Admissions Overview

Admissions Criteria

The UNC School of Government seeks diverse students with a deep commitment to public service and the strong academic background required to meet the demands of our top-ranked Master of Public Administration program.

To be accepted into MPA@UNC, prospective students must have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university or internationally equivalent bachelor's degree, typically earning a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.

Applicants must also submit standardized test scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Scores for the GRE exam are preferred. The standardized test requirement is waived for applicants who have completed a PhD or JD degree. Applicants must upload their unofficial transcript to show that the degree has been conferred. For those who have completed a master’s degree, they may submit an application without having taken a standardized test but may be subject to take the exam, pending application review by the admissions committee.

Prior to beginning MPA@UNC coursework, students must complete a three-credit course in American Government and Policy. If they have not taken this course at any point in their academic history, their admissions counselor can advise them on institutions offering a valid course, including a self-paced online version. (While students may be granted conditional admission without the course, they must complete the course prior to beginning their course of study in MPA@UNC.)

Although work experience in a public service profession will enhance an application, it is not a requirement for admission to MPA@UNC.

Take the Next Step

Advance your career in public administration by earning an MPA degree online from UNC.
Download Your MPA Career Guide

Application Deadlines

MPA@UNC offers students four start dates per calendar year (January, May, August, and September). Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Read about our online application process or start your application now.

If you have questions or need help completing your application in time for your preferred start date, please contact an admissions counselor at 855-862-4672 or via e-mail.