How to Apply
MPA- Application Requirements
- A complete application. To apply and submit application to the Graduate School, please click here. The application fee is $45 for domestic students and $80 for international students.
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or equivalent training from a foreign institution. Applicants must submit one complete Official Transcript from each institution you have attended. Successful applicants generally have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in upper level undergraduate and graduate level coursework.
- A two-to-three-page Statement of Purpose. The statement must be a well-written, well-structured and thoughtful essay addressing: a) Where do you see your career in five years, b) How an MPA degree will impact your professional growth in your current career path or desired career, c) The motivations, experiences, and values which bring you to the MPA program.
The Statement of Purpose will be evaluated on content (50%) and writing style and clarity, including grammar, structure, punctuation, and spelling (50%). - Three academic or professional letters of recommendation from persons not related to you. At least one academic letter is preferred. It is important to select references who are in a position to evaluate your ability to succeed in an MPA program.
- International students: A score of 600 or higher on the TOEFL.
MPA-MOA (USASMA) Application Requirements
1. A complete application
- To apply and submit application to the Graduate School, please click here.
- Select from two options: U.S. or Mexican Applicants or International Applicants
- Scroll down under Programs List to U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy and Captains’ Career Course Applicants
- Choose Public Administration MOA and click on the semester for which you are applying (Application fee waived for USASMA students)
2. Official transcript from an accredited institution demonstrating completion of a four-year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent in the case of an international institution). Official transcripts for degrees earned at UTEP are not required. Successful applicants generally have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in upper level undergraduate and graduate level coursework.
3. A two-to-three-page Statement of Purpose. The statement must be a well-written, well-structured and thoughtful essay addressing: a) Where do you see your career in five years, b) How an MPA degree will impact your professional growth in your current career path or desired career, c) The motivations, experiences, and values which bring you to the MPA program. The Statement of Purpose will be evaluated on content (50%) and writing style and clarity, including grammar, structure, punctuation, and spelling (50%).
4. Three academic or professional letters of recommendation from persons not related to you. At least one academic letter is preferred. It is important to select references who are in a position to evaluate your ability to succeed in an MPA program.
5. International students: A score of 600 or higher on the TOEFL.
Dual MPA-MBA Requirements
Applicants should submit the following in order to be considered for admission to the MPA/MBA Program:
1. Complete an application for the dual degree program: Apply Online- Select from: U.S., Mexican, or International Applicants
- On the programs list, scroll to MPA/MBA, with Liberal Arts listed as the College
- Select the semester to which you are applying
3. Statement of Purpose, not to exceed one page, which may include a description of the applicant's professional experience, educational background, career goals and/or socio-economic background.
4. Résumé
5. Three letters of reference from professional and/or academic sources.
6. TOEFL score of at least 250 computer-based/600 paper-based/100 internet-based (for international students)
Graduate Certificate Requirements
1. A complete application. To apply and submit application to the Graduate School,please click here.- Select from: U.S., Mexican, or International Applicants
- Search for “Urban and Regional Planning” or “Nonprofit Administration,” and select the semester to which you are applying.
Submit official transcripts to:
UTEP Registration and Records OfficeATTN: Transcripts
Mike Loya Academic Services Bldg. Rm 107
500 W University Ave El Paso TX 79968