Texas A&M University, Bush School of Government and Public Service

 

The Bush School of Government and Public Service was founded in 1997 under then-President George H.W. Bush’s philosophy that public service is a noble calling. The school attracts students with a strong commitment to serving others through careers in government and nonprofit organizations.

“Students choose the Bush School because they want to serve. If you have a passion for helping your fellow citizens in a meaningful way, we’d be honored to help you realize that dream,” says Mark Welsh, the school’s dean. “Students enter the program with various career goals and ideas of service, but they find that collaborating with other passionate and compassionate classmates strengthens their skills for contributing effectively toward their chosen mission.”

The school offers a two-year Master of International Affairs (MIA) and Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA), as well as an online Executive Master of Public Service and Administration (EMPSA). New this fall is the one-year Master of International Policy (MIP) program for students with at least six years of experience in, or pertaining to, international affairs.

Successful applicants to the Bush School have ideas for contributing to the international community and to the nation. They have been involved in their communities and in giving back through public service.

“We look for applicants who show maturity, an international perspective, and the ability to express themselves clearly and confidently,” says Kathryn Meyer, director of admissions and recruitment. “It is important for applicants to convey their ideas effectively in their essay and in a required interview.” Interviews take place in February and March, via Skype, phone, or on campus.

Meyer says the school also looks for candidates who show passion and motivation to pursue a career in their field and who have taken initiative on the job or in an organization, worked on a team to accomplish a task, and demonstrated problem-solving skills and responsibility.

Applicants to the Bush School typically have a few years of experience through travel, internships, volunteering, study abroad, living in another country, or working in a career-related field. Although work experience after college graduation is encouraged, the school also considers recent undergraduates for its MIA and MPSA programs, particularly those with strong academic records and service backgrounds.

The Bush School grants competitive merit scholarships to all full-time students in the MIA and MPSA programs. Those degree programs also offer guaranteed scholarship amounts to AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni; Fulbright students; PPIA, Pickering, and Rangel Fellows; and McNair Scholars. MIA and MPSA students who are not Texas residents also receive an out-of-state tuition waiver that allows them to pay in-state rates for both years.

“I just can’t imagine a better value than a master’s degree from the Bush School and Texas A&M University. The education is top-shelf, the cost is incredibly reasonable, and everyone here is focused on your success—both before and after graduation,” says Welsh.

Master’s Degree Program Options:
• Master of International Affairs (MIA)
• Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA)
• Master of International Policy (MIP)
• Executive Master of Public Service and Administration (EMPSA – online)

Priority Application Deadlines:
• MIA and MPSA Admissions and Financial Aid: January 15, 2019, for Fall 2019
• MIP: October 15, 2018 (for Spring 2019); and April 15, 2019 (for Fall 2019)
• EMPSA: http://bush.tamu.edu/empsa/admissions/

Standardized Exam Scores: GRE or GMAT required (but optional for most MIP applicants)

Recommendation Letters: Three required (two required for MIP)

Application Checklist: http://bush.tamu.edu/admissions/degree

Visit the Request Info page to receive more information.