Frequently Asked Questions
AdmissionsFinancial Aid & Program Costs
Program Information
Contact & Visiting Information
International Applicants
Admissions
What are the application requirements?
Full-time, Executive, and Certificate Program:
- Application for Admission
- $70 Application Fee
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- Three letters of recommendation (at least one academic letter is required)
- GRE Scores (not required for Certificate applicants) – Use code 2893. LSAT or GMAT scores are also accepted in lieu of GRE scores. *LSAC and GMAC will not report official scores to non-law/non-business schools. Applicants should mail a copy of their score report to the Fels Admissions Office*
- TOEFL or IELTS Scores (required for international applicants who have not attended an English speaking university for at least one year. Use code 2926)
- Personal Interview (not required for full-time applicants)
Non-Degree Program:
- Application for Admission
- $70 Application Fee
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Personal Interview
What is the application fee and do you grant fee waivers?
The application fee for all programs is $70.00 US dollars. Payment must be made by credit card, check, or international postal money order, written in U.S. currency and made payable to "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania."
Fee waivers are granted to McNair Fellows, Peace Corps Volunteers currently serving abroad, and Teach for America members. Participants of these programs should include a letter from their program coordinators verifying enrollment. Fee waivers for other individuals are granted by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences on a case-by-case basis. To request a fee waiver, please contact GAS.
How do I apply online?
We highly recommend that students complete an online application for the MGA and Certificate Programs. If you do not have regular online access you may submit a paper application.
Non-degree applications may be downloaded here.
What does the admissions committee look for in an applicant?
The admissions committee welcomes highly qualified individuals with a commitment to public service, demonstrated leadership abilities, and distinguished academic records to consider Fels for graduate studies. Although we do not require previous full-time work experience, we strongly encourage current undergraduate students to gain several years of post-collegiate work experience to strengthen their applications. Participation in programs such as Teach for America, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, NYU Urban Fellows, and Coro Fellows are one way of demonstrating a commitment to public service.
What standardized tests are required for the application?
Fels requires an official score report for the GRE (general test only). LSAT or GMAT scores may be accepted in lieu of GRE scores. Please note that LSAC and GMAC will not report official scores to non-law/non-business schools. Applicants should mail a copy of their score report to the Admissions Office. GRE, LSAT and GMAT scores are valid for up to 5 years after the testing date. For more information on the GRE, visit www.gre.org.
TOEFL or IELTS scores are also required for international students who have not studied at least one year in an English-speaking university. TOEFL test scores are certified for two years after the test date. For more information on the TOEFL or IELTS tests, visit www.toefl.org or www.ielts.org.
What is the institution code for Fels for standardized tests?
GRE: Institution code 2893, Department code 0000
TOEFL: 2926, No department code
What are the deadlines for applying and when will I hear about my admissions decision?
| Full-time MGA | Executive MGA | Certificate | |
| Spring | Contact Admissions Office | November 1 – Notification by December 15 | November 1 – Notification by December 15 |
| Summer | N/A | March 1 – Notification by April 15 | March 1 – Notification by April 15 |
| Fall | January 15 for maximum financial aid consideration. Late applications will be accepted until class is full. Notification by March 15. | July 1 – Notification by August 15 | July 1 – Notification by August 15 |
How do I submit materials by standard mail?
All hard copy materials should be submitted to:
Admissions Office
Fels Institute of Government
University of Pennsylvania
3814 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6197
Please note that all materials submitted to the Admission Office become the property of the University of Pennsylvania and will not be returned under any circumstances.
Can I defer my admission?
Fels allows candidates to defer admission for up to one year. If you are offered admission and do not accept, you may request that your application be reactivated for consideration the following year. This does not guarantee that you will be re-admitted. Financial award decisions may not be deferred.
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Financial Aid & Program Costs
How do I apply for financial aid?
All candidates will be considered for scholarships unless otherwise stated in the ‘fellowships’ category of the application. United States permanent residents and citizens are eligible for federal loans and international students may also be eligible for U.S. private loans with an American co-signer. Information on graduate student loans is available from the Office of Student Financial Services at 215.898.1988 or http://www.sfs.upenn.edu/home/
What are tuition, health insurance, and living costs?
2007-2008 Academic Year Costs Per Semester, measured by CUs (course units)
| 1 CU | 2 CUs | 3 CUs | 4 CUs | |
| Tuition | $4,258 | $8,516 | $12,774 | $16,815 |
| General Fee | $251 | $502 | $1,005 | $1,005 |
| Tuition Total | $4,509 | $9,018 | $13,779 | $17,820 |
| Health Insurance | n/a | n/a | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| Living Expenses | n/a | n/a | $8,500 | $8,500 |
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Program Information
What degree programs do you offer?
Fels offers a 12-course Master of Government Administration degree that is comparable to a Master of Public Administration. It is offered in both a full-time and part-time (Executive) format. Fels also offers 5-course certificate programs in Economic Development and Growth, Nonprofit Administration, Politics, and Public Finance. Fels does not offer a PhD program.
What is the difference between and an MGA and an MPA?
The MGA trains students for leadership positions in the public and nonprofit sectors and in related private firms. MGA coursework is comparable to classes taught in an MPA program, although more emphasis is placed on understanding the political framework of organizations and on maneuvering within political systems.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The MGA may be taken as a full-time, four-term program (completed within two academic years) or as an Executive, six-term program (generally completed within 24 months including summers). Full-time students who do not work on an internship may be able to complete the program in 1.5 years. All certificate programs are done on a part-time basis and can be completed within one calendar year.
How many students are in each program and what is your student profile?
There are approximately 70 students in the full-time MGA format, 60 in the executive format, and 15 enrolled in Certificates. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, but most have at least 2 years of full-time work experience and a demonstrated commitment to public service. They have worked on political campaigns, participated in established public service programs, served on the boards of nonprofits, and worked in all levels of government. Approximately 25% of the full-time class is international, more than 50% are women, and at least 15% come from underrepresented groups.
What dual degree programs do you offer?
Fels offers the following dual degree programs at Penn: MGA/JD, MGA/MCP, MGA/MSW, MGA/MSSP, MGA/MPH, MGA/MsEd. Applicants should state their intent to pursue a dual degree program in their Fels application. Admission files are reviewed by school-specific committees and admissions decision are made on a separate basis.Students may also enroll in the full-time MGA program while matriculated in another university. For example, students enrolled in a JD program elsewhere may take a year off to pursue the MGA degree.
Can I transfer credits from another college or university to the MGA program?
After students have completed eight courses in the MGA program, they may be eligible, with approval, to transfer a maximum of four courses completed while enrolled in another graduate program.
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Contact & Visiting Information
How do I contact the Fels Admissions Office?
Email: felsmga@sas.upenn.edu
Phone: 215.746.6684
Fax: 215.898.6238
How do I get to the Fels Institute of Government?
Visit Maps & Directions for information on getting to Fels, a campus map, and parking.
How do I schedule a campus visit?
We would be happy to arrange your visit to the Fels Institute. Please contact the Admissions Office at 215.746.6684 or felsmga@sas.upenn.edu for scheduling. You can also take a Virtual Tour of Penn's campus.
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International Applicants
What applications materials should international applicants submit?
The application requirements for domestic and international applicants are the same, although international students should also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if they did not attend an English-speaking university for a minimum of one year. TOEFL scores should be reported to university code 2926.
Do I need to have my transcripts translated to the American grading system?
International students should have their transcripts translated to the American grading system by a credentialing service, such as World Education Services (www.wes.org). Original transcripts and English translations of all degrees should also be submitted as part of an application packet.
Can international students begin in any semester?
The majority of international students begin in the fall semester. Applicants who are interested in beginning in the spring semester should contact the Admissions Office to inquire about eligibility.
Are international students eligible for financial aid?
All national and international applicants that apply for financial aid will be given consideration. Because our departmental scholarships are merit-based, the amount awarded will depend on the strength of an application. All applicants will be considered for financial aid funding unless otherwise stated in the application. If you are self-funded, sponsored by your government or a third party, or do not need financial aid, please indicate this under the ‘fellowships’ category of the application
For which programs can international students apply?
Because international students must maintain a full-time course of study to comply with US visa requirements, they may only apply to the full-time MGA program. International students may not apply to the part-time MGA program or to stand-alone Certificate programs unless they are enrolled in another program at Penn or another university on a full-time basis. International students may receive a Certificate along with a full-time MGA degree.
How many classes should international students take each semester?
International students must take a minimum of 3 classes per semester to comply with immigration requirements.
What are some external sources of funding for international students?
We encourage international students to pursue external sources of funding, including home country government sponsorship and scholarships offered through international organizations. Some programs include the Fulbright Program, the Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program, the Thouron Program, and the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program.
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