Admissions
The MPA Program
At Cal Poly Pomona, we believe the MPA should be accessible to students from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Whether you choose our in-person program or our fully online program, if you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA, you are eligible to apply — and we strongly encourage you to do so!
Every year, we admit students with diverse experiences: recent graduates, career changers, and working professionals. Your statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and resume all give us valuable insight into your goals and potential.
Choose a Track
Who Can Apply
To apply for both the in person and online MPA programs at Cal Poly Pomona, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Background: If you hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject with at least a 2.5 GPA, you are eligible to apply. Many successful MPA students come from non-political science backgrounds — we welcome all fields.
- Recommended Coursework: Undergraduate courses in American Government and Statistics is strongly advised. Don’t worry if you haven’t taken these courses. We will help you build the necessary foundation during the program.
- Application Materials
- Letters of Recommendation: Submit two letters: Preferably, one from someone familiar with your academic abilities. One from someone who knows your work experience. Alternatively, two academic or two work-related letters are acceptable. Choose people who know your strengths. We understand applicants come from different backgrounds, so professional supervisors, community leaders, or mentors are all acceptable.
- Statement of Purpose: Describe your interest in pursuing an MPA degree and your future goals.
- Resume or CV: Detail your work history to help determine if an internship is required for your program.
- Transcripts: Unofficial or official transcripts from your Bachelor's Degree Institution, showing degree awarded.
- International Students: Provide proof of English proficiency if your undergraduate degree was from a non-English institution: TOEFL score: Minimum 580 (paper-based) or equivalent web-based score. IELTS score: Minimum 6.5 (as an alternative to TOEFL). For more information, visit 六色网 International Students.
Application Process
Step 1: For both programs, submit an application via .
- Use the to complete your application.
- Submit the following documents:
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume or CV
- Unofficial or official transcripts
- Submit the following documents:
Step 2: Graduate Admissions Office at Cal Poly Pomona
Your application will be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office at Cal Poly Pomona. They may request additional materials, such as official transcripts, through your Bronco Direct account.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition and fees vary between the in-person and online programs.
- In-Person Program: Full-time students typically complete the program in two years across four terms. Tuition is charged each semester of enrollment. View the in-person program fee structure here.
- Online Program: Full-time students typically complete the program in two years across six terms. Tuition is charged on a per-unit basis. View the online program fee structure here.
Remember that tuition and fees differ for out-of-state and international students.
Should I Apply?
Absolutely!
- Our admissions process values your potential, not just your past coursework.
- Many of our admitted students started with questions like “Am I qualified?”
- If you are motivated to serve the public, build leadership skills, and grow as a professional, we encourage you to apply.
