Apply Online for Fall Admission, or Request an Application Packet.
The Master of Public Affairs Program (MOPA) starts every fall (late August). The priority application date for fall applications is March 1. Completed applications will be reviewed for admission and a limited number of scholarships. Since applications that are complete are reviewed on a rolling admission basis, it is best to apply as early as possible. Once the class for the fall program is filled, later qualified applicants may be placed on a waiting list.
Applicants need to hold a Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in any academic subject from a recognized university-level institution. Students may complete the program in four semesters (fall, spring, summer, fall).
Required Application Items
- Application Form – Application form and application fee of $55.
- Transcript – One official transcript from each university or college (university-level institution) attended.
- Letters of Recommendation – Two letters of recommendation (at least one is an academic recommendation from a professor; preferably both letters are academic recommendations). Recommendation letters are submitted by individuals who can attest to the applicant's ability and competence to succeed in the studies, research and writing required by this graduate program.
- Statement of Purpose – A two-to-three page Statement of Purpose that describes the strengths and any weaknesses of your academic background, research interests, reasons for pursuing a Master's Program in Public Affairs at the University of San Francisco and your educational and career goals.
- Resume – Submit a current resume with relevant work experience.
- International students are required to submit their official TOEFL or IELTS score and a copy of their passport. If an F-1 visa is sought by the applicant, then a completed Certification of Finance form with supplemental official bank statements or bank letter (see International Students) must be submitted before the application can be considered for admission. Applicants seeking an F-1 visa need to provide a non-U.S. mailing address in their application, in addition to any other address provided.
See the inside of the application for more details about each item required in the application. Do not submit any application items to the McCarthy Center or to the Department of Politics. Submit ALL application items to:
University of San Francisco
Office of Graduate Programs, Arts and Sciences
2130 Fulton Street, HR 240
San Francisco, California 94117
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Tests and GPA Requirements
The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is optional and not required for admission. An applicant may want to submit their GRE results if they believe it might strengthen their application.
An official TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score is required of international applicants. A minimum TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based) or 550 (paper-based) is required for consideration. The USF school code for the GRE and the TOEFL is 4850 or 6966. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or higher and a PTE score of 53 or higher is required for admission review. The department code is not necessary. After review of an application, coursework in USF's Intensive English Program may be recommended or required.
There is no strict GPA requirement for admission to the graduate program. In general, however, a GPA of 3.0 or higher strengthens an application to any graduate program.
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Notification of Admission Decision
When an application and all required documents are on file in the Office of Graduate Programs in the College of Arts and Sciences (see address above), the application is complete and will be forwarded to the MOPA Program for admission review. Applicants are notified of their admission status by mail approximately four to six weeks after an application and all application items are processed and complete. Applicants can check their application status online, but cannot check their admission status online.
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Tuition Deposit
All students who are admitted to the graduate program are required to submit a tuition deposit to reserve a space in the program after notification of admission is received. The tuition deposit deadline is included in the student's letter of admission. The tuition deposit must be received at the McCarthy Center at USF on, or before, that date or the admitted student is not guaranteed a place in the graduate program. An applicant's admission will be canceled after the due date for the tuition deposit so that another qualified student may be offered that student position.
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Application Status
Once an application form is processed by USF, you will be mailed a web account so that you can check your application status online. Or you can contact the Office of Graduate Programs at 415.422.5101 or by email at asgraduate@usfca.edu. A student's admission status cannot be accessed online.
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Financial Aid Application
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can begin the free application process for a U.S. federal student loan at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The USF federal school code for the FAFSA is 001325. All U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for $20,500 in U.S. federal student loans in each year of graduate studies, unless if a student has defaulted on a previous student loan. There is no application deadline for these loans, although students are encouraged to submit a FAFSA as soon as possible since the loan process can take eight weeks to complete.
For any financial assistance offered by the Master of Public Affairs Program, all applicants (US domestic and international) will be considered and notified of such an award in the admission letter. There is no separate application for this assistance. International students, and U.S. students, can contact the One Stop/Financial Aid Office for other student loan programs available to graduate students.
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Advising, Registration, Orientation and Start of Classes
Admitted students should contact the Master of Public Affairs Program for details about the advising and registration schedule in late August for new students each fall. The department can be contacted at 415.422.5662 or mopa@usfca.edu.
International students are highly recommended to arrive at USF at least 10 days before the first day of classes in the fall in order to finalize housing arrangements and attend the International Student Orientation. Contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services for details and dates about the International Student Orientation at isss@usfca.edu.
International students should note that the earliest arrival in the United States that an F-1 visa allows is 30 days before the start date on the I-20 form issued to you.
International Student Orientation
New international students are REQUIRED to attend the International Student Orientation in fall (late August). Please visit www.usfca.edu/isss for the latest details or contact ISSS at isss@usfca.edu. International students are highly recommended to arrive at USF at least 10 days before the first day of classes in the fall and spring to finalize housing arrangements and attend International Student Orientation.
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