Frequently Asked Questions

Submit an official application and official copies of transcripts from each of the universities you attended to the graduate college.

The graduate college will average your GPA based on the last 60 credit hours of coursework completed towards your undergraduate degree. You must have completed your undergraduate degree.

The MPA program requires a 3.0 GPA or above in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework. Prospective applicants should submit all the required documents to the graduate college. Applicants whose GPA is below the required 3.0 should have GRE scores on file before program review of application packet.

Students who meet the admission criteria are required to submit a personal statement and two letters of recommendation.

Student wanting to be considered for conditional admission should submit a resume, three letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

No. The GRE scores must be on file with all required documentation before the graduate college will tabulate the GPA and post the information for review by the program.

You may reapply but are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with the program director to learn what you can do to strengthen your GPA and chances of admission.

You may also submit a revised resume, personal statement and letters of recommendation.

The GPA required by the MPA program is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants who have a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.

No. All students who meet the admission requirements are admitted to the program.

Yes.  Student applications are reviewed year-round.

Yes.  If a student does not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement for regular admission his/her file will be reviewed individually by the program director for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement may be considered for conditional admission. 

Typically, those students who have a GPA in the 2.75-2.99 range in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work may be eligible for admission under conditions specified by the program director. To be eligible for conditional admission, applicants should have a GRE score on file. 

Students are encouraged to meet with the program director in the first semester upon entering the program.

Student should meet with the director routinely while in the program to make sure they are on track with their degree.

Student should also meet with the program director anytime they have a concern or want to make a change to their degree plan.

The MPA program homepage is the main source of information for the public, alumni, prospective and current students.

The program also maintains a Canvas site for current students, where important messages and deadlines as well as internships and job opportunities are posted.

The student Canvas site is an interactive page specifically for students in the program that allows them two-way communication with the program administrative assistant.

The program director is available to meet with students at either the Round Rock campus or the San Marcos campus by appointment. The administrative assistant is also available at the San Marcos campus daily.

The program maintains contact with the students by email primarily. Students in the program are encouraged to keep their contact information up to date with the administrative assistant and can do so by emailing any changes directly to her.

The program uses the Canvas site available through the university to email student on its program list. 

For questions or more information about the program, contact the administrative assistant of the program at dw29@txstate.edu or by phone 512-245-7582.

Yes. All documentation, including GRE scores must be submitted to the graduate college 3 weeks prior to the start of the semester for which you are applying.

The program prefers a minimum total score of 300.

Yes. Scores should be submitted to the Graduate College.

A petition must be submitted to the Graduate College by the program director in order to accept LSAT or GMAT scores in lieu of GRE scores.

If you plan to submit LSAT or GMAT scores, contact the MPA director to arrange for a petition to be submitted. 

Yes. The Department of Political Science offers graduate assistantship opportunities during the fall and spring semesters.

You need to be accepted by the program unconditionally to be eligible for a position and have completed the political science graduate assistant application.

Students are highly encouraged to complete an internship during their coursework. Students in the program who have experience working in the public sector may request a waiver.

Students must meet with the program director before they can enroll in the internship class to discuss concerns, requirements, and objectives.

Yes. Agencies often send requests for interns to the program. Specific information is posted on the MPA student Canvas site.

The internship requirement could be waived for those students who have considerable experience working for government or non-profit organizations. 

Students who wish to get the internship requirement waived should submit some documentation that provides details about their administrative experience. Contact the MPA program assistant for more information on required documentation for internship waivers. 

Cost of attendance for graduate students and financial aid information can be found at the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Yes. The MPA program offers up to eight scholarships per semester.  These scholarships cover up to $1,000 applied to tuition costs per semester.

The average class size is 20 to 25 students.

Yes. Classes are also available at Texas State's Round Rock campus.

Currently, the program offers some of its courses fully online, hybrid (where students meet the instructor and the rest of the class a few times a semester), and as face-to-face classes but the entire program is not available online.

Yes. A student can take classes at any of the locations.

Yes. If you have questions about a class you are taking, professors are available before and after class and an appointment can be scheduled with the professors and the program director at both locations.

Many of the students in the program are working full time and take classes part time. Student may take classes as either full time (9 credit hours= 3 classes) or part time (6 credit hours or less).

For financial aid purposes, students need to take at least 6 credit hours in order to receive financial aid. For more information contact the Financial Aid Office at the university.