Do We Practice What We Preach? The Prevalence of Graduate Record Examination Predictive Validity Studies at Leading Master of Public Administration/Master of Public Policy Programs

ABSTRACT

This study presents findings from a survey of leading Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs who were asked to provide copies of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) validation studies. We planned to examine these papers to determine common themes that might contribute to developing a theory of valid entrance standards for MPA/MPP students. In spite of an 89 percent (31/35) response rate, only four schools had GRE validity research available. Three programs sent written reports dated 1985, 1990, and 1994, respectively. A fourth school conducted annual validity studies but did not issue a written document. Based on this paucity of validity studies, the present discussion proposes that the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) require all MPA schools to furnish GRE validation studies as a part of program accreditation.

“I hope you have uncovered a good set of validation studies. I am our MPA director and it is obvious that we are making our admissions decisions in the midst of a fog of ignorance.“

(Survey Respondent)