Application & Admissions Process
Start your MSU MPP Application here: https://explore.msu.edu/apply/. Applications for the Fall semester are due June 1 each year. Admission is for Fall semester only.
Step 1: Start Your Online Application
Begin your application on the MSU Online Application Portal. Completing this step generates your unique Applicant ID to initiate your file. You can pay your application fee during this initial submission.
Step 2: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload the following required and optional materials through your application portal:
- Personal Statement (Required): Provide a focused narrative detailing your interest in public policy, how your background and experiences have prepared you for graduate study, and your long-term professional goals. Highlight relevant skills, perspectives, and motivations. A concise, narrative-focused response is preferred; please avoid a comprehensive autobiography. Recommended length is a maximum of 2 single-spaced pages or 4 double-spaced pages.
- Letters of Recommendation (3 Required): Submit requests for letters directly through the online application portal. We require at least three references from individuals qualified to assess your potential for success in graduate study (e.g., academic faculty, research colleagues, supervisors, or community leaders). Recommenders should address your strengths, potential for success in graduate school and the policy arena, as well as areas for growth. If you experience technical issues, contact us at msumpp@msu.edu.
- CV or Resume (Required): Please submit your Curriculum Vitae or Resume, including relevant employment history, leadership roles, extracurricular activities, or community involvement related to public policy.
- Supplemental Question 1 (Required): Briefly describe any quantitative or qualitative research experience (e.g., coursework or projects involving statistics, data analysis, surveys, or focus groups). Mention your familiarity with software tools if applicable (e.g., R, Stata, SPSS, Python, Excel, Tableau). Please note: advanced research training is NOT required. Our curriculum builds these skills from the ground up, and we welcome applicants from all educational backgrounds.
- Supplemental Question 2 (Required): Explain why you are interested in pursuing your MPP at Michigan State University. Highlight specific program features, skills, networks, faculty, or opportunities you hope to engage with during your studies.
- GRE Scores (Optional): Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores are not required. However, applicants are welcome to submit GRE (or equivalent) scores if they feel it strengthens their profile.
- Writing Sample (Optional): You may submit a policy-related or academic writing sample to demonstrate your writing proficiency.
Step 3: Send Official Transcripts & Test Scores
Transcripts- For Application Review: Unofficial transcripts uploaded directly through the application portal are fully accepted for initial admissions committee evaluation.
- For Final Admission: If offered admission, official transcripts sent directly from your degree-granting institution(s) are required to finalize enrollment.
- Domestic Applicants: Have official transcripts emailed to msumpp@msu.edu or mailed to the address below.
- International Applicants: Unofficial copies are accepted for initial review. Upon acceptance, official certified copies (sealed and stamped by the institution) in both the original language and an official English translation must be mailed directly to the department. The Departmental mailing address is below.
Required for international applicants and non-native English speakers. Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to Michigan State University.
- Accepted Tests: TOEFL iBT (including Special Home Edition), IELTS Indicator, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA), among others.
- Waivers & Requirements: Review exemption criteria, including exempt countries, and waiver instructions on the MSU Graduate School English Language Competency Page.
Department Mailing Address
Michigan State University
Department of Political Science
Attn: Sarah Krause, MPP Program
368 Farm Lane, Room S303 South Kedzie Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
Application Tips & Advice: Watch this short video featuring an MSU MPP student sharing their insider tips for submitting a strong application: Watch Applicant Tips Video
Reach out to Graduate Program Assistant Sarah Krause at