Graduate Degree
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


The Value of a Graduate Degree *

Is a graduate degree a worthwhile investment?

Of course we are going to say yes, as the financial advantages, personal fulfillment, and professional advancement are key motivations in pursuing a graduate degree. A master's degree can take two years to complete and can cost thousands of dollars, but those who do pursue this path feel that short-term costs will play into long-term benefits. They realize that as more and more people acquire undergraduate degrees, organizations will fill top positions with those who develop a deeper understanding in their chosen field through a graduate degree.

Attending graduate school can also open doors in your field through collaboration and networking. Professors, colleagues, and practitioners alike have information to share, so a key feature of your graduate education is to query, dialogue, and learn from them. Remember, collaboration efforts could have professional payoffs later.

Furthermore, consider that your education should offer a return on investment, or ROI. Recently, Texas A&M University was rated by Smart Money magazine as the top university in the nation for "payback ratio"—the earnings levels of an institution's graduates compared to what they paid in tuition, fees, and related costs. Texas A&M also ranked high in the most recent "best value" surveys by U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger's magazines, and The Princeton Review. Additionally, Texas A&M was the top-ranked institute in The Washington Monthly's most recent (2007) "College Guide," which its editors said focuses on "tangible contributions to the public interest." Clearly, the Bush School shares with the rest of the University in this critical value.

What are the financial advantages of a
graduate degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Census, in 2004 for people 25 years and over, the median income was $53,581 for a bachelor's degree and $67,361 for a master's. This $14,000 difference a year will add significant earning potential over the course of a lifetime.

When do I pursue a graduate degree?

You seek your graduate degree when the time is right for you. Some will enroll in graduate school while in the midst of their career, possibly on a part-time basis, while others will attend just out of college. The right time is dependent upon your individual circumstances and opportunity. It's never too early to research your options, even if you don't apply right then.

Please note that not all schools will require work experience, but you should have some relevant internships or short-term employment, service, or travel opportunities that have helped focus your career outlook. If not, start looking.



Public and International
Affairs Degree Questions *

What's the difference between an MPA, an MPP, and
the Bush School's MPSA?

The Bush School's MPSA degree combines the best elements of both a conventional MPA degree and an MPP degree by combining an emphasis on both public and nonprofit management and public policy. As with an MPA, and even the MPP, we prepare students for service careers in public management and in public policy analysis; and we offer the same standard courses.

Furthermore, public service is the cornerstone of the Bush School's philosophy—it shapes all aspects of the curriculum, research, and student experience. For instance, students are highly engaged in leadership and writing exercises to enhance their skills in effective public management; they actively engage their colleagues and professors in role-playing simulations and presentations; they apply their practical and theoretical classroom learning to international opportunities and capstone research projects; they participate in professional development opportunities like our multiple speaker series, conferences, and internships; they voluntarily participate in student organizations, including our Student Government Association, Public Service Organization, athletic teams, and/or Foreign Language and Cultural Society. In short, we accentuate the service element to create principled leaders who are effective both professionally and personally.

What's the difference between an MA and
the Bush School's MPIA?

Our Masters Program in International Affairs (MPIA), which leads to a Master of International Affairs (MIA) degree, is a professional program that not only provides intensive career-oriented study but also incorporates critical leadership and skill elements.

Our MIA focuses on two primary fields in international affairs—national security affairs and international economics and development. Students seeking careers in diplomacy, defense-military policy, intelligence, international economic development, trade and transfer pricing, international consulting, etc., will find this program to be a natural fit that offers strong professional preparation. The hallmark of this program is small classes with experts on international subjects combined with study abroad courses, language immersion, and exchange programs that prepare students for varied careers in the international arena. There is a premium placed on experiential learning—simulation, role-playing, group exercises, and case study analysis.

How do the Bush School's MPSA and MIA degrees relate to one another?

Texas A&M is one of only a few major public universities offering both a public management/ public policy degree and an international affairs degree within a comprehensive school of public and international affairs. The Bush School is a separate, graduate-only professional school on par with the other colleges within Texas A&M University. By offering both degree programs, and doing so within the same school with an integrated curriculum and faculty, the Bush School enables students to take courses across its programs if they desire special combinations of skills and abilities. For example, some students in public management or policy analysis prefer to add international affairs content to their experience; and students in international affairs often seek an additional grounding in public management as they anticipate careers involving international management.



National Program Evaluation Questions *

Are MPA/MPSA and MPP graduate schools ranked?
Is this important?

Yes, public affairs programs are ranked, although no accrediting professional organization formally endorses such rankings. Program rankings conducted by U.S. News and World Report can be important in helping MPA/MPSA and MPP fields gain national recognition, but they should never be a sole source of evaluation. You might consider using rankings as a starting point to research highly regarded programs across the country. Just remember to keep an open mind and apply to programs that offer the best fit for your career goals, personality, location, finances, etc. All programs have benefits and drawbacks, no matter who or where they are.

Should my degree be an MPA, MPSA,
MPP, MIA, MA or MS?

If you are considering a career in public or international affairs, particularly in professional positions in the government, nonprofit organizations, policy-oriented research firms, or in the government relations section of private corporations, then a professional master's degree is more appropriate than a more general MA or MS degree. Examples of professional degrees include a Masters in Public Administration or Public Affairs (MPA), Masters in Public Service and Administration (MPSA), Masters in Public Policy (MPP), or Masters in International Affairs (MIA).

MPA, MPSA, MPP, and MIA programs educate and train leaders in public service so they can better promote the public interest. Programs can be customized with particular degree titles or through concentrations, so graduates with MPAs/MPSAs/MPPs/MIAs are found in a variety of fields and policy areas across all career sectors. Their basic foundations in research methods, policy analysis, and/or public management provide concrete skills that benefit not only recent undergraduates but also the mid-level professional.

Although national programs have various names, Master of Public Affairs (MPA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Public Management (MPM), or Master of International Affairs (MIA), they all have similar educational goals—to help you synthesize and transfer your college education, extra-curricular activities, and professional experiences into a meaningful career in serving the public good.

What exactly is an MPA or MPSA degree?

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) or a Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) degree offers professional preparation for people who want a public service career in management. Typically an interdisciplinary program, these degrees equip leaders and managers with the skills and techniques to implement policies, projects, and programs that resolve important societal problems while addressing organizational, human resource, and budgetary challenges. Think policy analysts, nonprofit leaders, department directors, auditors, consultants, lawmakers, campaign managers, etc.

MPA/MPSA graduates work in a wide variety of public service fields at all levels of government (federal, state, regional, local), in nonprofit organizations, in international associations, and in the private sector. Coursework for MPA/MPSA candidates typically includes required core courses and a concentration or specialization. Standard coursework includes microeconomics, public finance, research methods/statistics, policy process and policy analysis, leadership, public management, and performance measurement. Sample concentrations include nonprofit management, state and local government, health policy, environmental management, education policy, security policy and management, and community development.

What is an MPP degree?

A Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree is a professional preparation for people who will analyze, design, research, and evaluate public policy. While the program is used interchangeably in more recent years with the MPA, it differs in course curriculum due to its typically heavier emphasis on quantitative analysis, research methods, statistics and advanced data analysis, and qualitative research. The MPP also offers various specializations: urban policy, social policy, health policy, global policy, nonprofit leadership, economic development, information technology, etc. People with an MPP may work in the same career fields as those with an MPA/MPSA.

How are the MPA and MPP different?

Essentially, the two terms are intertwined at some level due to the meshing of program curricula over time. Both degrees benefit from the other's strengths; so while course offerings overlap somewhat, MPA programs tend to place more emphasis on the operation of government and the implementation and/or management of projects and programs; and MPP programs provide more focus upon public policy analysis, research, and evaluation.

Is the Bush School public affairs program ranked?

Yes, U.S. News periodically surveys key academic and program leaders in the broad field of public affairs (both public and private) and asks them their perception of programs. This reputational, or subjective, survey is used to rank programs/schools, but it does not include objective data. Among public institutions like Texas A&M University, the Bush School is ranked in the top 11%, and among both public and private schools alike, it is ranked in the top 13% of programs.

Should I choose a NASPAA-accredited MPA, MPP,
or equivalent program?

The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) is a membership association of graduate programs in public administration, public policy, and public affairs. It has a Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation that ensures master's degree programs meet a standard of excellence in curriculum, administration, mission, admissions, faculty quality, student and career services, and facilities. This rigorous self-study, review, and on-site visit means that approved programs have a certain measure of quality. However, this is a voluntary accreditation (and a time-consuming one); so while this factor can certainly be used when considering graduate programs, it should not be the sole indicator of quality programs. The Bush School is a member of NASPAA, and its MPSA degree is accredited by the Association.

Are MIA programs ranked?

No, not in the way that MPA/MPSA and MPP programs are evaluated, ranked, or accredited. A helpful website for finding some of the top international affairs programs is the Association of Professional Schools in International Affairs (APSIA) site. Texas A&M University is an affiliated member of APSIA.

Is there a national benchmark for assessing the
quality of the Bush School's MIA?

Yes, a recent reputational study of academics in international affairs ranked the Bush School's program in international affairs 22nd nationally in a field where only four public universities were in the top twenty. Our IA program is one of the newest in the U.S., and we are confident that its ranking will continue to rise as more and more people become aware of its excellence.



Career Questions

What makes the MPSA and MIA relevant
to today's society?

Although public, nonprofit, and health care agencies have been functional for nearly a century, the growing concerns in terrorism and natural disasters have placed them into the forefront of American awareness. From the essential community backbone of police, firefighters, city planners, and nonprofit leaders to the larger field of state, national and international players in government, security, health care, intelligence, diplomacy, and development, public service agents are essential to the smooth operation of governance and the economy, and the education, health, and safety of citizens. An MPSA or MIA degree prepares for effective service in a challenging world.

One of the fundamental commitments of the degree programs is to promote public service. An emphasis on serving others is not only a commitment of the Bush School, it is one of the distinctive characteristics of Texas A&M University. The Washington Monthly's most recent (2007) assessment ranked Texas A&M first among all universities in the U.S. for contributions of its faculty, students, and graduates through "tangible contributions to the public interest."

What career outlook exists for
public sector employees?

First, the opportunity for employment in the public sector over the next decade will outpace the private sector due to the large number of employees in the public work force eligible for retirement. Second, due to those retirements, there will be vacancies in middle and upper management levels that can be filled by qualified candidates, meaning faster promotion. Third, public, nonprofit, and health care sectors are seeing an unprecedented demand for more efficient and effective ways of addressing societal issues. These changes provide opportunities for innovative people to develop new partnerships and methods for attacking problems such as pollution, health care, redevelopment, and education. There's no better time to enter a field where such positive impacts can be made for the betterment of society.

Do certain degrees work better in the domestic field versus the international arena?

Employment options are open to any area, as no one degree dictates job offers focused in any particular field. In fact, the specializations one gathers in a program are a better indicator of job preparedness than the degree title itself. For instance, many MPA and MPP programs, like the Bush School's MPSA degree, have concentrations that effectively prepare students for international service or for service with an international organization based in the U.S. Similarly, those with an MIA may work for the federal government in any number of agencies that have either a domestic or international focus. In short, graduates find MPA/MPSA and MIA degrees open doors in both arenas, and at no time are they constrained to stay in one particular field.

A great option here at the Bush School is taking courses as a degree student in one program, while simultaneously earning a certificate in the other. For instance, if you are interested in gaining the MIA degree, but you also have a strong nonprofit focus, you can earn our CNPM by taking available electives that satisfy both curricula. By planning ahead with your advisor, you earn both the graduate degree and a certificate for no additional cost. Professionally, you now enhance your resume with two specializations.

What are the job prospects for international students?

This will fluctuate depending upon the market and the student's education and skill set, but we tell international students they will have a more successful search for employment in their home country. While we understand the desire for many internationals to stay in the U.S., they must understand there is a "hurdle" to jump in finding jobs in public or international affairs that do not require U.S. citizenship. They exist, but are not as prevalent. The jobs that do exist are largely found in private firms, NGOs, and research organizations.

What are the prospects for private sector jobs?

Private sector jobs are possible and probable, but public service graduates sometimes have to look a bit harder to find them. In addition, you will be competing against MBA students who are interested in business jobs and who are often perceived to be better prepared than you—the idea isn't true, but unfortunately not all hiring managers realize this. Again, factors of the economic market, a student's skill set along with his or her ability to market that skill set, and the type of private sector job for which you are looking all play a part in your prospects. Although it is important to have a realistic attitude about the opportunities for employment in private industry, about 25% of Bush School graduates land jobs in this sector.

Do you offer internship and career search assistance?

Yes, the Bush School maintains a full-time Student Services Office to help students and alumni create successful careers, providing them with the tools to complete an effective employment search, make connections with employers, and find opportunities to build a network of professional contacts. The Office is assisted in this effort by many individual faculty, the growing network of Bush School graduates, and the world-famous Aggie Network.



Program and School Specific Questions

Why is the school named the Bush School?

When President George H.W. Bush selected Texas A&M as the location for his presidential library, the University—realizing Bush's dedication to public service and his desire to see more young people involved in serving their communities and country—promised to launch a new school of government to be located in the presidential complex. The George Bush School of Government and Public Service opened its doors in the fall of 1997 with the Master of Public Service and Administration degree and then branched out in 2002 with the Master of International Affairs and its first online certificate. This nonpartisan school continues to grow in both size and options and proudly exemplifies the public spirit and leadership found in our 41st President.

What are the perceived benefits in attending a Presidential school?

Only six presidential schools exist, and only two have active presidents. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and dynamic benefactor, who regularly works with his library and museum, foundation, and school to infuse public spirit. His involvement provides the Bush Foundation and the Bush School great leverage in securing top national and international speakers and prominent conferences and workshops. His attention also helps secure generous scholarship support to help the Bush School fulfill his legacy of preparing the next generation of public servants—professionals who can earn a premiere education at a public school cost.

Combine these unique elements of political networking and generous scholarship aid to a premiere curriculum and faculty; a superb facility; small class sizes; practical experience opportunities in internships, study abroad, and capstone projects; volunteer opportunities; state-of-the-art computing resources and shared workspace; and leadership and writing programs, and you have the makings of a dynamic presidential school.

If I am undecided about whether I want to pursue the MPSA or the MIA degree, may I apply to both? How will I know which degree program is right for me?

You may only apply to one Bush School degree program at a time, and you must make that decision when you submit your online application for admission. There is a difference between the curriculum and focus of the two programs, so you should thoroughly study the website descriptions to make your decision. If still unsure, you can also discuss your educational and career objectives with faculty and staff advisors. Contact our director of recruitment for more help.

Is there a way to combine elements of
the two degree programs?

Absolutely. The integrative nature of the School allows for cross-program training no matter which program you choose. You can use a number of your electives to take specialty classes from the other program, further enhancing your skills and knowledge. In fact, if you plan your degree with your advisor and take courses that are also cross-listed as certificate options, then you can earn both a master's degree and a certificate for the same cost. Three common combinations are our Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) degree with a Certificate in Advanced International Affairs (CAIA) and our Master of International Affairs (MIA) degree with a Certificate in Nonprofit Management (CNPM) or Certificate in Homeland Security (CHLS). Any combination can work to enhance a resume.

May I combine my degree with another graduate degree at Texas A&M?

Yes, from a certain perspective. The Bush School allows students to take courses in other Texas A&M graduate departments to tailor their concentrations, but this does not result in a dual or second degree. However, for Texas A&M political science and economics undergraduates, we do offer a number of 5-year joint degree programs that earn students both their bachelor's and master's degree in an accelerated timeline.

Do you allow transfer hours from another program?

Texas A&M University allows consideration of up to 16 credit hours from a master's degree program (G7, degree-seeking students) to count toward either of our degrees. Before applying, we encourage you to discuss your situation with a faculty or staff advisor and the respective program director. Final decisions on transfer credit will be made the summer before enrollment.

May I count certificate courses toward
the masters' degrees?

Yes, Texas A&M allows consideration of up to 12 hours of graduate, non-degree (G6) seeking credit to count towards a degree plan, so the Bush School can "double-count" some certificate coursework toward the MPSA or MIA. Earlier credit can either knock off a semester's residency (IA only) or can help reduce a semester load from 12 to 9 credit hours (MPSA/MIA). However, it's important to note that successful completion of a certificate does not establish eligibility for admission to degree-seeking status.

Do you offer a doctoral degree at the Bush School?

The Bush School does not have a doctoral program at this time. You can look to Texas A&M University's Department of Political Science or Department of Economics to find a suitable Ph.D. program.

May I attend part-time while I work?

Entrance into the MPSA and MIA degree programs is on a full-time basis. However, both programs will consider a few students each year for part-time status if approved by the program director. Anyone considering this option should have a flexible daytime schedule to accommodate morning or afternoon weekday classes, as few courses are offered in the evenings.

May students begin the degree program
in the spring semester?

The Bush School has cohort degree programs and conducts a comprehensive admissions process each year. These two factors limit spring admission considerations to transfers, part-time students, and MPIA military exemptions. Expect to apply a year before admission.

An alternative choice is to enroll in spring classes through one of our certificate programs during your wait. Extended education enrolls students each spring, summer, and fall semesters and offers the online convenience of course flexibility and location.

Are any web-based courses offered
in the degree program?

The Bush School offers a number of web-based courses through its three online certificates; and when planned accordingly with their faculty advisor, students can take and apply these elective courses towards their degree plan.

Do you have an online degree program?

No, the Bush School does not offer an online degree program at this time. We do offer a number of certificates that can be completed online through extended education, and up to 12 of those credit hours can be applied to the degree programs. Even so, a minimum of 18 months must be spent in College Station, Texas, to complete degree requirements.

Why don't you have an online degree program?

The Bush School has implemented a number of key components that cannot be duplicated online—a collaborative learning program that encourages interactions between professors, colleagues, and active practitioners who visit campus; supportive programs in leadership development and writing where students meet regularly; office space that's allocated to all students to assist in mentoring, collaboration, and participation; collaborative research capstone projects whereby students apply practical and classroom theories to real-world projects for external clients; internships, foreign language acquisition, and international study tours so students can actively participate and experience; and an active student services program to assist students with advice and career resources. We relish these unique features and hesitate to implement a degree with fewer opportunities.

The MIA program has a foreign language requirement. What supports are in place to help students gain the required proficiency?

The MIA degree has a foreign language requirement as a condition for graduation, not enrollment, for all students for whom English is their native tongue. Students must demonstrate spoken proficiency in a foreign language at the intermediate-low level through a telephone interview conducted and determined by Language Testing International. Multiple language tests may be taken.

To help students gain and maintain foreign language proficiency, the Bush School has established a number of efforts: students can visit our 24/7 language laboratory that utilizes linguistic software like Rosetta Stone and Multilingual; students can undertake cultural study and language immersion trips during a holiday or summer break or in place of the summer internship; students can participate in group language practice through our Foreign Language and Cultural Society's weekly sessions; and students can access both courses and tutors in numerous languages throughout the Texas A&M University community.

When does the Bush School start in the fall?

For fall 2009, the first official day of school is August 31. However, we host a mandatory incoming student orientation the week prior to the first day of school. The Bush School follows the Texas A&M University Academic Calendar.



Undergraduate Preparation Questions

What undergraduate majors are popular?
Do I have to have a liberal arts background?

MPSA and MIA students possess a wide variety of undergraduate degrees, including political science, economics, psychology, English, history, foreign languages, international studies, criminal justice, sociology, biological sciences, engineering, information technology, and many others. While the majority are liberal arts based, not all are; and those from fields "outside" the norm offer their own unique perspective to the classroom and result in different career opportunities.

Are there required prerequisite courses?

The MPSA program strongly recommends that students have prior coursework in American government, economics, and statistics or research methods.

Prerequisites for MIA prospects depend upon the track interest. National security track students are expected to have some prior knowledge of cross-national history, international relations, or world politics. International economics and development track students are required to have prior undergraduate coursework in basic and intermediate economics or statistics (or some variation).

What factors make for a competitive applicant?
What do I need to do now to position myself well?

Typical of most graduate programs, prior academic success is a primary factor in evaluation, as are standardized test scores. However, the Bush School goes well past those quantitative measures to also thoroughly evaluate the qualitative strengths of each applicant. The strongest applicants have both factors in hand: good grades and test scores with relevant, passionate experience and interest.

Generally speaking, competitive applicants realize that to serve effectively they must participate in the world around them. These students join and run organizations, fulfill campus positions, participate in community projects, trek overseas to study abroad, serve in the military, learn multiple languages, and seek relevant internships. They get involved and develop leadership qualities that outstrip other candidates. For that reason, successful applicants must start early and then later relay that background experience into substantive essays and interviews. The admissions committee is looking for unique qualifications and personality that add to the overall Bush School education and experience.

Some important questions to ask yourself:

  1. Do I display an interest in public or international affairs? What have I read, studied, or conversed about? Is this my passion?
  2. PSA: What is my service orientation? Do I show evidence of helping or working with others? IA: Have I made friends with people from other countries? Do I follow foreign affairs in the news? Have I traveled outside the U.S.? Have I learned a foreign language?
  3. Am I interested in careers in the public sector or nonprofit sector of domestic or international affairs as opposed to a career in business or in an academic setting (teaching/research)?
  4. What evidence is there of my ability to do graduate level academic work? GPA, GRE
  5. How well do I communicate in writing and in conversation?


Admissions Questions

How many applications to the degree programs
do you receive, and how many applicants
are accepted to the program?

Between the two degree programs, the Bush School receives approximately 300 applications and conducts interviews for about 200 of them, resulting in an enrollment of about 100 students per year.

Who makes the decision on admissions and when will the Bush School announce its decision?

Shortly after the January priority deadline, the Bush School Admissions Committee reviews all of the submitted applications and narrows the pool of applicants to about 100 candidates per degree program. Selected applicants are then invited to the Interview Conferences in February and March, where applicants have the opportunity to meet Bush School faculty, students, and staff to learn more about campus and School dynamics. Final admissions decisions are announced in mid-March and admitted students have until mid-April to make a decision.

When is the Interview Conference and what is its form?

From late January to late February, selected applicants are invited to one of two Interview Conferences, held this year for the MPSA on February 20-21, 2009, and for the MPIA on February 27-28, 2009. Applicants are responsible for their lodging and travel expenses to and from the conference, although those who apply by the priority deadline can have part of their costs reimbursed. Meals will be provided by the Bush School on Friday evening and all day Saturday. Dress is business casual.

Applicants who receive an invitation to the Interview Conference and are unable to attend will be contacted for a telephone interview in February.

After the Interview Conference, how long will it be before a decision is made?

The admissions committees convene within a week after the final Interview Conference to make decisions. Students are notified of the School's decision soon after, usually by mid-March.



Application Questions

When do you begin accepting applications?

We begin accepting degree applications the September before your desired fall start. For those interested in a fall 2009 entrance, that was September 2008. The priority application deadline is January 16, 2009. Please see the requirements web page for more information on how to apply.

The online application for fall 2009 admission is currently available.

What is the deadline for Bush School applications?

For both the MPIA and MPSA degree programs, the priority deadline for submitting application materials for admission is January 16, 2009. The deadline is NOT a postmark deadline.

The Bush School will continue to consider applications from qualified candidates for admission beyond the priority date on a space available basis as late as the end of April. Note, however, that program directors may shorten or lengthen this timeline based on application rates. Applications submitted after the January priority deadline will be considered for scholarship support; however, some of the most significant scholarship awards are made early.

International applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their application package by the January priority deadline.

How do I obtain an application?

The Bush School accepts applications online through the Apply Texas Application https://www.applytexas.org.

What documents are required for
a complete application?

The online application and application fee should be directed to the Office of Graduate Admissions (979-845-1044). Official transcripts, GRE/GMAT scores, three letters of recommendation on official letterhead along with the completed recommendation form, the statement of purpose, leadership experience, relevant experience, professional resume, and application checklist must be sent to the Bush School. Complete and detailed instructions may be found on the Admissions, Degree, Requirements page.

How will I know when my application is complete?

You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete and submitted by the January priority deadline through the Apply Texas website. You will be notified by Bush School e-mail when your application packet has been received, processed, and is complete. Application processing includes transcript verification and processing by the University. This process may take two to three weeks and up to four to six weeks during the peak period (December and January). Please take this into account when submitting your application. You may check the status of your online application at https://applicant.tamu.edu.

How many recommendation letters are needed? How do I submit these letters?

Three recommendation letters are needed for applying to the Bush School. Recommendation letters should be written by people who have first-hand knowledge of your academic performance, leadership potential, and/or work/public service experience.

There are now two ways to submit recommendations: online or hard copy. To have your recommenders submit their recommendations online, please use the Texas A&M online Letter of Recommendation (LOR) system. The system is accessible through the Applicant Information System (AIS) at http://applicant.tamu.edu. You will use your NetID to log in to the system. Please follow instructions carefully.

For those submitting hard copy letters, give the recommendation form, with the "To be completed by the applicant" section complete, directly to the recommender. The letter of recommendation must be on official letterhead stationery. Ask that the recommendation form and letter be sealed in an envelope and signed across the seal by the recommender and returned to you. Mail the unopened envelopes to the Bush School with the rest of your materials. No fax or e-mail letters are accepted.

What exams are required for admission
to the Bush School?

GRE first and foremost! Although the GRE scores are preferred, we will accept the GMAT. The GRE or GMAT results submitted may not be older than five years. You are not required to take the subject test for the GRE.

International students must also take the TOEFL or IELTS exam. Texas A&M University requires that applicants from non-English speaking countries present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 250 on the computer-based test or an International English Language Testing System Test (IELTS) score of at least 6.0. The scores should be sent directly from the testing service to Texas A&M University (Code 6003) and be from a test date within two years of the date that the application form reaches the Office of Admissions and Records. The minimum TOEFL score considered acceptable by the Bush School is 100 Internet (ibt), 250 computer (cbt), or 600 paper-based (pbt).

How do I find out about taking the GRE?

Students can call the GRE Testing Center at 609-771-8780 for general inquiries about the test or may visit the GRE website at http://www.gre.org/. Candidates can call any college near their home and ask if the testing center offers the computer-based test. Here at Texas A&M, the GRE is offered at least three times a week and an appointment can be made by contacting Texas A&M Measurement and Research Services at 979-845-0532.

Can test score requirements be waived?

The GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS tests are a requirement for degree admission, with no exemptions; we do not waive test scores for those with prior advanced degrees or for those with substantial work experience. We also do not make conditional admits with intent to take the tests after enrollment. Therefore, ensure that you have time to prepare and take the required tests before our mid-January priority deadlines. Electronic scores take two to four weeks to arrive.

What if I cannot take the test or have the test scores arrive by the deadline?

An application will not be considered complete without official test scores. An application can be submitted without the GRE test scores, but we strongly encourage you to submit scores as soon as possible. If taking the GRE via computer, you may request that a RUSH score, an unofficial record of the scores, be sent to the Bush School (Code 6005). The official copy of the scores will then be sent several weeks after the computer exam. In the meantime, if you know the date of the scheduled GRE test, then write that on the application. Once the test is taken, e-mail the unofficial score given at the test's completion to applications@bushschool.tamu.edu.

Remember, the selection committee must have GRE scores to make an admissions decision. We recommend tests be completed by December to meet the January deadline.

Is there a minimum GRE or GPA requirement for admission? Is there a penalty for
taking the GRE more than once?

Although test scores and the GPA are viewed as important academic indicators, we do not require a minimum score or grade average. Generally speaking, the undergraduate GPA for enrollees typically ranges between 3.4-3.6 on a 4.0 scale, and GRE scores average from 1100-1250 out of 1600.

If interested in taking the GRE more than once, you can certainly do that with no penalty. We take the highest total from one sitting. Scores are not averaged, nor do we cross scores from different test dates.

Do international students have to take the
TOEFL or IELTS exam?

Yes, Texas A&M University requires that applicants from non-English speaking countries present an official score report to demonstrate the ability to speak, write, and understand English. This can be met in a number of ways, but the most prevalent is to meet minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores considered acceptable by the Bush School. For the TOEFL, acceptable scores are 100 Internet, 250 computer, or 600 paper-based, taken within the last two years. For the IELTS, acceptable scores are 6.0 or higher, taken within the last two years.



Financial Aid Questions

How can I pay for my education?

Generally speaking, American universities fund selected students through coveted graduate assistantships or scholarships. These opportunities vary greatly by institutions and programs, so ask prospective schools what aid they offer and how you can qualify. Even then, you may still have to fund your graduate experience through loans from your university's financial aid office, so be prepared.

At the Bush School, virtually all students receive aid from among the following:

  1. a technology scholarship worth approximately $1,000 to purchase or upgrade a laptop computer (a required entrance tool);
  2. further aid in the form of Bush School Scholarships awarded to students based on competitive merit (currently ranging from $1,000 to $14,000 per year);
  3. residency tuition waivers that save out-of-state students as much as $7,000 per year;
  4. academically competitive scholarships from the Office of Graduate Studies at Texas A&M (typically valued between $20,000-30,000 a year for nominated applicants); and
  5. graduate assistantships granted to high-achieving, second-year students (requiring them to work 20 hours per week, but offering a higher stipend than Bush School Scholarships).

How many scholarships will the Bush School offer, and how will they be awarded?

Each year, the number of full scholarships will vary, as both class size and funding amount are considered for the entering class. However, partial scholarships are available. The renewal of financial aid for the second year will be at the same monthly rate as long as first-year performance is maintained at a predetermined level. Bush School scholarship recipients are chosen from all of those applying to the Bush School based on their academic performance, leadership potential, and commitment to serving in the public and nonprofit sectors domestically or internationally.

Are international students eligible for
Bush scholarships?

Yes. International students are eligible for Bush School scholarships, but they are not eligible to participate in the Federal Loan programs (Stafford, Perkins, etc.). International students can visit the International Student Services (ISS) website at http://international.tamu.edu/iss/ for a listing of additional scholarships available.

How do I contact the financial aid office?

The financial aid office may be contacted by phone at 979-845-3236 or online at https://financialaid.tamu.edu. For military prospects, Veteran Services is found on this site as well.



Visitation Questions

How can I learn more about the Bush School and/or arrange a campus visit?

You can learn more about the Bush School by thoroughly interacting with our website and by following up with staff, faculty, students, and alumni. We field phone calls and e-mails daily, attend a number of fall events on campus and across the nation, and continually host visitors through our Open House events and through individual visits. A web link has been set up to accommodate visit requests and help with event registration at http://bush.tamu.edu/admissions/degree/recruitment/. We encourage you to contact us a week or two prior to your visit so we can make suitable arrangements.

Another opportunity exists in late February when the Bush School invites selected applicants to one of two comprehensive Interview Conferences on campus. The purpose of these weekends is two-fold: to enable prospective students to examine the Bush School, Texas A&M, and its faculty and to provide the Bush School an opportunity to interview students for admissions consideration. Some financial assistance is available for these conferences for those who apply by the January priority deadline. Those unable to attend will be interviewed by telephone.

How do I contact the Bush School?

If at any time you have questions about the Bush School—from the admissions process and your qualifications to financial aid and program support, please contact us. Our recruitment and admissions directors will be glad to help. Contact Kathryn Meyer at admissions@bushschool.tamu.edu or 979-862-3476; or for specific application questions, please contact Laura Posada at applications@bushschool.tamu.edu or 979-862-8841.

* Source: National Association of Schools of Public Affairs
and Administration (NASPAA).