Application Checklist
Prospective graduate students, including University of Utah seniors, apply for admissions through University of Utah's graduate admissions office and the MPP program using the Slate application system. Please submit the following items by the due date. If you have any questions please contact us.
Prerequisite Courses
The prerequisite courses of U.S. National Government, Applied Statistics, and Introductory Microeconomics must be completed with a grade “C” or better in the last 10 years. You may apply and be admitted to the program before completing these requirements. However, you may not enroll in the program until these courses are satisfactorily completed. To find when these courses are offered refer to University of Utah's Course Catalog.
If you are accepted into a joint program (e.g. MPP/JD) some prerequisites may automatically be waived. Please consult the program manager for more information.
GRE or Other Standardized Test Score
Standardized test scores from the GRE, MAT, LSAT, or GMAT are optional, and not required for admission. Scores should only be submitted if you feel they will strengthen your application.
GRE: The GRE is the preferred test for many U.S. graduate programs. If needed, the GRE code is: U-code - 4853 Department/Program code: 2204 (public affairs) or 1903 (public policy studies).
MAT (Millers Analogies Test): The MAT U-code is: 4853. MAT scores are sent to the admissions office. Students should contact admissions and have the scores sent to the MPP office, if you want them included in your application.
LSAT: Email pdf results to the MPP program manager.
GMAT: The GMAT U-code is: 4853. Contact the Business School at 801-585-7366 to forward scores to the MPP Office BLG 73, Room 237.
International applicants may be required to take an English proficiency exam: To learn more about international application requirements, please visit the University of Utah's International Graduate Student Admission's webpage.
The MPP admissions committee does not prefer one test over another, and looks at percentile ranks in each category of the test rather than raw test scores. There is no minimum test score requirement to apply; however, it is preferred applicants receive a 50th percentile or above in all assessed categories of a test.
Please contact the University Testing Center for assistance with preparation and scheduling tests.
Statement of Purpose
This is also known as a letter of intent or entrance essay. This document should describe your reasons for applying to University of Utah's MPP program, your expectations of how this program will further your career objectives, and any academic background, extracurricular activities, professional experience, and volunteer work related to your interest in public policy analysis. Your statement of purpose should be no more than two to three pages and include page numbers as well as your name on each page.
One Academic/Professional Recommendations
This reference should be an academic and/or professional reference, not a personal reference. It is strongly recommended that at least one recommendation be from a former professor. You may have more than one letter of recommendation submitted, but at least one is required.
Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Resumés or CVs should be professional and adequately describe:
- Relevant academic, professional, volunteer, internship or military experience
- Academic and/or professional honors, prizes, or scholarships
- Leadership positions
Additional Information
We do not require an interview for admission; however, students often find a visit to the school to be useful in their decision to apply or attend the University of Utah. We hold several information sessions throughout the year and are available to meet with students one-on-one.
We will notify applicants of admission decisions by the end of March. If you have questions about the application process please contact us via email or phone: 801-585-7834.