Student Directory
Master's Application Checklist — All Applicants
Deadline: All application materials for our Master's programs must be received by January 15th.
Online Application
The University of Michigan strongly encourages all applicants to apply online.
If you do not have Internet access or have extenuating circumstances, a paper application can be requested. Please contact the Ford School by phone in order to request a paper application: 734-764-0453.
Program Selection
Please indicate the degree for which you are applying and the appropriate number code on the application form. The Master of Public Policy (MPP) code is 00416 and the Master of Public Administration (MPA) code is 00413. Indicate whether you are applying for a combined degree or submitting multiple applications with another department.
FIVE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED
1) Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose is the applicant's opportunity to convey to the Admissions Committee information that cannot be found in transcripts, letters of recommendation, or test scores. It should clearly explain the applicant's reasons for wanting to pursue a Master in Public Policy or Public Administration, areas and questions of interest, how these questions might be addressed, and why the Ford School , in particular, is the best place to do so. While there are no page limits, applicants should be mindful that the statement of purpose is a writing sample that should demonstrate the applicant's ability to communicate succinctly and clearly.
If applying online, the statement of purpose should be submitted with the online application.
Note: The Rackham Graduate School has also added a mandatory Personal Statement for all applications. This statement is meant to convey how your personal background and life experiences, including social, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree. The personal statement will be included in your application materials sent to the Ford School committee, but traditionally evaluation has focused on the Statement of Purpose and this will likely continue to command the bulk of their attention.
2) Test Scores
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude test is required. Students applying for the joint JD/MPP (University of Michigan Law School and the Ford School ) may submit the LSAT in place of the GRE. Students applying for the joint MBA/MPP (University of Michigan Business School and the Ford School ) may submit the GMAT in the place of the GRE. Test(s) should be taken within five years of application and preferably no later than the December preceding admission. It is the applicant's responsibility to have test results submitted to the Ford School . (Note: When registering for the GRE or sending additional score reports, applicants should use the University of Michigan code #1839 and the Public Policy Department Code #1903.)
3) Resume or Curriculum Vitae
A current resume or curriculum vitae must be submitted. Applicants who apply online should attach this under the section asking for a resume. Please do not confuse this with your statement of purpose, two separate documents must be submitted.
4) Letters of Recommendation
Three (3) letters of recommendation are required and should reflect the academic and, if relevant, job capabilities and experience of the applicant. Academic recommendations should be from faculty members in the major discipline. We encourage applicants to submit letters of recommendation electronically – please see the online application for instructions. Hard copy letters of recommendation are also accepted and should be mailed directly to the Ford School of Public Policy (see address below).
5) Transcripts
Please submit an official transcript from your undergraduate degree granting institution to the Rackham School of Graduate Studies, an administrative body that oversees many graduate departments at the University of Michigan. Rackham will certify your transcripts. Please send the official transcript to the Rackham address below.
In addition, the Ford School also requires a copy of transcripts from your undergraduate degree granting institution. The Ford School copy can be either official or unofficial. Please note: If a copy of your transcripts are not sent to the Ford School by the deadline, your application may not be considered complete and may not be reviewed. Please mail a copy of your undergraduate transcript to the Ford School address below.
The Ford school would also like to see copies of transcripts for any additional coursework or advanced degrees that may be helpful for the admissions committee when making their decisions. Please mail any additional transcripts to the Ford School address below.
Addresses to which material should be mailed:
Rackham Mailing Address:
University of Michigan
Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies
Office of Admissions
915 E. Washington Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Ford School Mailing Address:
MPP/MPA Admissions Office
Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
2245 Weill Hall
735 South State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-3091
International Applicants
International Students must also submit additional documentation with their application. Please see our International Applicant Materials for the additional materials.
Dual Degree Applicants
Dual degree applicants may need to fill out additional documentation. Please see our Dual Degree Applicant page for information.
