Application and Matriculation Procedures
For the DPA application, priority consideration date typically occurs by November for the following Spring semester, and by mid-April for the following Fall semester. We encourage you to submit completed applications and all required materials by said date. Admission decisions will be rendered after the priority application date. After the priority application date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling admissions basis. The DPA program welcomes applicants who hold master's degrees from accredited institutions. Admission to the DPA Program is based on an assessment of an applicant's ability, aptitude, and potential.
Admission Requirements
- Official Online Application
- Personal Statement (address required 3 prompts)
- Official Transcripts for Undergraduate and Graduate Study
- Students whose graduate degrees are not in public administration, public affairs, policy analysis, political science, public health, or nonprofit management, or a related field and/or do not have relevant work experience may be required to complete additional coursework in public administration.
- Three letters of recommendation are required (two letters are required from an academic source and one from a professional reference).
- Professional Writing Sample
- Resume or Vita
New Student Information
Upon acceptance to the DPA program, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with helpful resources and services.
Register for Classes
All students should contact their Graduate Coordinator or Advisor first to discuss coursework prior to enrollment.
Adding Classes: Step-by-Step Directions
Students can register for courses through myWCU. To do this, students need to first activate their student account. Directions for Activating a Student Account.
Once students have activated their account, they can follow the Scheduling Classes in myWCU guidelines. These instructions can also be found by visiting the Registrar’s homepage and selecting the General Registration tab.