Master of Professional Studies in Civic Engagement

Working with an adviser, you'll select courses from academic departments across the University of Minnesota related to your chosen track. Courses must be taken at the graduate level. 

Civic Life and Social Justice Track

Perspectives in Global Citizenship Track

You may take up to 6 credits of GCC (Grand Challenge Courses).

Election Administration Track

The following items are required for admission: 

• bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary US institution or its foreign equivalent 
• an undergraduate GPA of 3.0* 

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is not required. 

* In exceptional circumstances, promising applicants with lower GPA may be considered for the program. Explanation for GPA, and evidence that academic success at the graduate level is achievable, must be addressed in the application (extenuating circumstances).

1. First, access the online application.
2. Attach all required application materials electronically to your application.

Applicant Statements

• Personal statement: One to two pages, double-spaced, should describe your personal and/or professional goals, why you think the Civic Engagement program will help you achieve them, and how you plan to focus your program. 
• Diversity statement: Optional.
• Extenuating Circumstances statement: If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, please provide an explanation.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation should be solicited from individuals who can provide a candid assessment of your abilities (including strengths and weaknesses), personality, character, and potential for graduate-level academic success and professional achievement.

Writing Sample

Include a writing sample (five to ten pages) on any topic that demonstrates critical thinking and analysis. If possible, include one sample of academic writing and one sample of written work from relevant work or volunteer experience.

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts or academic records for each institution (even if you didn’t receive a degree) should be uploaded directly to the online application. International students should also upload an English translation if the transcript is not in English. If possible, make sure the institution has put your name on the transcript/record.

Resume or CV

Submit a current resume or CV.

GRE Scores

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is not required.

Application Fee

A nonrefundable application fee is due on submission.

You may be able to transfer up to 10 credits of graduate-level coursework completed prior to admission, with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.

Transfer coursework requirements:

• Taken at the University of Minnesota or another accredited institution 
• Completed at the graduate level and listed on a graduate transcript
• Earned a grade of B or better
• Completed no more than five years prior to admission to the program 

Transfer Coursework Taken as an Undergraduate

You may be able to transfer up to 6 of the 10 transfer coursework credits taken as an undergraduate, with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies and the Assistant Director for Graduate Programs.

Pre-baccalaureate transfer coursework requirements:

• Completed as a pre-baccalaureate student pursing an undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota and listed on your undergraduate transcript
• Taken at the graduate level
• Earned a grade of B or higher
• Completed no more than five years prior to admission to the program
• Not counted toward completion of a bachelor’s degree

In order to transfer your graduate-level credits completed as a pre-baccalaureate student, submit:

1. A petition form, signed by an undergraduate program adviser confirming credits were not used toward undergraduate degree 
2. Syllabi from course(s), preferred
3. Full APAS report

The DGS and the Assistant Director for Graduate Programs will review the information and jointly decide on the use of the credits in your graduate program.

If your native language is not English, please submit scores from the TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS English proficiency examination. Read more about required scores.

• Required TOEFL scores are 84 or above, with section scores of at least 21 on writing and at least 19 on reading.
• Required IELTS score is 6.5, with section scores of at least 6.5 for both writing and reading.
• Required MELAB score is 84.

For information on visa status, contact the International Student and Scholar Services office.

Credit courses taken before admission may be applied toward this degree. You can take a graduate-level course before being admitted if:

• the course is graduate-level (4xxx-level or above), and
• you register for credit as a nondegree graduate student and pay graduate-level tuition.

Follow these steps to register:

1. Download and submit a Registration Request for Graduate Credit for Nondegree Students Form. Registration for nondegree students is not available online.
2. Send the form to the department offering the courses for authorization. Use this form each term until you are admitted to a program.
3. Upon authorization, the department offering the graduate course will forward the form to the registrar or provide you with further instructions.
4. You will receive confirmation and payment instructions by email.

More information can be found on the One Stop page for nondegree students.

For course descriptions, visit the University Catalog.

For course details (date, time, instructor, etc.), visit the Class Search.