Graduate Admission

Admission to the MPA or MHA program requires:

1. A completed graduate application. (Contact Sherry Moyer at moyers@gvsu.edu or 616 331-6575 for an application packet.)
2. A $30 nonrefundable application fee unless the applicant has previously applied to Grand Valley State University and paid this fee.
3. An official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended.
4. An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher from an accredited college or university, calculated on the last two years of undergraduate work.
5. Three letters of reference from informed sources.
6. An essay on career and educational objectives.
7. Scores from either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or equivalent examination for international students whose native language is not English.

Applicants with less than a 3.0 grade point average may be admitted if other indicators predict a likelihood of academic success. These include but are not limited to five or more years of professional work experience since receiving a baccalaureate degree, three letters of recommendation, a personal interview, and GRE or GMAT scores.

Completed applications are thoroughly reviewed by the school's admissions committee. To ensure full consideration for fall admission, all application materials should be received by May 1. Early application is strongly encouraged. The committee reserves the right to require additional information it deems appropriate and necessary. The majority of students admitted to the school will begin their studies in the fall semester. Late applicants will be admitted on the basis of remaining vacancies. Winter term applications should be received by November 1. Decisions of the admissions committee are final.

Students in the process of applying for admission to the MPA program may enroll in PA 520 in a nondegree status.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of 12 semester hours of transfer credit will be given for appropriate graduate courses completed within the previous five-year period with a grade of B or better at another college or university. These transfer credits may be substituted for required courses or given general credit as determined by the faculty.

Advising

An SPNA advisor is assigned upon admission to a graduate program. Students should meet with their advisor to develop a program of study.