Doctor of Public Administration

Program Coordinator

Admission Deadlines

Additional Links
Dr. Nolan Argyle Fall Semester: April 15 Retention/Dismissal/Readmission Policy
Email:
nargyle@valdosta.edu		 Spring Semester: None Graduation Requirements
Phone: 229-293-6058

Summer Semester: None

 Public Administration Program

Admission Requirements

Required Documents

Admission Requirements

Online Graduate Application
  • Application Fee $35 (credit or debit card and e-checks accepted)
  • Apply Online

One Official Transcript from each institution where you have previously enrolled (undergraduate and graduate).

(Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at VSU will be obtained by the Graduate School
  • Must hold a minimum of a master’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution.
  • Evaluation of International Transcripts - Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework.  This transcript evaluation must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service such as Josef Silny, ECE, etc.

Graduate Record Exam

 Minimum GRE Requirements:
  • 1000 combined Verbal and Quantitative - OR - 500 Verbal AND 5.0 Analytical

Written Statement

(Instructions)

 A-two page written statement by the applicant stating why they are interested in enrolling in the Doctor of Public Administration program, what goals they have for advancing their intellectual abilities in the program, and how study in the program will advance their professional goals.

Three Recommendations

(General Recommendation Form Required)
  • For applicants who completed coursework in the last three years, two recommendations from former professors are encouraged. The third recommendation source should be from a supervisor with whom the applicant is/was employed for more than 6 months.
  • Applicants who have not enrolled in coursework in the last three years should seek professional recommendations.
  • Personal recommendation sources (friends, family) are discouraged.

Resume
    A comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae.

VSU Medical Form

Page 1 of Medical Form

Page 2 of Medical Form
  • The form must be completed and signed by the student/applicant.
  • This form must be received prior to enrollment, NOT prior to admission.
  • Applicants who are currently enrolled, and those who attended VSU in the past, are not required to resubmit the Medical Form

Verification of Lawful Presence

(Effective Fall 2011 for applicants who believe they qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.)
  • This is not required for individuals who do not qualify for in-state tuition or a residency waiver.
  • This must be received prior to enrollment (if applicable), NOT prior to admission.
  • Citizenship documentation is needed for any applicant who wishes to be considered for in-state tuition.
  • Complete list of accepted documents and information on residency.

Unless otherwise indicated above, all required documents must be received on or before the admission deadline for your file to be reviewed. It is the applicant's responsibility to allow adequate time for document delivery and to en-sure receipt of documents. Please allow at least 7-10 days for delivery by mail.

Important Program Information

The DPA program is a predominantly online program; however, DPA students are required to attend courses on-campus two weekends per year.

International Applicants 

  • Due to the online hybrid nature of the DPA program, Homeland Security Visa Requirements, I-20 Student Visas cannot not be issued for the DPA program.  Individuals who will require an I-2o student visa to participate in the on-campus requirements are not eligible for admission to this program.
  • Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required for individuals whose first language is not English.– A minimum TOEFL score of 523 (paper-based test), 193 (computer-based test), or 70 (Internet-based test).  Applicants whose first language is not English but who have completed a graduate degree in the U.S., are exempt from completing the TOEFL requirement.
  • Applicants who have completed coursework at an institution outside of the United States must submit a course-by-course evaluation of the coursework.  This transcript evaluation, as it is more commonly called, must be completed by an international education credentials evaluation service.  This document is required in conjunction with official transcripts from each institution (see page 1) and does not replace the transcript requirement.

Admission Classifications

  • Regular Status
  • Admission by Exception/Probationary Status (see below)
    • Applicants who are exceptionally motivated with combined scores of 900-999 or 400 Verbal and 4.0 Analytical AND a graduate grade-point average in the range of 3.25 to 3.49 to be considered for admission as a Probationary Students. Applicants with GRE scores within this range should submit a letter requesting probationary admission. The letter should be included with other application materials submitted to the Graduate School. Applicants may put the letter to the attention of the DPA Admissions Committee.
  • Irregular Admission is not available for this program.

Admission Questions 

For admission questions about this program, please contact the Graduate School by phone, email, or stop by our office.
  • Call Us: 229-333-5694 or toll free 800-618-1878, Option #5

 

 

 

 

 

 
  • Visit Us: Psychology Building (Main Campus), Third Floor, Suite 3100

 

 

 

Applicant Resources