The Online MPA from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government
GRE/GMAT Scores Optional
Why Earn an MPA Degree from the University of North Carolina Online?
For more than 80 years, the UNC School of Government has been dedicated to improving governance across North Carolina and beyond through expert faculty and staff who are committed to preparing the next generation of leaders.
Complete the same top-ranked UNC MPA program online1 and collaborate with faculty and classmates across the country while pursuing a meaningful career across government, nonprofit, and private sectors. The UNC MPA program delivered online is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
Learn from the Same Curriculum
Delivered to Key Public Administrators
Our students receive a current and relevant education where real government
and organizational issues and solutions are brought to the classroom.
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Admissions
MPA Application Requirements
The online MPA format is designed for public service professionals and for those who are just starting their careers in public service. Public service experience is not required to apply, but all applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and be committed to leadership.
Applications are reviewed holistically based on potential to succeed in our rigorous MPA program and contribute to our diverse, collaborative learning environment. Your application should include the following items:
- Online application
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores, if applicable
- 500 Word Supplemental Writing Statement
- Unofficial Transcripts
A nonrefundable $95 application fee is required.
Standardized test scores are not required to apply but scores may be submitted. Reach out to your admissions counselor for more information.
The final deadline for the January 2024 cohort is October 24, 2023.
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Scholarships
Students in the online MPA are automatically considered for scholarships as well as more specific,
organization-based tuition assistance when they apply. Available scholarships include but are not limited to:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Local and state government employee tuition matching
- National Military Family Association (NMFA) scholarship
- Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP) scholarship
To learn more about scholarships that may be available to you, please visit our scholarships page.
Connect with a Nationwide Network
Learn how the online MPA from UNC connects you with a
network of public service leaders across the country.
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A Curriculum that Prepares Today’s Public Administration Professionals
The 45-credit online Master of Public Administration curriculum is designed to fit your career interests, whether you want to serve others as a government official or as a leader within a private or nonprofit organization. The program is designed to deliver a broadly applicable leadership toolkit while focusing on the public service environments at the state and local levels.
Each class brings the importance of public administration to life, with real-world examples from faculty who share a dedication to service. Rather than completing a theoretical capstone project, you will finish your program by getting real-world experience in a public service role within the community and apply your knowledge to help solve a real public sector research problem.
Concentrations are available in Local Government, Public Management, Nonprofit Management, Public Health, and International Relations.
Immersion experiences are available for credit and allow you to come to campus for a weekend to meet classmates and faculty face to face.
Cross-university courses enable you to take even more electives than what UNC offers via our university partners.
“Earning an MPA at UNC teaches you how to be a leader in the public sector—how to make a meaningful, positive impact for your community, whether it be at the local, state, or national level. If you truly want to be a public servant and make a positive change in our community, an MPA will give you the know-how to lead not just effectively but ethically and equitably too.”
Customize Your Online MPA Degree to
Your Career Goals
Learn how our approach replaces theoretical study with real-
world case studies and in-person work experience.
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An Immersive Online Experience
The online program provides a rich student experience throughout every step of earning your degree. It begins with your admissions counselor, who will guide you through the application process, and continues with our faculty and student support teams, who offer one-on-one mentoring and professional guidance.
Throughout the program, you will also interact closely with expert faculty who consult daily with government leaders on matters pertaining to budgeting and finance, human resources and performance management, and technology and communication issues facing organizations. Faculty are available to you during online classes and one-on-one office hours.
Interactive Online Campus
Our online MPA format is designed for professionals seeking a top-ranked program that fits their busy schedules. We have designed the online campus to facilitate your learning and engagement with other students and faculty.
Small class sizes enable you to have in-depth discussions on everything from organization theory to public administration legal principles with your classmates and faculty. In addition, self-paced, multimedia coursework as well as in-person networking opportunities will prepare you to pursue employment in government, nonprofit, and private settings.
Ready to Become a Leader in Public Administration?
You have the professional experience and the passion for service needed to make a lasting difference in
your local, state, or national government. The next step is to earn a Master of Public Administration from a
top-ranked school. Start making progress today, and request information about our MPA.
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1 Best Graduate Public Affairs Programs, (2023) U.S. News and World Report. Ranked in 2022.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
2 This data is based on the 2020 online graduate Master of Public Administration program from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference