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    Harvard University

    Master in Public Administration (MPA)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Cambridge, USMPAIn-person2 years
    $128,680.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    80
    Cohort
    students
    64
    Credits
    $100.00
    App fee

    Master in Public Administration (MPA) at Harvard University is a 64-credit, 2-year, in-person MPA program based in Cambridge, US. Tuition is $128,680.

    About the program

    Two-year program with flexible 64-credit curriculum including a policy area of concentration and courses in economics and quantitative analysis, management, leadership and decision sciences, and public ethics and political institutions. Students can cross-register at other Harvard schools, MIT, and Tufts.

    Focus: coursework
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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Dec 1, 2026
    Fall 2028
    Dec 1, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    required
    Min GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply to the MPA Program. However, this requirement can be waived if you have: - an overall grade average of B or better, and - grades of B+ (or equivalent) or better in two college-level courses in economics, statistics, and/or mathematics (algebra or higher). Generally, the most competitive MPP and MPA applicants have a quantitative section score in the 75th percentile or above.
    GMAT
    optional
    Min GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply to the MPA Program. However, this requirement can be waived if you have: - an overall grade average of B or better, and - grades of B+ (or equivalent) or better in two college-level courses in economics, statistics, and/or mathematics (algebra or higher). Generally, the most competitive MPP and MPA applicants have a quantitative section score in the 75th percentile or above (GMAT equivalent not specified for MPA).
    TOEFL
    required
    Min 100 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) either in-person or on the Home Edition. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 25 on each sub-section.
    IELTS
    required
    Min 7 overall band score on the IELTS. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 7 on each section.

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

    $35,544.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master in Public Administration (MPA) at Harvard University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master in Public Administration (MPA) at Harvard University is $128,680 across 64 required credits.
    Is Master in Public Administration (MPA) at Harvard University online or in-person?
    Master in Public Administration (MPA) at Harvard University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master in Public Administration (MPA) at Harvard University take to complete?
    Master in Public Administration (MPA) at Harvard University is structured around 2 years and 64 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master in Public Administration (MPA) at Harvard University?
    Per the program's published guidance: strong academic record
    How large is the Master in Public Administration (MPA) at Harvard University cohort?
    Master in Public Administration (MPA) at Harvard University typically enrolls around 80 students per cohort.