Important dates for our M.H.A., M.P.A. and M.P.P. programs
M.H.A.
| Next start | Priority admission deadline | Final admission deadline |
|---|---|---|
| January 11, 2027 | October 1, 2026 | December 1, 2026 |
M.P.A.
| Next start | Priority admission deadline | Final admission deadline |
|---|---|---|
| January 11, 2027 | October 1, 2026 | December 1, 2026 |
M.P.P.
| Next start | Priority admission deadline | Final admission deadline |
|---|---|---|
| January 11, 2027 | October 1, 2026 | December 1, 2026 |
How to apply
It only takes three steps to get started with SMU:
1
Choose your start date
The online M.H.A., M.P.A. and M.P.P. programs follow the same schedule and offer three opportunities to begin the program each year: fall, spring and summer. Courses are offered year-round.
2
Complete your online application
The initial application takes less than 10 minutes. Your work also saves automatically, so you can always pause and come back to it later.
3
Submit your application materials
Use the graduate portal to submit your additional materials (see the full checklist below). Once we’ve received everything, our graduate admission board will review your application and email your decision to you within 10 business days.
Request information
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy programs offered by SMU, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 469-871-6018.
Admission requirements
Candidates are required to hold a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution. A 3.0 undergraduate GPA is preferred, but we use a holistic approach when reviewing applications.
M.H.A. experience requirement
M.H.A. applicants should have at least two years of work experience in healthcare or healthcare-adjacent roles and demonstrate an ability to succeed in the program. Exceptions for work experience may be made on a case-by-case basis for those who have other relevant qualifications (e.g. research or military experience).
Application checklist
Once the initial application has been submitted, you will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to submit other materials. Open the application to see how simple it is to get started.
There is a $75 application fee when you submit your application. This fee is waived for students who submit their application by the priority deadline.
We require transcripts for all higher education institutions where you have earned at least 9 credits, whether a degree was completed or not. Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded to the application for admission purposes.
All admitted applicants who enroll at SMU will need to provide official transcripts before registering for courses. Official transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. When sending an electronic transcript, please note that SMU will only accept electronic transcripts sent from the transferable institution via a secure means (e.g., Scrip-Safe, NSC).
We will not accept official electronic transcripts sent by students via email or any other means. Institutions can send electronic transcripts to gradappmaterials@smu.edu.
Hard copy transcripts must be sealed and sent by the applicant’s institution to the following address:
SMU Graduate Application ProcessingP.O. Box 518
Dallas, TX 75275-0518
Your resume acts as a professional summary. It should highlight your past job experience, educational background (including any specific honors or awards), any research or publication contributions and your relevant skills and qualifications.
We want to understand why you are interested in the program. In around 500 words, use this opportunity to explain why you’ve decided to advance your public administration education, why now and why at SMU. You should describe your career goals and explain how a master’s degree will help you achieve them.
Slate, our application system, will send each reference a standard form to complete with the option to attach an open-format letter if desired.
The purpose of the recommendations is to give the admission committee an indication of your ability to succeed in the program. Choose recommenders who know you well and have evidence they can share about how you will succeed in an online master’s program. Ideally, applicants should submit at least one from an academic source, although this is not a strict requirement.
International applicants may have additional admission requirements. We recommend reviewing our international students page.
Get help with the admission process
Your enrollment specialist can help you compare the M.H.A., M.P.A. and M.P.P., further explain the application requirements and support your planning around next steps and other commitments. They can also answer questions about deadlines, materials and the application portal.
Your enrollment specialist helps you submit your application knowing what is required and what comes next.
Talk with an enrollment specialist
Take the next step with SMU
Start your application today, or download a brochure to learn more about the program.
