Unsure of getting into MPA programs..

[may2009]

I am graduating in May of 2009 with a bachelors in Criminal Justice. I had originally thought about law school but after interning in a court I realized it was not for me. I've been looking into the Public Affairs field for a while now and I find myself really drawn to it. I am not sure if my degree background and lack of work experience will get me into a program I want though. I live in Austin and would most want to go to the LBJ school at UT. While LBJ says that they do not have specific prerequisites, they do recommend that you have 6 hours of government (which I have but took during my Freshman year and didn't do great in), 6 hours of economics (I have none), and a course in Statistics and Calculus. I am taking statistics in the Spring, but I wont have time to take economics or calculus. I have no work experience in this field.

On the other hand, I do have a strong behavioral science background, including a lot of law based classes. When I graduate I should have a ugpa of 3.5/3.6, with high grades in upper division courses. I also interned at a Domestic Violence Court here in Austin which is well known and respected. I currently attend a small liberal arts University with a good reputation. After I graduate I am planning on taking the year off to work abroad, in the UK and then in Mexico, I am hoping this might help. I also have a good amount of volunteer work.

I know it's a big question but can anyone give me any insight on what my chances to get into an MPA program would be? I just want to know if I'm a long shot or if I might have a chance.

Thanks!

[Dreams]

Small question: what do you want to do careerwise?

[may2009]

I would like to work in either a non-profit sector with policy, or do work in economic development in other countries. I'm also interested in social policy development. LBJ has concentrations in these areas. I'm also considering just getting an MSW, but I feel like I might be able to accomplish more if I go the MPA route. Like I said, I'm just not sure if I have a strong enough background for an admissions committee.

[Dreams]

I asked because I saw the "MSW or MPA" on your profile and wanted to see where your interests fell more. Judging by your interests I would say an MPA is a better bet for you especially since you are more interested in policy and development versus direct practice and community organizing. Are you considering the Social and Economic policy concentration there?

Now on to your profile and chances. Though you did not mention GRE scores, your GPA puts you around the average for those who apply to LBJ. Your lack of directly related work experience will not necessarily hurt your chances so long as you have at least some related work experience - say in a non profit or some law related experience. The key would then be to tie this to your reasons for applying to LBJ and detailing how studies there will help you in your new direction. You say you want to take a year to work abroad. Will this work be policy or development related? If so, then this could go in your statement too and would potentially enhance your admission chances.

Now if you don't have even related work experience, then you may be in trouble because you also lack the economics and calculus courses. LBJ will give you a proficiency exam in calculus and if you do not pass it, you may need to take a prerequisite course which will set you behind. I would recommend you discuss in a separate statement how you plan to address the calculus deficiency before matriculating. If you are at all able to without interfering with your major requirements, I would recommend taking that calculus class and at least microeconomics in the spring, or summer at latest.

I guess to answer your question in short, I do not think you would be as competitive as some other applicants, but from the information you gave, I say you still have a decent shot of getting accepted since LBJ last year accepted a large percent of its applicants.

Other things to consider. Do you know any foreign languages? I would guess Spanish since Mexico was in your plans. This would help your case somewhat. Also, are you limited to Texas? If not, then I say apply to other places, especially those that offer dual MSW and MPA degrees. You would get to combine both of your choices in one bang.

Good luck

[sosh]

I think you have a good shot if your essay is well-focused regarding how you want to use your degree.