Community and Economic Development Concentration
Program Overview
Introduction to the UNC MPA Program
The UNC MPA program offers a nationally ranked leadership degree for full and part-time students. Our graduates are public service leaders who transform the communities where they work and live.
Admissions
- We are seeking individuals who have a passion for public service & the desire to be a leader.
- 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.
Academics
- UNC MPA is committed to preparing leaders who are confident decision-makers and resource managers.
- 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
- Whether new to public administration, changing careers, or looking to advance in a current role, our students know that an MPA from UNC-Chapel Hill can lead to expanded opportunities for a satisfying career in public service.
- 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.
- 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
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About
- The UNC MPA program offers a nationally ranked leadership degree for full and part-time 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: 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.
- News & Events: See the latest UNC MPA news and upcoming events.
- MPA Matters Student Blog: Explore the current happenings & pursuits of our MPA students.
Community and Economic Development
In order to cultivate and maintain vibrant communities, local, regional, and national organizations require leaders who understand the intricacies of community and economic development.
The UNC MPA program’s concentration in community and economic development helps students develop the skills and knowledge to promote social change in ways that are both effective and personally rewarding.
What is Community Development?
Community development is the process by which members within a group work collectively to achieve common goals. Efforts generally seek to improve quality of life through reduced poverty, greater equity, or healthier lifestyles.
What is Economic Development?
Economic development is the process of stimulating private investment that results in job creation, wealth creation, increased tax revenues, and higher levels of prosperity for communities and residents.
What is Community Economic Development?
Community economic development involves restructuring market incentives to leverage private investment to develop community-based businesses, affordable housing, and financial institutions that improve community life beyond the purely economic.
What can I achieve in Community and Economic Development with an MPA degree?
The community and economic development concentration is designed for student practitioners, activists, and scholars looking to gain fresh perspectives and strategies for transforming communities and achieving social equity. Graduates can pursue careers in the following areas:
- Community development
- Economic development
- Consulting
- Corporate social responsibility
- Project management
- Sustainability
- Urban planning
Coursework
In this concentration, students will gain insight into communities from both a regional and global perspective and explore the complex social, economic, and political factors that shape distinct groups. Coursework also examines the latest trends in sustainable communities, public administration, and economic development.
Students who want to pursue a concentration in community and economic development must complete at least 9 credits from the list of electives below or other elective courses approved in advance: