Public Policy Admissions

Why Public Policy at UCLA?

MPP students can pursue interdisciplinary Data Analytics and Leaders in Sustainability certificate programs. Joint degrees with Law, Management, Public Health, Medicine, and Social Welfare offer an even broader range of skill and expertise development. We take people who are passionate about making a difference in the world and give them the tools they need to do so.

Our master’s program combines the best of rigorous policy education with flexibility and responsiveness that enables us to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. A career in public service is no longer limited to working in government. By giving students a diversified tool kit of quantitative and analytical skills and the flexibility to design their own program of study— while drawing on all the resources of one of the world’s top research universities — we produce graduates who are equipped to become real leaders in policy making, wherever that process takes place.

Admission Requirements

The department seeks a diverse pool of applicants who have been trained in a wide range of disciplines and preferably have had previous work experience in policy making or implementation. No specific background or undergraduate major is required. There are no citizenship requirements to be considered for admission. Admission is selective. Decisions will be based on a multifaceted evaluation of the applicant’s overall academic record, applicable test scores, and potential success in the public policy field, as evidenced by work experience and community, extracurricular, or other relevant experience. An applicant’s written statement of purpose, goals, and letters of recommendation also weigh heavily in the decision-making process.

Applicants must meet the following requirements for admission:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• International applicants may be required to submit diplomas and certificate of completion as proof of eligibility to graduate standing in the University of California
• Obtain a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B).
• Recommended but not required for domestic applicants: submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (strongly recommended for applicants without a quantitative background)
• Required for international applicants: submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Application Process Timeline

October 1, 2026: Application Opens

December 1, 2026: Application Deadline for Funding Consideration

April 15, 2027: Rolling Admission Deadline*

*rolling admission deadline may close early if program has reached capacity

Late February: First Decision Notifications

Mid-Late March: Admitted Student Events

Early April: MPP Welcome Day

April 15: National Enrollment Deadline

Application Guide

View or download the application guide (PDF).

Application Materials

• UCLA Graduate Division Online Application
• Application Fee (To apply for a fee waiver, please see UCLA’s Graduate Division’s criteria here)
• Transcripts (unofficial transcripts requested showing student name, university and most recent information)
• Statement of Purpose – Between 800 -1000 words.
• Resume or CV
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• GRE Scores (recommended but not required for domestic degree applicants; required for international degree applicants)
• TOEFL or IELTS Scores (International Students)
• Personal History Statement – This should be limited to 500 words

Funding Your MPP Degree

Coming soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

View or download the FAQ (PDF).

Events and Services

MPP Admissions Webinar Schedule 

Is Grad School Right for Me? Making an Informed Decision Webinar, September 28, 2026, 6:00PM – 7:00PM PST, SLIDES PENDING

UCLA MPP Program Overview Webinar, October 6, 2026, 6:00PM-7:00PM PST, SLIDES PENDING

UCLA MPP Program Overview for International Applicants Webinar, October 9, 2026, 6:00PM – 7:00PM PST, SLIDES PENDING

Application Overview and Statement of Purpose Writing Workshop, October 22, 2026, 6:00PM – 7:30 PM PST

UCLA MPP Funding and Financial Aid Webinar, November 12, 2026, 6:00PM – 7:00PM PST

UCLA MPP Virtual Open House, November 16, 2026, 5:00PM – 7:00PM PST

UCLA MPP Application Office Hours, November 23, 2026, 12:00PM – 1:00PM PST

UCLA MPP Application Office Hours, November 30, 2026, 12:00PM – 1:00PM PST

UCLA MPP Application Office Hours, December 1, 2026, 3:00PM – 5:00PM PST

Connect With Us

Have additional questions about being a student in the MPP program?

Email us at mppinfo@luskin.ucla.edu for more information.

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