How to Apply for a Master of Public Affairs: DC Concentration

Applications Open: Sept. 1
Priority Funding Deadline: **Extended to Jan 3rd**
Final Deadline: March 1
Part-time Available: No
Time to Completion: 18 months

**Applications with any missing materials on March 2nd will not be reviewed — this includes recommendation letters and transcripts.

• See what MPAff student Irving Calderon had to say about how Open House answered his questions and convinced him LBJ was the right choice.
• Check out our webinars for prospective students
• Contact the Office of Student Affairs and Admissions

Admissions Considerations

To apply for admission to the Master of Public Affairs (MPAff) DC Concentration, a candidate should have completed a bachelor's degree and is preferred to have two years or more of subsequent work experience, preferably in public service (federal, state or local levels), nonprofit agencies (U.S. or international nonprofits, national volunteer organizations, etc.), or business (preferably with a strategy, finance, management or policy dimension).

Because a significant component of this program is placement in a professional, six-month Policy Apprenticeship in Washington, DC during the final two program semesters, the admissions committee will, beyond the candidate's academic qualifications, also assess the candidate's potential to successfully secure and succeed in these positions while simultaneously attending evening classes.

Appropriate work experience could include full-time employment and/or significant volunteer experience in:

• An executive, legislative or judicial agency at the federal, state or local level
• A policy research institute or think tank
• Private sector commercial work with a policy or public sector dimension
• A nonprofit organization serving a national, state or local constituency

The admissions committee will consider public sector service, such as Peace Corps or Teach for America experience, military service or other appropriate experiences in a positive light.

Prerequisites

Students will be expected to have an understanding of descriptive statistics, probability and algebra before beginning coursework.

Application Process

The Master of Public Affairs DC Concentration application opens in early September. Please review the online application instructions for more details and fee information. Some U.S. or permanent resident applicants may be eligible for an application fee waiver on the basis of documented financial need.

Additionally, the LBJ School offers application fee waivers based on need. These waivers are not guaranteed and will be reviewed and considered as funds remain available. Click here to review requirements and submit an LBJ application fee waiver request.

Note: Be sure to choose Public Affairs DC when you are asked to select your major in the application process.

Application Requirements

Statement of Purpose
After submitting your application, you will receive access to your MyStatus page. You can upload your Statement of Purpose directly onto your MyStatus page. Please note that it will take at least one to two business days for you to receive access to your MyStatus page after submitting your application.

Please address the following topics in your statement:

FOR ALL PROGRAMS: Please ensure your Statement of Purpose addresses the following prompts. Suggested length is two pages, single-spaced.

• What are the most important things the LBJ School Admissions Committee should know about you (e.g., personal history and background, unique experiences and perspectives)? In other words, what led you to your interest in public affairs?
• What are your professional and career goals? Ten years from now, what type of work do you hope to be doing in the field of public affairs?
• How would a degree from the LBJ School (as opposed to any other public policy school) help you achieve your professional goals?
• What are your public policy subject matter interests (please be as specific as possible)? Ten years from now, what type of professional work do you hope to be doing in the field of federal or international public policy?
• How would a degree (DC Concentration) from the LBJ School help you achieve your professional goals?
• What in your background do you believe has prepared you to work in the DC policy environment?
• Discuss one or two policy organizations in Washington DC that interest you as a place you might wish to undertake your required six-month DC Policy Apprenticeship.
• Please address any information that you believe your application would be incomplete without and that sheds more light on your unique potential to succeed in MPAff DC Concentration program and contribute to the University community and the field or profession.

Transcripts
Please review The University of Texas's instructions for submitting your transcripts.

Test Scores
The GRE is required.

International students must submit TOEFL scores. We do not accept the IELTS. Visit UT's website for more information about test scores.

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required as part of your application. We prefer one professional reference and one academic reference, while the third can be either professional or academic, depending on where you are in your career. Please review the departmental requirements section for more information about electronic submission of letters of recommendation.

Résumé
After submitting your application, you will receive access to your MyStatus page. You can upload your résumé directly onto your MyStatus page. Please note that it will take at least one to two business days for you to receive access to your MyStatus page after submitting your application. You are strongly encouraged to highlight any public or private sector public policy-related experience.

Checklist

What to submit:

• Complete your application
• Application fee
• Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions
• GRE scores
• TOEFL scores (for international applicants)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Current résumé
• Personal statement of purpose

How to Verify Submission

Verify your application submission by visiting your MyStatus page to ensure we have received all of your materials and check for additional steps to take after you've applied. The UT Graduate and International Admissions Center can assist with technical issues in submitting your application materials.