Admission Requirements

Evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications to pursue graduate studies is based on the applicant’s statement of purpose, professional experience, college transcripts, and academic and professional references.

Applicants are evaluated by a Faculty Admissions Committee that considers all these measures, including commitment to public and/or nonprofit service.

Admission Requirements

1. Official transcripts from every undergraduate and graduate institution attended.
2. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
3. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 and a GPA of 3.0 for any graduate study. Applicants with lower GPAs who have substantial public service experience may be considered. Applicants without previous related coursework and/or lower GPAs may be admitted conditionally with stipulations and/or prerequisite courses.
4. A 1-2-page statement of purpose that demonstrates:
   1. the ability to write at an acceptable level for graduate study,
   2. experience and interest in public and/or non-profit administration, and
   3. how the La Verne MPA program compliments the student’s interests in public service and its values.
5. Two positive letters of recommendation discussing academic and/or professional qualifications from work supervisors, college professors, and/or public service professionals.
6. A current résumé

Additional Requirements

Additional requirements for applicants with lower GPAs may include but are not limited to a personal interview with the MPA program Director.