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College of Business and Public Administration Requirements

A student will be considered for admission to a graduate program within the College of Business and Public Administration (CBPA) only after all of the following are completed:

  • Submit the non-refundable $25 application fee. (Students who have previously applied to Drake and paid the application fee are not required to pay the fee again. Applicants to the joint master's/law program pay the application fee and submit official transcripts to Drake Law School only).
  • Official transcripts from coursework completed in all colleges, universities or technical institutes attended should be sent from each institution to Drake University. Unofficial transcripts or transcripts marked “issued to student” will not be accepted. Drake transcripts will not be required.
  • GPA requirements:
    • The MBA program requires a 2.75 GPA on all undergraduate work and a 3.00 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.
    • The MPA program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate course work. 
    • The MACC and MFM programs require a 2.75 GPA on all undergraduate work
    • The CBPA requires completion of foundation/prerequisite course work with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • If you are applying to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the Master of Accounting (MACC) program, or the Master of Financial Management (MFM) program, you must submit your score(s) on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Scores dated within the last five years are acceptable and must be reported directly from the testing agency. The GMAT is NOT required for applicants to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program.
  • If you are an international student, or your native language is not English, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. Scores dated within the last two years are acceptable and must be reported directly from the testing agency. Minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 213 on the computer-based examination, 550 on the paper-based examination or 79-80 on the internet based test. All international students must satisfy Drake University's specific requirements as outlined in the Application for Graduate Admission.
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals such as professors and employers who can attest to your potential for success in a graduate program of study. Letters of recommendation should specifically address your potential for a successful career and your motivation for graduate study. The letters of recommendation should be signed, on organization letterhead, and include contact information for the person submitting them on behalf of the applicant.
  • MBA, MACC and MFM applicants must submit a personal essay describing your career and academic goals. The essay should provide details about how a graduate education from Drake University will help you reach these goals. The essay should also describe what unique skills and perspectives you would bring to the program. It could also include any other information you believe important in assessment of your candidacy for admission to the program. The essay should be typed and limited to no more than one page in length. The essay is NOT required for applicants to the MPA program.
  • A current copy of your resume.
  • It is recommended that applicants provide materials for admission review three months prior to the term in which they wish to enroll. To guarantee admission review for the semester indicated, completed applications and all supporting documents should be submitted no later than the following dates:

                                                              Fall Admission           July 15
                                                              Spring Admission      December 1
                                                              Summer Admission   April 15

Please send College of Business and Public Administration application materials to the appropriate office for processing:

Domestic Applicants:

College of Business and Public Administration
Graduate Programs
Drake University
2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311-4505

International Applicants:

Office of Graduate Admission
Cole Hall 
Drake University
2507 University Ave    
Des Moines , Iowa 50311-4505 USA