Public Affairs

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

• 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

Admission Criteria

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.

Application Deadlines

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)

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

Online Program Deadlines

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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

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)