Admissions Requirements

There are four opportunities to start the Master of Public Administration program and the MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice program each year: fall, spring, summer 1, and summer 2.

There are three opportunities to start the Master of Public Policy program each year: fall, spring, and summer.

Program Dates for U.S. Students

Program	Next Start Date	Application Deadline
Master of Public Administration	Spring 2026	Spring 2026
Master of Public Policy	Spring 2026	Spring 2026
MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice	Spring 2026	Spring 2026

Program Dates for International Students

Program	Next Start Date	Application Deadline
Master of Public Administration	Spring 2026	Spring 2026
Master of Public Policy	Spring 2026	Spring 2026
MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice	Spring 2026	Spring 2026

Applicants must submit the online application and all required admission materials no later than the stated deadlines to be considered for admission.

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Required Application Materials

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject area from a regionally accredited institution and a 3.0 GPA.

• Completed online application
• Application fee
  • U.S. $100 (application fee waived for MPP Arlington campus applicants only)
• Personal statement
  • One to two pages identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• Three letters of recommendation
  • Choose individuals with either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, current employer, or mentor.
• Resumé
• Writing sample (MSCJ only)
  • A significant piece of academic writing, approximately 10 pages long
• Evidence of English proficiency for international applicants

Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores.

If admitted, students must provide an official copy of all degree-bearing transcripts within 30 days after classes start.

Send official transcripts to:

Graduate Office
College of Social Sciences and Humanities
Northeastern University
180 Renaissance Park
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115

The Graduate Office also accepts official electronic transcripts, and these can be sent to gradcssh@northeastern.edu.

Note that materials submitted for admission consideration are university property and will not be returned to the applicant.

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