The preferred application deadline for traditional graduate programs in SPA is February 1 for fall 2010 admission or November 1 for spring 2010 admission. The final deadline for fall 2010 is June 1. Executive programs have different deadline dates and application procedures - see specific program for details.

** Please note that students applying to the joint degree programs with the Washington College of Law do not need to complete a separate application with the School of Public Affairs. All materials supplied to WCL will be reviewed by SPA.

1. Application (either on-line or paper)
2. $55.00 application fee. The fee is waived for AU alumni; former PPIA/IIPP participants; Teach for American participants; Peace Corps participants, AmeriCorps participants; FAMU Scholars; and McNair scholars. There are no other exceptions. Prospective candidates completing the online application can simply select "pay by check" as the payment method to complete the application but are not required to provide any payment.
3. Official transcript(s) from every college attended (click here for a transcript request form)
4. Statement of purpose
5. 2 letters of recommendation. Note: 3 letters of recommendation are required for Ph.D. applicants.
6. Resume
7. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test is required for all traditional degree programs at the School of Public Affairs. The GRE may be waived for applicants to the MPP and MPA programs who have 8 years or more of related work experience. GRE Scores should be sent officially from the Educational Testing Service to American University (institutional code: 5733 - no departmental code).
8. TOEFL or IELTS scores. The Institutional code for the TOEFL and IELTS is 5007. The preferred minimum TOEFL for international students is 600 on the paper test OR 250 on the computer test and 100 on the IBT. The preferred minimum IELTS score is 7. The CFIS (Certification of Finances for International Students) and a bank statement are required, but they may be submitted after admission.

To contact an admissions specialist, please call 202.885.6230. We would be more than happy to assist you!