Program Overview

Public Administration, M.P.A. Program Overview

The Gerald G. Fox Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program provides professional training in public administration. The curriculum of this National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) accredited program emphasizes the analysis of the political and administrative environments as well as the administrative decision-making approaches of public administration.

Program Structure

• The program requires 39 hours of graduate credit for completion of the degree.
• Students can complete one of five approved 15 credit hour concentrations or develop their own program of study from elective courses.
• All classes are scheduled in the evening throughout the year and meet on the main University campus and at UNC Charlotte Center City.

Admission Requirements

General Requirements

• A complete application to the Graduate School with paid application fee.
• Possession of a bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university.
• An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Letters of recommendation (3) preferably from those familiar with the applicant's academic and work abilities.
• Statement of purpose (1-2 pages in length) explaining career goals, how the MPA degree fits into achieving those goals, and any significant work experience.
• Submission of official transcripts from all postsecondary educational institutions.

Admission Decision

• The MPA admissions committee reviews the application packet and makes a recommendation to the MPA Director.
• The Director reviews the application and makes a recommendation to the Graduate School.
• The Graduate School has the final say on an application based on recommendations from the Program.
• Admission recommendations are based on a complete review of the applicant's file, including undergraduate and graduate grades, letters of recommendation, specific previous coursework, statement of purpose, and applicable work history.

Curriculum

Core Courses

• MPAD 6102: Foundation in Public Administration
• MPAD 6104: Public Organizations and Management
• MPAD 6125: Quantitative Research Methods in Public Administration
• MPAD 6126: Data Analysis in Decision Making (prerequisite: MPAD 6125)
• MPAD 6131: Public Budgeting and Finance
• MPAD 6134: Human Resource Management
• Students must complete each core course with a B grade or better.

Elective Courses

• Students must complete 15 credit hours of elective coursework.
• Students may choose to follow one of the MPA Program's concentrations or develop their own program of study with the approval of the MPA Director.

Concentrations

• Public Budgeting & Finance
• Urban Management & Policy
• Nonprofit Management
• Arts Administration
• Emergency Management
• Each concentration consists of 15 credit hours within the MPA curriculum.

Research Courses

• After successfully completing all core coursework, students are eligible to take their research courses.
• Two options are available:
  • Option 1: Research Applications
    • MPAD 6187: Advanced Seminar in Public Management Problem Solving
    • MPAD 6188: Research Application in Public Administration
  • Option 2: Directed Study (Thesis)
    • MPAD 6187: Advanced Seminar in Public Management Problem Solving
    • MPAD 6800: Directed Study Proposal
    • MPAD 6801: Directed Study Project

Tuition and Financing

• Current tuition rates are available through the university's financial services.
• Several sources of funding are available to assist in paying for a graduate program, including merit-based scholarships and competitive fellowships with local nonprofit partners.

Accreditation and Rankings

• The Gerald G. Fox MPA program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).
• The program is nationally ranked, with concentrations in Local Government Management, Public Finance & Budgeting, and Nonprofit Management placing in the top 25.

Career Opportunities

• The MPA program prepares students for leadership roles in public, nonprofit, and private sectors.
• Concentrations offer specialized skills and a competitive edge in areas such as nonprofit management, urban management and policy, arts administration, emergency management, and public budgeting and finance.

Real-World Connections

• Strong partnerships with local government and nonprofit organizations provide students with direct access to impactful internships, hands-on projects, and professional collaboration.
• An active network of alumni, faculty, and students supports scholarship, service, and professionalism in public affairs.