How to apply

Graduate Admissions

Welcome to the School of Public & Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Northwest. We are happy that you have selected SPEA to continue your graduate studies.

All applications to SPEA's graduate programs are carefully evaluated by the Graduate Program Committee for the appropriate degree. All application documents are required for any of the programs and are used to determine the admission status for each applicant.

REVISED MPA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Effective January 1, 2021, students applying for the MPA degree will need the following items included in their application:

Required

  1. Completed application
  2. Curriculum vitae or resume'
  3. Letter of intent specifying your career goals and/or research area you want to pursue
  4. Names of 2 or more references with contact information (email and phone number)
  5. Unofficial or official are required for the application packet, but final official transcripts must be received prior to the start of classes

Recommended

  1. Writing sample (such as paper submitted previously to a class)
  2. GRE scores (if available) - GRE requirement is waived during 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years.

 For additional information on the graduate studies programs in the School of Public & Environmental Affairs at IUN, please fill out our contact form or call 219-981-5668.

Certificate Programs

For the certificate programs, the application process is the same with the exception of the GRE as this is required for the MPA application only.

Application Deadlines

Applications for the SPEA graduate programs are accepted year round for each fall semester cohort. Application deadlines are as follows for each academic year:

Fall Semester: May 1
Spring Semester: October 1

Step 1: Submit required materials

Transcripts

Official copy of transcripts from all schools attended for undergraduate degree. If you are a former IU student, transcripts can be obtained on your behalf. All transcripts should be sent to the following address:

Indiana University Northwest
School of Public & Environmental Affairs Graduate Program
3400 Broadway, Dunes 2101
Gary, IN 46408

GRE Scores

Official GRE scores must be submitted as part of the of the application packet. If the undergraduate overall grade point average is 3.0 or higher, then the department will waive the GRE requirement. All applicants applying for the MPA program, who have less than a 3.0 grade point average in their undergraduate coursework, must take the GRE. An admissible score for the GRE is a combined score of 280. If applicants have already earned a graduate degree (Master degree or higher, this requirement is also waived).

Writing Sample

Candidates may submit any of the following as a writing sample:

  • A copy of any undergraduate research paper (does not have to be a graded paper).
  • A copy of a report written in a professional setting.
  • A 500-800 word paper on any issue you consider of importance today for public administrators, nonprofit leaders, or public policy analysts.

Copy of your Résumé

A copy of your Résumé can be uploaded during the online application process. 

Letter of Intent

A Letter of Intent is your personal statement as to why you want to pursue the program, and what you hope to gain from it, career goals, etc.

Three Letters of Reference

Applicants must submit three letters of reference. (Note: letters must be professional in nature ( i.e., current/former employers or professors outside of SPEA). No friends or family members can serve as a professional reference.

Step 2: Complete the online application

Applications will only be accepted online via:

 2021 - 2022 Application

Select Public and Environmental Affairs as your intended program and plan. This directs your application to SPEA. If you select a different program, your application will not be available for SPEA to review.

There is a $40.00 non-refundable application fee payable online at the time application is submitted.