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Accelerated MPA Program

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MPA 4+1

Starting in fall 2021, we will offer an accelerated MPA for students in School of Public Service undergraduate programs. Through this program, students will be able to complete 9 credit hours of their MPA during the senior year of their undergraduate program. These credits will count towards both the undergrad and graduate degrees. Afterwards, students will then be able to complete their MPA in four semesters.

Admissions Policy

Students applying for the accelerated MPA program will follow a separate admissions route than regular students.  4+1 students will apply in the spring of junior year, and begin courses in the fall of senior year (with option to take courses in the interim summer).  The MPA 4+1 admissions committee will consist of the MPA program lead, one representative from the MPA program, and one representative of SPS’s undergraduate programs.  Admission decisions will be made based on the qualifications of students and open space in the incoming cohort of MPA students.

The application deadline will be April 26.  In order to be eligible for admission, students must be in the spring semester of junior year, and plan on graduating with their Bachelors the following spring.  Students are required to have an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher in an SPS major and be in good standing with the university.  By April 26, students should submit to the admissions committee, the following:

  1. A current resume or curriculum vitae
  2. 1-2 page personal statement explaining the applicant’s education and career objectives, as well as confirming that the applicant meets all eligible requirements (i.e., SPS major, 3.25+ GPA, on track to graduate the following spring).
  3. A letter of recommendation from the program lead of an SPS undergraduate program the applicant is enrolled in; this letter should speak to the applicant’s ability to successfully complete graduate-level courses, and confirm the applicant’s GPA and good standing with the university.

If the admissions committee makes a decision to accept the applicant into the program, the applicant will then need to submit a formal application through the Graduate College by March 15 of their Senior year.

Submit applications to: mpa@boisestate.edu.