Executive Master of Public Service & Administration (EMPSA)
Apply to the online EMPSA program, designed for experienced professionalsThe Online EMPSA program is designed for working professional with at least five years full-time public service experience and 3 years at the mid-to-upper level. Applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer entry consideration. One week residency weeks are required in person twice during the course of the program. Students may attend residency week in College Station, Texas or Washington, D.C.
Online Flexibility and Convenience
The EMPSA is a fully online master’s degree program for working professionals who need flexibility and convenience in their schedule, but do not want to sacrifice rigor and reputation. The program accepts applications three times a year for fall, spring, and summer entry consideration. Program admissions are competitive. See the applications details and guidelines following.
Who Can Apply
The EMPSA is built for experienced public service professionals. To apply, you need:
- At least five years of full-time public service experience, with at least three years at the mid-to-upper level
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Internship and volunteer experience may count toward the five-year requirement, as long as the combined experience totals five years full-time with at least three years at the mid-to-upper level.
Application Materials
Apply through the Texas A&M GradCAS portal and select the term you want to begin. Submit the materials below by the deadline for that term. All application materials, transcripts, and scores must be received by the deadline.
Required Application Submitted through Texas A&M GradCAS; select your term.
In GradCAS, open the “Add Program” tab and either scroll to find EMPSA or search “Executive Master of Public Service and Administration.” Be sure to select the correct term.
Required Application Fee Required — $89 for US applicants, $114 for international applicants; non-refundable.
To submit the application, applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee via credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover):
$89 for domestic applicants
$114 for international applicants
Required Official Transcripts Official transcripts from all 4-year institutions to the Office of Graduate Admissions, plus unofficial transcripts uploaded to GradCAS.
Submit official transcripts from every 4-year college or university attended to the Texas A&M Office of Graduate Admissions.
You must also upload unofficial transcripts to GradCAS to submit your application.
Texas A&M students and alumni do not need to submit a TAMU transcript. See How to Submit Official Transcripts for submission methods and addresses.
Required Professional Résumé Current résumé; professional public service experience must be included.
Provide a current résumé with your education, relevant work, internship, volunteer, and military experience, and leadership and service.
Upload it to “Supporting Information” in GradCAS.
Be sure your resume succinctly demonstrates at least five years of full-time public service experience, with three of those years at the mid-to-upper level — meaning management experience leading budgets and/or people.
Required Statement of Purpose 750 words; your goals and your public service experience.
In 750 words or less, describe your goals for earning the EMPSA and your public service experience, including the number of years, the range of your experience, and any management or supervisory roles. Include your full name on each page.
Upload to “Program Materials” in GradCAS.
Required (3) Letters of Recommendation Three letters; one may be from a peer.
Three letters are required. At least one should speak to your capacity for graduate academic work, and another to your leadership and mid-to-upper-level public service experience. One letter may be from a peer.
Letters can be submitted through GradCAS, by mail, or by email from your recommender.
Optional GRE/GMAT Test Scores Not required; recommended for GPAs below 3.2 or to strengthen your application.
Testing is optional. Scores are recommended for a GPA below 3.2 or to strengthen your application. The Bush School prefers the GRE. Send scores from ETS to Texas A&M (GRE code 6003, GMAT code 7B7-K9-57), from a test taken within five years of submission.
If required (international) Proof of English Language Proficiency For applicants whose native language is not English.
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency, commonly through TOEFL, IELTS, or completion of a US degree.
See the Texas A&M international graduate admissions page for accepted tests, minimum and preferred scores, and how to submit.
Application Deadlines
The EMPSA accepts applications for fall, spring, and summer entry terms. All materials, transcripts, and scores must be received by the deadline for your desired term of entry.
| Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | November 15, 2026 (by midnight) |
| Summer 2027 | March 14, 2027 (by midnight) |
| Fall 2027 | July 4, 2027 (by midnight) |
Apply
Apply through Texas A&M GradCAS and select the term you want to begin.
Start Your Application in GradCASCost & Funding
EMPSA students are eligible for federal financial aid, and veterans benefits are accepted. Tuition is charged per course and varies by residency and other factors. Scholarships and grants may be available, including options for Texas residents and online students.
Explore EMPSA Cost & FundingConnect with Admissions
Questions? Contact Bush School Online at (979) 862-7810 for all your EMPSA admissions questions.