School of Public Policy

FAQs

• When will the program begin?

  If admitted, the program will begin Fall of your senior year.

• When will I apply for the program?

  Applications for the fall term will be available mid-March

• What is the application process like?

  The application will be submitted via Google Forms

  Students should prepare the following:

  • Statement of Purpose (see below)
  • Resume
  • Transcripts (for any non-UCR coursework completed)
  • Letters of Recommendation (see below)

  Statement of Purpose

  Applicants will see the following prompt in the Supporting Materials section of the Summer/Fall 2026 application: 
  "Explain your decision to apply, your academic or professional preparation, your motivation, and how UCR’s faculty and resources support your goals.”

  Applicants will be advised to address the following areas:

  • Academic and/or Professional Background – academic journey (coursework and major areas of study), and relevant experiences (academic, research, or professional) that prepared you for graduate study.
  • Research or Professional Interests – key areas, themes, or problems you want to explore, and how they connect to your field of study.
  • Fit with UCR – how your interests or goals align with UCR’s faculty, programs, labs, or professional resources.
  • Motivation for Graduate Study – what drives you to pursue this degree at this stage of your academic journey or career. Please share any long-term scholarly/professional aspirations.
  • Future Goals & Societal Impact – how your work or this degree will help you address professional, academic, or broader societal needs or contribute to the public good.
  • Contributions to the Academic, Professional, and UCR Community – how you hope to engage through leadership, collaboration, mentorship, or outreach.

  • Maximum length: 2,000 words.

  Letters of Recommendation

  • Letters of recommendations are no longer required if you meet the criteria of a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA and a 3.2 or higher Public Policy GPA. If you do not meet this criteria, you are expected to provide three letters of recommendation.
  • Students will be required to have three recommenders for their application, one of which must be from a faculty member. Applicants will need to provide the following information on the application:
    • Name
    • Title
    • Organization/Institution
    • Email
  • SPP advisors will email your recommenders regarding the submission of your recommendation.
• Is there a minimum GPA requirement?

  Students with a 3.0 overall/cumulative GPA and 3.2 major GPA are eligible for consideration, however, the program is expected to be highly competitive. 

• Is there a course plan I should follow if I plan to apply to the program?

  A specific course plan is not required, however, students should earn a high number of units by the end of their sophomore year. Students seeking to pursue the BA/MPP program should check in with SPP academic advisors early and regularly to develop individualized course plans as students. 

• Do I have to pay graduate school tuition my 4th year?

  No, you will pay undergraduate tuition during your 4th year. 

• Do I still receive my financial aid package applied to the entirety of the program?

  Students will be held to UCR Financial Aid Office undergraduate eligibility requirements during their 4th year. Financial support for 5th year will be determined by a financial award package from the MPP program (if applicable). 

• Can I still walk and graduate after 4 years?

  Yes.

• Will I get an assigned faculty member for research?

  Faculty mentors will not be automatically assigned, however, students are encouraged to engage with SPP faculty with background in the students' areas of interest.