The classes are great and the faculty are open to sharing their expertise and to answering any questions, it’s a very warm environment.
— Estera Pirosca

Master of Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program consists of a two-year full-time course of study that prepares students for leadership and analytical positions in the public and nonprofit sectors. The core curriculum is designed to provide a solid grounding in the study of public policy, economics, management and leadership, and data analysis.

During your first year, our Student Services office will work with you to obtain an internship where you can put your acquired skills and knowledge to use. The second year of the program allows you to focus on a particular policy issue area of interest or further develop a specific skill set. Our staff will work with you to devise an individualized curriculum based on your academic interests and career goals.

Application Instructions and Program Information

MPA Example Curriculum
The careers and achievements of more than 2,500 alumni offer testimony to the curriculum of the school. Alumni vouch for the way the coursework has served them over a lifetime of service in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The core curriculum consists of classes in four streams—public policy, public management, public sector economics, and data analysis. The coursework is designed to teach analytical and managerial skills that are relevant to numerous career fields. Below are example courses that students take in the MPA program.
»Download a MPA Sample 2-year Program Plan

» Download a MPA Part-time Program Plan Example

Public Policy
Public Policy Formulation and Implementation
Legal Environment of Public Organizations

Public Management
Managing Public Organizations
Managing Human Resources in Public Organizations

Public Sector Economics
Public Affairs Economics
Public Finance and Budgeting

Decision Support Systems
Public Affairs Program Evaluation
Public Affairs Statistcs

Elective Courses
Examples include:
Nonprofit Management
Project Management
Higher Education Policy
Science and Technology Policy

Skill Courses and Capstone
Examples Include:
Data Visualization
Grant Management
Contract Management

 

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Program Preparation
While there are no formal prerequisite requirements, the master's program at the Glenn School has a strong analytical component and it is expected that students will have familiarity with basic concepts from statistics and economics, as well as knowledge of American government. Undergraduate courses in microeconomics, statistics, and American Government are strongly recommended.

 

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Application Resources 
Checklist for Domestic Applicants
Checklist for International Applicants
Reference Form (Submitted with hard copy letters of recommendation)
Frequently Asked Questions
Ohio State University – Graduate Admissions Office

 

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Funding, Internships, and Special Partnerships >
The John Glenn School has funding available in the form of merit-based scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships. Students who receive an assistantship position often receive hands on experience with government agencies or nonprofit organizations in Columbus. To be considered for priority aid, applicants are encouraged to apply by January 1st. Additional funding information is also available through the Ohio State University, Financial Aid office.
Paying for Graduate School
University Fellowship Competition
Ohio State University – Student Financial Aid
Previous MPA Internships
Teach for America

 

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Resources and Links
Office of International Affairs
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Disability Services Office

 

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Learn more about the Glenn School

To request more information or contact Jessica Wells, Graduate Programs Coordinator, at GlennApply@osu.edu.

Please fill out our inquiry form.

Visit the Glenn School! Click here to learn how to set up a tour.



Glenn School: Mailing Address and Contact Information
Mailing Address
John Glenn School of Public Affairs
The Ohio State University
110 Page Hall
1810 N. College Road
Columbus, OH 43210

Contact Information
Students Affairs/Admissions
Phone: 614.292.8696
E-mail: GlennApply@osu.edu
Website: glenn.osu.edu

Application Instructions and Deadlines

The deadline to submit a completed application for domestic and international applicants is June 1st. Applications received after this date will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with a cumulative, undergraduate GPA below a 3.0 are encouraged to contact the John Glenn School prior to applying for more information about OSU Graduate School admissions standards.

STEP ONE: Online Application
Submit an online application to Ohio State’s Graduate School at gradapply.osu.edu. The online application will require a non-refundable application fee of $40 for domestic applicants and $50 for international applicants. *Applicants who have been admitted and enrolled in a graduate program at Ohio State should not submit the online application).

»Go to Online Application

STEP TWO: Send official transcripts to OSU Graduate Admissions Office our upload them to your online application
Submit official transcripts from every university/college you have attended. Transcripts are required even if classes are transferred to another institution. Transcripts are not required for coursework completed at Ohio State.

STEP THREE: Test Scores
Submit official GRE scores if applying for the PhD, MPA, or dual degree programs. International applicants need to submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores.

*Applicants applying to the In-Career MA program with a GPA below a 3.0 should contact the John Glenn School for more information regarding the Graduate School’s minimum GPA and GRE requirement. All undergraduate coursework is included when determining your cumulative undergraduate GPA. This includes coursework from every undergraduate institution attended. The OSU Graduate Admissions Office will calculate your cumulative undergraduate GPA once all transcripts are received.

*GMAT scores are recommended for applicants interested in applying for the MPA/MBA dual degree program.

Official GRE and GMAT Codes
GRE Institution Code: 1592; Department Code: 2204
GMAT Program Code: ZLJ-GT-29 Masters in Public Policy

TOEFL Test Score Codes
Institution Code: 1592; Department Code: 94

Ohio State Graduate Admissions Office:
Mailing Addresses and Contact Information

Mailing Address 
Graduate Admissions Office
The Ohio State University
P.O. Box 182004     
Columbus, OH 43218-2004 USA

Contact Information
Phone: 614.292.9444
Fax: 614.292.3895
E-mail: gradadmissions@osu.edu
Website: gradadmissions.osu.edu

STEP FOUR: Submit Materials to the John Glenn School of Public Affairs
»Submit transcripts from every university/college you have attended. Transcripts are required even if classes are transferred to another institution. Transcripts are not required for coursework completed at Ohio State.

»Resume or CV emailed as an attachment to GlennApply@osu.edu (if you did not attach it to your online application). Be sure to include work experience, volunteer activities, academic and professional honors, honorary societies, extracurricular activities, offices held, any publications and other significant activities.

»Personal statement e-mailed as an attachment to GlennApply@osu.edu (if you did not attach it to your online application). Include your full-name on your personal statement. In your statement feel free to indicate your academic and career goals, your interest in the John Glenn School of Public Affairs, and how your education and work experience qualify you for admission. There is no length requirement for the personal statement.

»Three letters of recommendation submitted using either method:

1) Online — When you complete the online application — Provide your recommenders’ name and email address.

2) Hard copies submitted on recommenders’ letterhead. Hard copies should be accompanied by a completed Ohio State reference form found at admissions.osu.edu/apps/pdfs/refer.pdf. Hard copies of letters should be submitted on original letterhead stationery.

»You can check the status of your application online at appstatus.osu.edu.

Special Notes
Application materials may be submitted in any order to the John Glenn School of Public Affairs. Only complete applications are sent for review by the faculty. Applicants are encouraged to check the status of their application and materials online. The Graduate Admissions Office calculates your GPA based on coursework from every accredited college/university that you have attended. The deadline to be considered for priority funding is January 1st for domestic applicants and November 30th for international applicants