Mission, Values & History
Mission
The MPA@UNC prepares public service leaders. Our students work with faculty who engage with local and state officials to solve public problems every day. Consistent with the UNC School of Government’s mission to engage in practical scholarship that helps public officials and citizens understand and improve state and local government, MPA@UNC offers a strong focus on local government that is a special strength of the program.
Values
- Accountability and transparency
- Efficiency and effectiveness
- Respect, equity, and fairness
- Ethical behavior
- Professional development
In addition to these values, the MPA program at UNC School of Government has a longstanding culture of commitment to public service, collaboration, and a cohort community. The alumni network exists to help and support MPA graduates and spans the country, where graduates work in local, state, and federal governments, nonprofit organizations, and private industry.
UNC’s MPA program also has a longstanding commitment to public service education for members of historically underrepresented minority groups.
History
In 1997, the UNC MPA program became an integral part of the School of Government (then known as the Institute of Government), after being part of the UNC-Chapel Hill Political Science Department since 1966.
The synergy from the affiliation of MPA@UNC with the School of Government benefits students in a variety of ways. All School of Government faculty are engaged in programs that serve government officials at all levels. These professors work with government officials every day and bring their practical and professional experience to the classroom to the benefit of MPA@UNC students. Experiential learning opportunities for students are also expanded by MPA@UNC’s affiliation with the School of Government. The network created by School of Government faculty, students, alumni, and contacts is invaluable in obtaining internships, securing permanent placements, and working with public agencies at all levels.
Beginning in January of 2013, UNC School of Government will begin offering its top-ranked MPA program online. The online format, known as MPA@UNC, is designed for working professionals and others who aspire to become public service leaders and wish to earn a Master of Public Administration degree, but require the flexibility of an online program.
To learn more about MPA@UNC, click here.
