Master's Program Frequently Asked Questions
Important information about applying to SPEA
Specific questions may be directed to speaapps@indiana.edu or the Masters Program Office, 800.765.7755.
What are the average GRE scores and GPA of SPEA’s most current incoming class?
How many applications did SPEA receive last year and how many students enrolled in the program?
Do I need to enter a Departmental Code to send my GRE or TOEFL scores to SPEA?
I am a US permanent resident or US citizen who completed my undergraduate education outsde of the US. Do I need to complete any additional forms for my application?
How can I check my application status?
Is there a word limit for the personal statement? Are two statements required?
Can I upload my transcripts to the eApp?
Does SPEA accept electronic transcripts?
What is the difference between need-based and merit-based aid?
What are the average GRE scores and GPA of SPEA’s most current incoming class?
- The 2012-2013 incoming MPA class had average GRE verbal scores in the 71st percentile, quantitative in the 59th percentile, and an average analytical score of 3.30/6. The average GPA was 3.59 on a 4.00 scale.
- The 2012-2013 incoming MSES class had average GRE verbal scores in the 66th percentile, quantitative in the 66th percentile, and an average analytical score of 3.00/6. The average GPA was 3.26 on a 4.00 scale.
- The 2012-2013 incoming dual degree (MPA/MSES) class had average GRE verbal scores in the 77th percentile, quantitative in the 67th percentile, and an average analytical score of 3.72/6. The average GPA was 3.48 on a 4.00 scale.
How many applications did SPEA receive last year and how many students enrolled in the program?
| Number of Applications |
Fall 2012 Enrollment |
|
| MPA | 433 | 130 |
| MSES | 85 | 34 |
| DUAL MPA/MSES |
80 | 26 |
Do I need to enter a Departmental Code to send my GRE or TOEFL scores to SPEA?
It is not necessary to enter a Departmental Code. If you enter Indiana University (Institutional Code #1324), we will receive your scores. If you would like to enter a Departmental Code, you may use #94 for the TOEFL and 2204 (MPA) and 0502 (MSES) for the GRE.
I am a US permanent resident or US citizen who completed my undergraduate education outside of the US. Do I need to complete anything additional for my application?
Permanent residents and US citizens who completed their undergraduate education outside of the US should fill out the domestic application. You are also required to fill out an additional form to accompany your transcripts. The form can be found here:http://admit.indiana.edu/doc/IUBSupIntlApp1.pdf. Please send your official transcripts and this form directly to SPEA’s Masters Program Office (MPO) at 1315 E. 10th St. Bloomington, IN 47405.
How can I check my application status?
SPEA has recently launched a self-service platform allowing you to check the status of your application materials at any time. AFTER you submit the eApp and pay the application fee, you will recieve an email containing a link to your self-service checklist. Please retain the email and link so that you may access your checklist whenever you wish. Please know that SPEA receives a high volume of application materials daily and it may take up to 5 business days for your checklist to reflect recently received materials. Please feel free to contact the MPO at speaapps@indiana.edu at any time with questions about your application, materials, and checklist.
Is there a word limit for the personal statement? Are two statements required?
You only need to submit one personal statement. The personal statement is usually two pages in length (~500 words) and should be uploaded to the online application. There are no word or character number requirements or limitations. Please consider responding to the following prompt: Describe your most important accomplishments and how they prepared you for graduate study at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Outline carefully your current goals and professional plans. Explain your reasons for selecting the School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
Can I upload my transcripts to the eApp?
Official transcripts from every institution you have attended are required. You should not upload your transcripts or degree certificates to the eApp. International students should send their transcripts directly to the Office of International Services while domestic applicants may send their transcripts directly to SPEA. Both addresses can be found on the Application Checklist page.
Does SPEA accept electronic transcripts?
SPEA is happy to accept electronic transcripts. Please note that the transcript must be official and come directly from the University or appropriate transcript service. Please be sure that your transcript is being sent to speaapps@indiana.edu, not the general Indiana University admissions office.
When you apply for admission to SPEA, there is no separate merit aid application process. To be considered for SPEA merit based aid, you only need to check the appropriate box under the Financial Aid section in the Departmental Questions and submit your complete application by the priority deadline of February 1st. SPEA financial aid decisions are made separately from admission decisions. Therefore, admission letters are NOT accompanied by award offers. Once the priority deadline (February 1) has passed, we begin our award process. We strive to notify each recipient of his or her selection for an award in mid-March to early April.
What is the difference between need-based and merit-based aid?
SPEA allocates merit-based aid from our departmental budgets. Merit aid allocations are determined by ranking applicants within the applicant pool based on criteria that include: transcript substance, undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, work and/or other experiences. Need-based aid is processed by a separate office at Indiana University: the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). You may contact OSFA with questions regarding the need-based aid allocation process and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process. Additionally, a timeline of what to expect after you file a FAFSA is available online.