrollment):

    • October 1, 2025 - May 15, 2026 for priority consideration.

    • After this date, applications will be accepted and considered until June 30, 2026.

Information for Out-of-state Students:

State authorization is a regulation of the U.S. Department of Education that requires institutions offering distance education courses to be authorized by each state in which the institution enrolls students (if such authorization is required by the state). Each state has a different set of requirements when it comes to allowing out-of-state universities to offer online graduate degree programs to its residents.

To learn more about UCI online courses in your state of residence, please visit the UCI State Authorization for Online Programs page. 

Information for International Students:

International students should refer to the Graduate Division International Students pages for the specific requirements of their application, including fees, verification of academic qualifications and English language proficiency testing. For international applicants who do not have a degree from an English-language university, a minimum TOEFL score of 100 or IELTS score of 7 is required.

Because this is an online program, the MPA does not sponsor international student visas. 

How To Apply:

Applications must be submitted online through the UCI Graduate Division admissions page.

Online Application

Step 1. Online Application, Statement of Purpose, and Personal History Statement

Fill out the online application. Under the degree section, please select the Master of Public Administration option from the drop-down menu in the School of Social Ecology.  Please note that the Statement of Purpose and the Personal History Statement are part of the online application, so please do not send separate writing samples. 

Step 2. Application Fee

Once you have finalized your application in full, press the submit button which then prompts you to pay the application fee.
 
After submitting the application fee, your application will be submitted and you should receive email confirmation. Please visit this page for more information about the application fee.

Step 3. Three Letters of Recommendation

Provide Letter of Recommendation and Waiver of Access forms to the three people you have identified who can evaluate your academic and/or professional achievement, describe your strengths and weaknesses, and comment on your character, integrity and motivation. Letters that speak to your ability to perform in a post graduate academic program are especially useful. Letters of Recommendation must be uploaded digitally - paper LORs will not be accepted.
 
More information about the Letter of Recommendation process is available.

Step 4. Transcripts

Scan and upload transcripts to the online application from all institutions attended since high school.
  • Upload both the FRONT and the BACK side of the transcript.
  • Uploaded transcripts should be recent and include the following:
  • your name, dates of attendance, grades/marks received, credits and grading legend.
  • DO NOT send official transcripts until they are requested.

Step 5. Resume

Upload your resume.

Technical Support

If you have any technical difficulties submitting your application, email webmaster@rgs.uci.edu or call 949-824-6363. Completed application files are reviewed by the faculty shortly after the close of the application cycle. Applicants can expect a decision within a few weeks after the faculty meeting.  All supplemental materials must arrive before or on the application deadline in order for application to be deemed complete and reviewed.