Are you eligible to apply?
The School of Public Policy currently offers an Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) program to Penn State undergraduate students in the programs listed below. Requirements are listed under each major.
African American Studies B.A.
Requirements:
- Students must be currently in the African American Studies B.A. program at Penn State.
- Please inquire about program-specific GPA requirements.
Criminology B.S.
Requirements:
- Students must be currently enrolled in the Criminology B.S. program at Penn State.
- Applicants are generally expected to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of application.
Communication Arts and Sciences B.S./B.A.
Requirements:
- Students must be currently enrolled in the Communications Arts and Science (B.S. or B.A.) program at Penn State.
- Applicants are generally expected to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of application.
Health Policy and Administration B.S.
Requirements:
- Students must be currently enrolled in the Health Policy and Administration B.S. program at Penn State.
- Applicants are generally expected to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of application.
Political Science B.A.
Requirements:
- Students must be currently enrolled in the Political Science B.A. program at Penn State.
- Applicants are generally expected to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of application.
Sociology B.S.
Requirements:
- Students must be currently enrolled in the Sociology B.S. program at Penn State.
- Applicants are generally expected to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of application.
- NOTE: Be sure to consult with your undergraduate academic advisor AND the School of Public Policy admissions BEFORE submitting an application and paying any related application fees.
How to Apply
Step 1: Carefully read through the information on this page.
Step 2: Download the IUG plan of study and meet with your undergraduate academic advisor about mapping out coursework for both degrees.
Step 3: Meet with an SPP admissions team member. To arrange an appointment, please email publicpolicy@psu.edu.
Step 4: Complete the general graduate school application and submit the following required materials:
- Completed IUG plan of study – this should be completed with your undergraduate academic advisor.
- Two letters of recommendation – at least one of these should be from a faculty member within your current degree program (e.g., if you are majoring in Sociology, then at least one of your letters should be from a Sociology faculty member).
- 1,500-word statement of purpose – for guidance about what you should include in your statement of purpose, please see the guidelines below.
When Should I Apply?
Applicants should leave sufficient time to be admitted into the IUG program. We recommend that IUG applicants apply for entry into the program at the end of, or shortly following the conclusion of, the fall semester of their junior year.
Guidance on Statements of Purpose
The Admissions Committee seeks students that show promise for success in graduate school. As such, the statement of purpose is a critical part of your application. Submit an essay that explains your career goals and how the Master of Public Policy degree will help you achieve them.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the IUG program, or the IUG application process, please email the Admissions team at publicpolicy@psu.edu.