The Truman School of Government and Public Affairs offers master’s and doctoral degrees in the theory and practice of public and nonprofit management, public policy, and organizational change. MPA students are prepared for careers in a new public service that spans government, nonprofit, and private sectors. PhD students are trained for careers in academic and research institutions.
Degrees Offered
Doctoral
On Campus
The Truman School of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri offers an interdisciplinary PhD in Public Affairs that prepares graduates for careers in universities, colleges and applied research settings in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Students complete core sequences in public policy and management as well as research methods, and specializations tailored to students’ research interests.
Admission Criteria
- Fall deadline: January 20
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Public Affairs program
- Transcripts of all previous college or University education
- Statement of Interest
- Curriculum vitae/résumé
- Writing sample
- PhD Personal Data Sheet (built into the Graduate School online application)
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE Score Report (Optional)
- TOEFL or IELTS Score Report (required of applicants whose native language is not English):
- University of Missouri Institution Code: 6875
- Public Affairs Department Code: 4801
Master's
On Campus
Admission Criteria
Fall deadline: January 15
Spring deadline: November 15
Current MU undergraduate students are eligible to apply to this program. To be considered for admission to the accelerated MPA program in Public Affairs, a student must:
- Have completed at least 90 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree.
- Have a 3.0 GPA overall.
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
For the Public Affairs Program
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of interest
- TOEFL or IELTS report (required of applicants whose native language is not English)
- Statement of Career Eligibility (required for professionals applying for the mid-career and mid-career online options)
- Public Affairs application (built into the Graduate School application)
- GRE score report (Optional)
100% Online On Campus
Admission Criteria
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 in last 60 hours
- Admission to the MPA program is competitive and open to students holding baccalaureate degrees from accredited institutions and meeting admissions standards of the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs.
On-Campus Program Deadlines
| Entrance term | Apply by | Course work begins |
| Fall | January 15* | August |
| Spring | November 15 | January |
- *Priority admission and funding consideration are given to applications received by January 15.
- Late submissions considered on a case-by-case basis.
Online Program Deadlines
| Entrance term | Apply by | Course work begins |
| Spring | November 1 | January |
| Spring, second 8-week session | February 1 | March/April |
| Summer | May 1 | June |
| Fall | July 1 | August |
| Fall, second 8-week session | September 1 | October |
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Public Affairs Program
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Statement of interest
- TOEFL or IELTS report (required of applicants whose native language is not English)
- Statement of Career Eligibility (required for professionals applying for the mid-career and mid-career online options)
- Public Affairs application (built into the Graduate School application)
- GRE score report (Optional)
Graduate Certificate
On Campus
Officially approved as:
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 12
Certificate description: The public policy specialization offers students a strong foundation in the skills necessary to work effectively in the policy environment. Students in the public policy specialization learn theories of the policy process, quantitative and qualitative research methods to analyze policy, and program evaluation. Students also have the opportunity to gain expertise in specific policy areas including education policy, environmental policy, health policy, social policy, and regional development policy.
Certificate web site:
https://truman.missouri.edu/degree-programs/graduate-certificates
Admission Criteria
Application Deadlines: Rolling
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Graduate Certificate Program
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- Public Affairs Application (built into the Graduate School online application)
100% Online On Campus
Officially approved as:
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 12
Certificate description: To advance in careers in state and local government, public managers need to be effective leaders who manage resources ethically and responsibly. Public management certificate students improve their skills for managing people, budgets, and more effective organizations overall.
Certificate website:
https://truman.missouri.edu/degree-programs/graduate-certificates
Admission Criteria
Application Deadlines: Rolling
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Graduate Certificate Program
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- Public Affairs Application (built into the Graduate School online application)
100% Online
Officially approved as:
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 12
Certificate description: This certificate is offered in collaboration with the MU School of Law. The courses in the certificate will focus on organizational analysis and change, as well as dispute resolution and conflict management. Courses are drawn from both the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs and the School of Law offerings. Students will have an opportunity to develop knowledge and competencies appropriate to the advanced study and diagnosis of evolving and emerging organizations and communities in the public, private, and nonprofit arena. They will find a curriculum supportive of careers in academics, management, and consulting.
Certificate web site:
https://truman.missouri.edu/degree-programs/graduate-certificates
Admission Criteria
Application Deadlines: Rolling
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Graduate Certificate Program
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- Public Affairs Application (built into the Graduate School online application)
100% Online On Campus
Officially approved as:
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 12
Certificate description: The graduate certificate in nonprofit management provides students with the managerial, fiduciary, and analytical tools necessary for leadership of nonprofit entities. The goal is to develop and hone skills that can be used to achieve organizational missions uniquely aimed at serving the interests of the community.
Certificate web site:
https://truman.missouri.edu/degree-programs/graduate-certificates
Admission Criteria
Application Deadlines: Rolling
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Graduate Certificate Program
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- Public Affairs Application (built into the Graduate School online application)
100% Online
This program is NOT accepting applications at this time.
Officially approved as:
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 12
Certificate description: The Truman School of Government and Public Affairs offers the only graduate grant writing certificate program in the country. Students learn to write grant proposals and manage grant-funded programs effectively. Learn winning grant writing techniques and proper grant management with this four-course graduate certificate in grantsmanship. As a completely online certificate program, our program is well-suited for a variety of audiences, including both working professionals, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Community-based professionals in nonprofit organizations, employees of state and local government, educators in K-12 settings, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and young faculty members–anyone working in or seeing careers with organizations and activities that are dependent on external funding will benefit from this program. Students with graduate standing in any field are eligible to enroll. Students do not need to be enrolled in a specific graduate degree program to participate in the program.
Certificate web site:
https://truman.missouri.edu/degree-programs/graduate-certificates
100% Online
Officially approved as:
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 12
Certificate description: As organizations work to address contemporary policy issues,they continue to seek managers and analysts who understand the processes and implications of globalization and who are knowledgeable about cultural, political and economic diversity and linkages. This certificate focuses on acquiring an understanding of cultural differences as well as academic knowledge relevant to public affairs. Both coursework and international experience are required components. All students must complete the required course and three additional graduate-level courses related to Global Public Affairs as approved by the Director of the Global Certificate. To fulfill the requirement of experience abroad, students must demonstrate significant international experience through such activities as student exchange, coursework, internship, Peace Corps, or similar work. The Truman School of Government and Public Affairs and the University of Missouri offer such opportunities, though in some cases, this requirement can be fulfilled based on experience prior to enrolling in the Truman School or MU.
Certificate web site:
https://truman.missouri.edu/degree-programs/graduate-certificates
Admission Criteria
Application Deadlines: Rolling
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Graduate Certificate Program
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- Public Affairs Application (built into the Graduate School online application)
Interdisciplinary Degree
100% Online
Officially approved as:
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 12
Certificate description: This certificate is offered in collaboration with the MU School of Law. The courses in the certificate will focus on organizational analysis and change, as well as dispute resolution and conflict management. Courses are drawn from both the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs and the School of Law offerings. Students will have an opportunity to develop knowledge and competencies appropriate to the advanced study and diagnosis of evolving and emerging organizations and communities in the public, private, and nonprofit arena. They will find a curriculum supportive of careers in academics, management, and consulting.
Certificate web site:
https://truman.missouri.edu/degree-programs/graduate-certificates
Admission Criteria
Application Deadlines: Rolling
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Graduate Certificate Program
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- Public Affairs Application (built into the Graduate School online application)