

The MPP Admissions Committee uses a holistic approach when reviewing a candidate’s file for admission. Our holistic approach includes multiple indicators such as the candidate’s past academic performance and professional profile, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. The committee also considers leadership and work experience, internships, and volunteerism, but it is not required for admission. The committee carefully reviews and considers all of these indicators in selecting successful candidates.
To apply, you must complete an online application through the UCR Graduate Division website. Applications for Fall 2024 are now open (more information available on the Graduate Division website). You will be required to provide:
Download the Graduate Application Guide to assist you in submitting a complete graduate application.
Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA in their last two years of coursework (Junior & Senior years). The admissions committee uses a holistic review in determining an applicant’s eligibility for admission. Students that may be slightly lower than the 3.0 GPA are still encouraged to apply as the committee will also take into consideration: letters of recommendations, personal statement, statement of history, reasons for pursuing public policy, and prior work/volunteer/internship/research experience.
No. Students are strongly encouraged to complete a course in Statistics, Economics, and Political Science to be better prepared for program curriculum.
No. If you have taken the exam, students are encouraged to submit their scores as part of the admissions review process.
Statement of Purpose: Goals and Qualifications
The statement of purpose allows you to address specific interests with respect to the program to which you are applying. The following information should be included in this statement:
Statement of Personal History
In an essay, discuss how your experiences — personal, work, volunteer, leadership, — have prepared you for the MPP program. Have there been any issues that have adversely impacted your academic performance?
Please note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose.
Applications for the fall term will be available online on October 1. The priority filing deadline (to be considered for a higher funding package) is January 5th. The program will continue to accept applications after January 5th on a rolling basis. Please connect with the Program Coordinator to inquire about the deadline, post-January 5th.
While many Master programs typically do not provide funding to students, we are able to provide a small amount of funding to students being considered for admission. The average financial package is approximately $12,000 + one quarter of employment. Financial packages can take one of three forms.
While we can provide some form of financial support, students are still taking out loans. For more information on graduate student loans please visit the Financial Aid website.
Students will need to provide the name and contact information for a minimum of three recommenders, one of which needs to be a faculty member. Students may list more than three recommenders, however three is the minimum.
Your recommenders will receive an email asking for them to upload their letter of recommendation. Please ensure that your recommenders email address is correct. If your recommender indicates they did not receive the email, please have them check their Junk folder
Students will need to upload their unofficial transcripts and a copy of their resume.
International students, please see the documents (transcripts, degree certificates, and English-translations) that need to be submitted at the time of application submission.
Students will need to contact the Graduate Division to request an application fee waiver. Please visit the Fee Waiver page for additional information.
All students whose first language is not English and who have not earned a bachelor’s degree equivalent, at an institution where English is not the language of instruction are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS exam scores. Please visit the Graduate Admissions website for score minimums.
The MPP program is designed to be completed in two-years. Students will take 12 units (3 courses)/quarter for a total of 72 units.
No. Students need to be enrolled full-time (three courses/quarter).
No. The degree program is fully in-person.
Through Spring 2025, courses are taught Monday through Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m..
Beginning in Fall 2025, courses will be taught Monday through Friday, mostly during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m..
The MPP program does not have concentrations. Students are encouraged to take their elective courses from a broad variety of areas: environmental policy, urban policy, health policy, education policy, and social justice and policy.
Have questions on the admissions process, application, MPP program? Book an appointment to speak to our Student Affairs Coordinator to have all your questions answered. Appointments are booked in 20-minute increments and will be held via Zoom. Book your appointment today via Microsoft Bookings!
Please contact mpp@ucr.edu.