Application Deadline for January Start
9/1
Applications open in May and are due September 1.
January 2026 start
Admission Cycles and Deadlines
The Ford School Online MPA program offers two application cycles each year, providing flexibility for a January or August start. Applications are considered on a rolling basis and we encourage you to apply early to ensure timely consideration.
Application Deadline for August Start
5/1
Applications open in October and are due May 1.
August 2026 start
Application Requirements
The Ford School Online MPA program seeks applicants with a strong passion for public service and a commitment to the public good. We are looking for candidates with five or more years of policy-related professional experience, who demonstrate academic promise and strong communication skills, and who bring diverse experiences and perspectives and relevant professional and educational backgrounds.
To complete your application, please provide the following components:
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The Ford School Online MPA application form will be available here when the application cycle opens in May. A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required to process your application.
In addition to completing the form, please ensure you prepare the additional application requirements listed below.
Submit a 500-word statement discussing how the Online MPA program will help you pursue the public good and advance your professional goals. Highlight the skills or perspectives you aim to develop and how they align with your career aspirations. Reflect on how the Ford School’s mission, values, and resources will support your growth as a leader in public service.
Submit a 500-word statement describing how your work in the community or within you organization has driven meaningful change, drawing on your experience in policy or related fields. Highlight specific examples of how you have collaborated across teams and engaged with diverse groups to address challenges, advance public service goals, or support policy initiatives. Reflect on the leadership qualities you’ve demonstrated and the positive impact you’ve had within your community or organization.
While some of the online MPA coursework will be quantitative, we recognize that applicants will have worked with quantitative data and analysis in many ways in their education and work.
Submit a 500-word summary of your quantitative and analytical skills, detailing how your professional experience or education has prepared you to engage with data and analysis in a policy context. Your summary could include:
- Professional experience: Highlight work that involves quantitative or analytical components such as data analysis or program evaluation. Mention specific tools (e.g., Excel, Stata, R) or methods (e.g., visualization) you have used and the outcomes of your work.
- Educational background: List any courses or training in statistics, accounting, economics, mathematics, or related fields.
Include information on your educational history, professional experience, community involvement, and any relevant certifications.
Two letters of recommendation are required. These letters should ideally come from professional contacts who can attest to your skills and readiness for the program.
Submit transcripts from each degree-granting institution you have attended.
The GRE is not required.
The application cycle for the inaugural January 2026 cohort will open in May. Enrollment in the Ford School Online MPA program is currently limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.