About
Details at a Glance
School Type
PublicAcceptance Rate
66%Application Fee
$75Average In-State Tuition
$12,180Average Out-of-State Tuition
$25,508Financial Aid Available
Yes
Degrees Offered
Our Program
The Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers several academic avenues for students seeking to earn a professional Master of Public Affairs or Master of International Public Affairs degree, including dual- and double-degree options.
The Master of Public Affairs (MPA) Program provides education in public management and policy analysis that prepares students for careers in public policy and administration within the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
The Master of International Public Affairs (MIPA) Program provides education in public policy and global governance that prepares students from the United States and around the world to work in government, in businesses engaged with the global economy, for non-governmental organizations, or with consulting firms analyzing international policies.
Some students earn additional credentials while they work toward their public affairs degrees. The following combined degree and certificate programs are available:
· Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning
· Energy Analysis and Policy Certificate through the Nelson Institute in Environmental Studies
· Business, Environment, & Social Responsibility; Entrepreneurship; or Strategic Innovation Certificates offered through the Wisconsin School of Business
Students are selected on the basis of their admission requirements which include academic records, letters of recommendation, work experience, and evidence of commitment to a public affairs career. Applicants whose native language is not English must present the equivalent of 92 or greater on the computer-based TOEFL test, an IELTS score of 7 or greater, or a MELAB score of 82 or greater to be considered for admission.
The school admits about 50 total students per year to the MPA Program and the MIPA Programs. The small class size enables the faculty to know, advise, and mentor students.
The award-winning La Follette School faculty includes economists, political scientists, sociologists, and public affairs scholars who teach the skills and tools needed for a career in public affairs. They are experts in social policy, health policy and management, public administration, public policy analysis, environmental policy, poverty, and tax policy and government finance.
Beyond campus, the city of Madison, as the state capital, provides a wealth of opportunities for La Follette School students to participate in outreach and acquire practical experience as professional project assistants or interns with public and private entities. Students benefit from the strong relationships that La Follette School faculty have with various organizations, in keeping with the Wisconsin Idea of public service.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
66%Application Fee
$75
Requirements
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Personal Statement
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- UW-Madison Graduate School online application, Resume, La Follette School of Public Affairs supplemental application
Additional Requirements
Grades of B in these prerequisite courses for the MPA
Grades of B in these prerequisite courses for the MIPA
Application Deadline
To be considered for La Follette School funding, applicants should have all admission requirements submitted by January 1st.
Questions about tuition fee waivers should be directed to admissions@lafollette.wisc.edu
Student Body
Total Students
110 StudentsFemale
48% FemaleMale
52% Male
Inclusion
- Please see the La Follette School web page on Diversity & Inclusion here: https://lafollette.wisc.edu/about/diversity-inclusion
Clubs & Associations
Here are some of the ways students may choose to get involved and build community:
· Creating Community: Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at UW-Madison
· McBurney Disability Resource Center
· La Follette School Student Association
· Learning Communities for Institutional Change & Excellence
· Multicultural Graduate Network
· Multicultural Student Center
What Our Students Say
See Ruanda's profile to learn what prompted her to do a double-degree in Urban Planning and Public Affairs, what she has been doing since graduation, and how she has used the skills gained at the La Follette School in her career.
Ruanda McFerren, MPA-MS in URPL ‘18See Jacob's profile to learn why he chose to pursue and MPA at the La Follette School and how it relates to his career goals.
Jacob Ginn, MPA ‘20See Diana's profile to learn more about her experiences as an MPA student and what she wishes to do after graduation.
Diana Pavon, MPA ‘20
See Ruanda's profile to learn what prompted her to do a double-degree in Urban Planning and Public Affairs, what she has been doing since graduation, and how she has used the skills gained at the La Follette School in her career.
See Jacob's profile to learn why he chose to pursue and MPA at the La Follette School and how it relates to his career goals.
See Diana's profile to learn more about her experiences as an MPA student and what she wishes to do after graduation.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Average In-State Tuition
$12,180Average Out-of-State Tuition
$25,508
Additional Information
- Work-study Programs Available
- Financial Aid Available
- Application Fee Waivers Available
- The La Follette School offers a limited number of La Follette School Fellowships to oustanding applicants. These fellowships include full tuition coverage (for in-state and out-of-state applicants), low-cost health insurance, and a stipend, as well as a project assistantship with a La Follette School faculty member in the second year. We also offer a limited number of project assistantships for first-year students with La Follette School faculty and campus partners which include full tuition coverage (for in-state and out-of-state applicants), low-cost health insurance, and a stipend. We have a limited number of scholarship offers that consider both need and promise. Details can be found on the Funding and Financial Information page on the La Follette School website.