Frequently Asked Questions about the MPA Degree

What can I do with an MPA degree?

• The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree prepares leaders and managers for work in the government and nonprofit sectors. The range of job opportunities is extensive. Students often combine their undergraduate degree with the management and leadership skills gained in the program to do what they love best.

What is the difference between an MPA and an EMPA?

• Our Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) is the MPA degree delivered through our evening program. (See http://marriottschool.byu.edu/empa/.)
  • Our MPA program is a full-time program held on the Provo campus. Students take 57 credits and spend about 50 hours per week on school. No work experience is required.
  • Our EMPA program is a part-time evening program that lasts three years and requires 45 credits. It is designed for working professionals who have at least four years of full-time work experience. This program is taught in the BYU Salt Lake Center at the Triad Center.

How do I apply?

• Start with the online application found here: https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=byugrad.
• Applications are due January 15.
• Material that can’t be submitted online can be mailed to:
  Graduate Studies Office
  105 FPH
  Brigham Young University
  Provo, UT 84602

What about letters of recommendation?

• You must request your letters of recommendation through the online application. Simply enter the desired recommender’s name and email address. The recommender will receive a request and can submit the letters directly into the application system.
• Letters should come from three people who can best describe your ability to do graduate-level work and talk about your fit for the program.
• It is also new policy that the letters must be current. This means that you may not submit the same letter upon reapplication.

do i need a statement of intent?

• Yes, a statement of intent is required for applying to the program. We highly recommend that you get it reviewed several times before submitting it with your application.

How do I apply for scholarships?

• Apply through the Marriott School Scholarship Application here: http://marriottschool.byu.edu/aid/
• For more information on financial aid, please see http://marriottschool.byu.edu/mpa/index/tuition
• Scholarship opportunities are numerous and based on differing criteria including previous academic performance, current academic performance, commitment to service, need, area of interest, and ethnicity.

What is the department’s code on the GRE?

• The department doesn’t have a code.  The general university code for BYU is 4019. Scores are sent to the Graduate Studies office and then on to the appropriate program.

How many students are admitted a year?

• Over the past 5 years, we have admitted between 50-60% of applicants.

How many students apply a year?

• Please see http://marriottschool.byu.edu/career/mpa/profile.cfm for current statistics.

How long after my application is submitted will it be before I hear back?

• The application is due January 15. If we discover your application is missing something we will try to contact you. The admission committee meets once packets are assembled for each applicant, generally around the first of March. The Graduate Studies Office sends admission decisions before the first of April.

How long does it take for you to receive the test after I have taken it?

• It takes between two and three weeks for us to receive the scores.
• If you have taken the test before the January 15 application deadline, we will still accept the score as part of your application.

Can I defer my enrollment once i have been admitted?

• Yes, we allow deferrals for missions and health emergencies. We will approach each situation on a case by case basis. If you wish to defer, contact Catherine Cooper at catherine_cooper@byu.edu.