Now accepting applications for Spring 2021 admission to the health administration program (traditional track) and for Fall 2021 admission to the master’s programs in urban planning, public policy, and public informatics.

Application Process

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A complete application consists of all* of the following:

  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts of previous academic work
  • A personal statement
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation (some programs minimum of 2)
  • Resume
  • Official test scores (if required – see particular program information below.)
  • * Doctoral applicants are also required to provide a writing sample. 

Detailed procedures and instructions accompany the application forms. Applications should be filed as early as possible to meet the deadlines listed in the application materials.

All documents should be submitted electronically via the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions or, as in the case for resume and sample of writing, via admissions upload site, with exception of the official transcripts. Transcripts should be submitted via USPS to the address below:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
56 Bevier Road
ASB Annex 1
Piscataway, NJ  08854
Phone: 848-932-7711
Fax: 732-932-8231

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Important Applicant Information

DEADLINES

Documents that need to be mailed to the admissions office must arrive at or before posted deadlines.

  • Urban Planning and Policy Development Master’s Program Applicants (MCRP and MCRS) If you are applying to these programs and are also seeking merit-based financial aid (assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships), then the deadline for your application is January 15. If you are not seeking this funding, the deadline is May 1st for Fall 2021 admission. This program also offers spring term (mid-year) admission, with a November 1 application deadline, however, limited merit-based funding opportunities are available. Due to COVID19, the GRE has been waived for this program for spring and fall 2021 applications only.
  • Public Policy Master’s Program Applicants (MPP and MPAP) If you are applying to these programs and are also seeking merit-based financial aid (assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships), then the deadline for your application is January 15. If you are not seeking this funding, the deadline is May 1st for Fall 2021 admission. This program also offers spring term (mid-year) admission, with a November 1 application deadline, however, limited merit-based funding opportunities are available. Due to COVID19, the GRE has been waived for this program for spring and fall 2021 applications only. 
  • Urban and Public Informatics Master’s Program Applicants (MPI) If you are applying to these programs and are also seeking merit-based financial aid (assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships), then the deadline for your application is January 15. If you are not seeking this funding, the deadline is May 1st for Fall 2021 admission. This program also offers spring term (mid-year) admission, with a November 1 application deadline, however, limited merit-based funding opportunities are available. Due to COVID19, the GRE has been waived for this program for spring and fall 2021 applications only. 
  • Health Administration Program Applicants (Traditional MHA) If you are applying to this traditional degree program, please note that applicants are admitted for the fall and spring terms, completed applications are accepted on a rolling basis until August 1 and November 1 respectively. This program does NOT require a standardized test score like the GRE, LSAT or GMAT.  There is no merit-based aid (assistantships, fellowships and scholarships) associated with this program.
  • Health Administration Program Applicants (Executive MHA) If you are applying to this executive degree program, please note that applicants are only admitted for spring term, completed applications are accepted on a rolling basis until December 1 and there are specific work experience requirements for would-be applicants. This program does not offer fall term admission. This program does NOT require a standardized test score like the GRE, LSAT or GMAT.  There is no merit-based aid (assistantships, fellowships and scholarships) associated with this program.
  • Planning and Public Policy Doctoral Program (PhD) If you are applying to this program then the deadline for your application is December 15. Merit-based financial aid (assistantships, fellowships and scholarships) are considered for all candidates that meet this deadline. This program does not offer spring term admission. GRE scores are required for applications to this program. 
  • Special Note for International Applicants International students who apply to any of our programs from abroad must submit completed application materials by November 1 for spring-term admission and by April 1 for fall-term admission. All applicants seeking merit based fellowships, assistantships and scholarships MUST apply by January 15 for fall term admission. No aid is available for spring term admission. Programs may, at their discretion, close admission prior to stated deadlines or extend deadline dates if sufficient time exists to render decisions. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

TESTING

Standardized testing requirements for the academic programs include (except for programs where noted):

  • Graduate Record Examination
    The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy requires applicants for matriculated status to submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)*. GRE information and application forms may be obtained by calling (609) 771-7670 or by writing to:
    Graduate Record Examinations Programs
    Educational Testing Service
    P.O. Box 955
    Princeton , NJ 08541-0955
    U.S.A.
    The Educational Testing Service requires at least six weeks to process and report formal and final GRE scores.

    *Please note: Due to COVID19, the GRE has been waived for the Urban Planning master’s programs, the Public Policy master’s programs and the Public Informatics master’s program for spring and fall 2021 applications only.
    ** Please note: Master of Health Administration (Executive and Traditional) degree programs do NOT require a standardized test (GRE).
  • Foreign Applicants—TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
    Satisfactory English proficiency is a prerequisite for graduate study at the university. Applicants failing to meet minimum standards for English proficiency may be required to take a test upon arrival at the university and to take course work in English as a second language. Nonimmigrant students are also expected to present evidence of adequate financial resources.The university may deny admission to nonimmigrant students lacking satisfactory English proficiency or adequate financial resources.The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required if English is not the applicant’s native language. For further information, write to:
    TOEFL
    Educational Testing Service
    P.O Box 955
    Princeton , New Jersey 08541-0955
    U.S.A.

ADMISSION

All admission decisions are informed judgments based on the applicant’s previous academic performance, standardized test scores (if applicable), experience and achievement, recommendations, and other relevant data as presented in their application for admission.

The number of students who can be accommodated in some programs is limited.

Applications are reviewed by a set number of program faculty, on a case-by-case basis as an “admissions committee” and decisions are collectively made on those applications with a final determination transmitted by the program director to the Dean.  The admissions committee may establish protocols and standards annually based upon collective determination and applicant cohort shifts.  The Dean’s Office reports those determinations to the university admissions office, responsible for implementing decisions.

Because admission requirements vary among the programs, applicants should carefully review the information and instructions provided in the application form, and consult with the individual program with questions.

You apply to the Bloustein School graduate programs online through the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.

NOTIFICATION OF ADMISSION

Applicant review at the Bloustein School does not begin until after the posted deadline. Applications received before the deadlines are held until review begins. Applicants will receive written (email) notification of admissions decisions from the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions, the Dean of the Bloustein School, and the academic program director. Admission will be confirmed on a certificate of admission (post mail), which may list certain conditions. Such conditions should be satisfied prior to registration unless otherwise indicated. All deadlines must be met.

Students who fail to register for the term to which they were admitted should contact the school at 848-932-2727 for further instructions.

NONMATRICULATED (Nondegree) Students

The Bloustein School welcomes students to take classes on a nondegree basis, providing there is space available. Applicants should choose nondegree study on their application from the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. Applicants who are accepted as nondegree students are permitted to register for an unlimited number of courses with the approval of the appropriate program director. Such courses carry full credit at the university; however, a maximum of 12 credits will be accepted by the school toward a degree should the student later be admitted to a degree program. Nondegree students who wish to enter a degree program in the Bloustein School must file an application and fee for admission with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions online. Admission to nondegree status neither predisposes nor guarantees later admission to a degree program.