Apply to the MPA

The MPA online application is designed so that you can enter and update your information at any time before you submit your application. For the Intended Program of Study section, please select Summer 2024 as the Admit Term. When searching for our program, you will select Public Affairs MPA from the list of options. Please note that applicants may only apply to one degree program per admissions cycle. 

You are required to submit the application fee using a credit card. The application fee is not refundable. If you are a U.S. Citizen or current Permanent Resident, the application fee is $135; for all others, the fee is $155. Application fees are subject to change - please see Graduate Admissions application portal for current fees.

Application Fee WaiverU.S. Citizens or current permanent residents may qualify for an application fee waiver. See guidelines to request an application fee waiver.

You must hold or expect to hold prior to the beginning of classes a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. school accredited by one of the AACRAO regional accrediting agencies. International applicants of recognized academic institutions outside the United States must hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.Required Records: Upload unofficial transcripts with the application for the departmental initial review. Unofficial transcripts must include at a minimum the name of the institution, your full name, and a chronological listing of all classes and grades.  If your academic records do not include official evidence of the award of your degree, you must also submit additional documents that verify the degree conferral, such as a diploma or degree certificate

If your transcript is in a language other than English, then you must provide an official translation issued from your university or by certified members of the American Translators Association. Upload the original transcript and translation as one PDF.

Physical copies of official transcripts of all college-level work will be required if admitted. Official transcripts must be in sealed envelopes as issued by the school(s) you have attended. Request a current transcript from every post-secondary school that you have attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs.

Please note that any discrepancy between the uploaded transcript and the official transcript could result in the denial of your application or withdrawal of your offer of admission.

We are interested in learning about your work and experiential background. Please upload your most current resume or curriculum vitae. If applicable, please also include honors, awards, publications, presentations, languages spoken, and associations you belong to. The admissions committee prefers to receive chronological resumes of 1-2 pages in length.

Our essay questions were created to provoke honest, thoughtful responses to help to get to know you. The admissions committee is interested in learning how your professional or other experiences and achievements equip and motivate you to enroll in the Berkeley MPA. We are especially interested in understanding both your experience in leading, innovating with, inspiring, or managing other people, and your capacity to take full advantage of an intensive, fast-paced degree program.   

Personal Statement (600 word limit)

Diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to the culture of GSPP.  We are all shaped by where we come from, our individual experiences and learnings. Please share with us your personal story, what life experiences have shaped your perspectives and explain how your unique and diverse view would contribute to the classroom and the Goldman community. 

Statement of Purpose (800 word limit)

Please share with the Admissions Committee what policy and/or public service issue(s) you are passionate about. What is your motivation to make a positive change in the world? How have these interests shaped your short- and long-term career goals? How will the Berkeley MPA enable you to build on your prior professional experience and achieve your goals?

The two required letters of recommendation provide the admissions committee with third party, qualitative accounts of your potential for leadership and management. We require two letters of recommendation. However, you may submit up to three if you like. The online application will prompt you for three letters of recommendation.  If you are only submitting the required two, just enter your own name into the third space.  

We strongly prefer that letters of recommendation come from a current direct supervisor, former direct supervisor, or other individuals with whom you have had significant professional interaction. Please select individuals who know you well and who will take the time to write thorough and thoughtful letters on your behalf. The title of those you select is not important. What does matter is how closely your letter writers have worked with you and whether they can attest to your value as an employee, your professional accomplishments, and your personal qualities. We have found the most helpful letters to be recent, relevant, and written specifically for this application. We discourage letters of recommendation from subordinates, family, friends, or professors.

When completing the online application, you will enter the email address of your recommender and click the appropriate box to have the recommender upload their letter. You are responsible for ensuring that both required recommendations are submitted prior to the application deadline. Please be aware that if you are applying on an early deadline, you will need to inform your recommenders that you need the letter by that deadline date.

GRE or GMAT scores are not required but may help you demonstrate skills otherwise not present in your application.  If you wish to submit them, they can be either current or expired.

Applicants do have the option of uploading a writing sample to their application packet. 

All applicants who have completed a basic degree in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. This requirement applies to institutions from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, Israel, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asian countries, most European countries, and countries in Africa in which English is not the official language. For more detail on the English Language Proficiency requirement and possible exemptions, please visit the Graduation Admissions website.