Joining these two courses of study gives students the chance to be admitted to one of the nation's leading graduate degrees in public administration while still undergraduates. External application for admission to this degree is very competitive. For students interested in environmental policy, this unique option provides rigorous scientific education in either Environmental Biology or Earth Sciences, followed by graduate work in an exceptional MPA program. The latter apply for admission up to the end of the second year as space is available and they meet course and curricular requirements of the combined program.
Candidates complete all application requirements for regular admission.
They are also asked to provide an essay describing their objectives in applying to the combined program. The Office of Admissions notifies applicants of admissions decisions. In all cases, final decisions are determined with the advice and consent of the participating academic units, the University Office of Admissions and the Office of the Dean for College Relations. Current undergraduates applying for the program by the end of the sophomore year, contact the Office of the Associate Dean for College Relations where they will be given instructions for completing the application. With guidance from the Department of Public Administration, those who meet the continuing academic requirements of the program complete admissions procedures for the graduate program during the fourth undergraduate year.