Admission Information

Introduction to the MPA Program

The mission of the Texas Tech University MPA program is to provide students with the highest quality education in preparation for management and leadership positions in public sector organizations, and to convey an enduring commitment to public sector service and values. The program pursues this mission by advancing research, integrating service learning and applications into the students' experience, providing service to university and academic communities, collaborating with the professional and alumni communities, and providing a diverse and accessible educational environment.

The MPA Program is housed in the Department of Political Science. In addition, within the Department of Political Science are the Lewis and Maxine Earl Survey Research Laboratory and The Center for Public Service, a research center that provides research, technical assistance and training to local governments and nonprofit organizations. Students might have the opportunity to gain practical experience working on applied projects through these organizations.

The program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). Recognized for its rigor and quality, the program is especially proud of its strong placement record that is aided by a loyal and active alumni network. Texas Tech graduates hold positions at the highest levels of municipal government in state and federal government, and in a variety of private sector and nonprofit settings, especially in the healthcare sector. The program also has an impressive record of obtaining Presidential Management Fellowships (PMFs) and other prestigious internships and scholarships.

The MPA program welcomes both full-time students and part-time students who desire to return to school for additional professional training or to prepare for a change in careers. Full-time students can complete the program in 24 months. Part-time students take one or two courses a semester and can complete the program at their own pace. To accommodate part-time students, MPA courses are offered during evening hours.

Admission Procedures

Students are accepted from a variety of undergraduate fields and no leveling courses are required. MPA Applications are accepted for on a rolling basis for fall and spring semesters. Although there is no deadline, time is required to process the applications and to allow time to take the GRE, GMAT or LSAT for your test scores, so applicants should apply well before the term starts.

The procedures and requirements for admission, for both an MPA degree student and special students, are outlined in the Texas Tech University Graduate Catalog as follows:

1. Graduate School Application Complete the Graduate School’s Online Application The Graduate School application requires a $50 non-refundable fee, but if you have applied to other graduate programs previously, this fee may be waived. Check with the graduate school about other requirements such as the residency statement.

2. MPA Admissions Application Complete the Texas Tech MPA Application by typing your application into the form. Seats are limited, so earlier applicants stand a better chance of admission and the possibility of receiving scholarships. We encourage you to complete this process as soon as possible before your desired semester of entry.

Texas Tech University PPI Requirements

3. If you are applying to graduate programs in Industrial Engineering, Chemistry, Political Science, Mathematics, and Theatre, Texas Tech University requires an ETS® Personal Potential Index (PPI) Evaluation Report containing a minimum of three (3) evaluations from separate evaluators in order to consider your application complete. The PPI is a third-party evaluative tool administered by the ETS (Educational Testing Service) organization.

Follow this link for more information: Texas Tech University PPI Requirements

4. Provide to the Texas Tech Graduate School official transcripts from all college level study and be in good standing at all institutions attended.

5. Official GRE scores must be sent from the Educational Testing Service. If you have already taken the GMAT or LSAT you may submit those scores for our review. However, if you have not taken the GMAT or LSAT, you are required to take the GRE and submit those scores.

Applicants admitted to the law school who also apply to the MPA program for the joint MPA/JD de-gree are admitted to the MPA program based on their admission to the law school and their grades in the first year of law school courses.

6. Submit two letters of recommendation to Texas Tech University, MPA Admissions, PO Box 41015, Lubbock, TX 79409-1015. The letter should address your ability to be successful in the MPA program. Letters often come from educators and employers. Helpful letters address not only strengths, but explain weaknesses in your record. You may submit more than one letter. Applicants to the MPA/JD program do not need to submit letters of recommendation if they are already admitted to law school.

7. Submit a resume with your application to the Public Administration Program.

Grade point averages, test scores, progressive work experience, references and other relevant factors are taken into account in admission decisions.

For further information, feel free to contact us:
Texas Tech University
Public Administration Program
Box 41015
Lubbock, TX 79409-1015
Phone: (806) 742-3125
Fax: (806)742.0850
Email: era.ibarra@ttu.edu

Texas Tech University
Office of Graduate Admissions
P.O. Box 41030
Lubbock, Texas 79409
Phone: (806)742-2787
Fax: (806)742.4038
Website: www.gradschool.ttu.edu