Program Overview

Introduction to the UNC MPA Program

The UNC MPA program is a graduate degree for public service leaders, accredited by NASPAA (The National Association of Schools for Public Policy and Public Affairs), the global standard in public service education. The program is ranked among the nation’s top 25 public affairs graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report and is also ranked #2 in the specialty area of local government management.

Mission and Vision

The mission of UNC MPA is to prepare public service leaders and provide usable knowledge to improve governance. The vision is to be a nationally recognized leader in engaged scholarship whose faculty, students, and alumni transform thought, organizations, communities, and lives.

Public Service Values

• Accountability & Transparency
• Efficiency & Effectiveness
• Professionalism, Respect & Ethical Behavior
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Program Details

The UNC MPA program is housed within the School of Government, which is the nation’s largest university-based training, advisory, and research organization for public officials. The program offers a rigorous curriculum and engaging experiences that give students the orientation they need to make a real impact on their communities.

Academics

• Why an MPA? Learn why many of today’s leaders have chosen the versatility of an MPA degree.
• Dual Degrees: Get the best of two concentrations so your options remain as broad as your knowledge.
• Degree Requirements: Find out what's needed before taking the next steps towards your MPA degree.
• Courses: Find classes and plan a course list that fits your goals.
• Professional Work Experience: Utilize a cornerstone of the UNC MPA curriculum and get real-world experience.
• Concentrations: Customize your program to focus your journey on your destination.

Careers

The UNC MPA program prepares students for careers in public service, with career services committed to supporting students from their first day through graduation and beyond. The program also offers outcomes in each sector, allowing students to plan their path forward.

Career Services

• Career Services: We are committed to your journey from your first day through graduation and beyond.
• Outcomes: See MPA career outcomes in each sector and plan your path forward.
• Hire UNC MPA: See the benefits of hiring a UNC MPA graduate for your organization.

Alumni

The UNC MPA alumni community extends to every corner of North Carolina, across the United States, and in seven countries. The program offers various ways for alumni to engage, including a directory, support opportunities, and an impact newsletter.

Alumni Engagement

• Meet Our Alumni: Meet our community of more than 1,500 active alumni.
• Ways to Engage: Our alumni community is one of the key strengths of our program.
• Support: Help support our students and the work of our faculty.
• Alumni Directory: See our alumni and read about their paths from MPA to successful careers.
• Impact Newsletter: Explore current and past issues of our bi-annual newsletter featuring alumni, faculty, and program highlights.

About the Program

The UNC MPA program is a nationally ranked leadership degree for full and part-time students. The program's faculty are renowned experts in a wide array of public sectors, and the students are accomplished, diverse, and committed to public service.

Faculty and Students

• Faculty Directory: Meet our faculty and staff, and discover what drives them.
• Our Faculty: Meet our renowned experts in a wide array of public sectors.
• Our Students: Our students are accomplished, diverse, and committed to public service.
• Our Alumni: Our network provides opportunities for professional and personal connections.

Location and Diversity

• Location: Read more about our Chapel Hill, NC, campus.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Our leaders are committed to ensuring diverse persons of any background are invited, included, and treated equally.

Admissions

The UNC MPA program encourages applications from anyone passionate about public service leadership. The program offers various formats, including on-campus and online options, and provides information on tuition, financial aid, and scholarships.

Admissions Process

• How to Apply: We encourage applications from anyone passionate about public service leadership.
• On-Campus or Online: Choose your format. Compare credits, benefits, and schedules of each option.
• Tuition & Scholarships: Get tuition, financial aid, and scholarship options for online and on-campus formats.
• Events: Learn about the UNC MPA program.
• FAQ: Get answers about admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and more.