Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Related fields include political science, sustainability, planning, business, urban and metropolitan studies, and other social science disciplines, although the department may accept applicants with undergraduate degrees from all educational backgrounds provided the minimum requirements for the degree program are met.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

1. graduate admission application and application fee
2. official transcripts
3. two letters of recommendation
4. written statement
5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Additional requirements for international students are at the international graduate admission website.

The letters of recommendation should be from faculty or other academic staff who can evaluate the applicant's academic performance.

The written statement should be one to two pages in length and describe the applicant's educational and career goals. This statement is also used as a sample of the applicant's writing abilities.

Applicants also may submit a resume or other documents.

Fees increase after the deadline.

Students enrolling in Master of Public Policy core courses must demonstrate minimum competency in statistics and American government, typically through the completion of an undergraduate social statistics course such as PAF 301 Applied Statistics and undergraduate coursework in American national government such as POS 310 American National Government. Completion of prerequisite courses is not a requirement for admission but they must be completed within one semester after starting the program. Students may also satisfy the American national government competency by successfully completing a noncredit online course offered by the School of Public Affairs to incoming students.

Applicants should email spa@asu.edu if they have questions about the application process.

Graduates have an understanding of policies that address issues such as poverty, education, the environment and public safety, and they are prepared to pursue a career in a field related to public administration or public policy. This may include opportunities as either a manager or policy analyst whose work in a local, state or federal agency; nonprofit organization; or private organization that interfaces with the public sector.

The program can also serve as a platform for preparation for doctoral studies in public policy, public administration, urban studies and other related programs.