Student Life at MPA@UNC
Inside the Online MPA Program
Student Life at MPA@UNC
“I am all about relationships, and the ones I’ve developed [at Carolina] are so valuable to me. I learned as much from the people as I did from the academic work.”
— Ruth Rivas, Class of 2014
At Carolina, your coursework is just one part of your education. Earning your MPA online from UNC means building the skills you need to advance the public good and discovering your place in our vibrant, global community.
70
Net Promoter Score®1
Net Promoter Score® is an index that measures users’ experiences—and satisfaction levels—with a wide range of brands, organizations, and services.
The MPA@UNC delivery model—which includes online and in-person experiences—is designed to help you forge meaningful relationships with other aspiring public leaders.
MPA@UNC Students at a Glance
Our students come from all over the United States and the world. Their professions span sectors and industries, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to the classroom.2
29States Represented
30Average Age
21-69Age Range
21%Military
45%Male
55%Female
29%Advanced Degrees
33%U.S. Minority3
6 yrs.Average Work Experience
Real Graduate Outcomes
Online MPA program graduates earn more than a degree. They develop in-demand skills that resonate with employers and make a tangible difference in their careers.
Stay Connected Through the Online Platform
The online platform enables you to access your coursework, attend live classes, and conduct group work. Classes are small—our student-to-faculty ratio is just 15:1—which means you spend more time working directly with fellow students and our nationally recognized faculty.
Outside of class, you will be able to attend faculty office hours and meetings with classmates. Your coursework is accessible 24/7 via mobile, tablet, or desktop, which means you can complete assignments or arrange meetings at times that accommodate your existing commitments.
Get Involved: Student Organizations and UNC Athletics
We encourage you to explore our thriving network of student organizations. By participating in these groups—some of which are listed below—you open the door to new learning experiences, valuable professional connections, and lasting friendships.
- International City/County Management Association (ICMA): ICMA networks with city and county managers and introduces students to the local government management profession.
- Graduate and Professional Student Federation (GPSF): GPSF is the student government body that represents all UNC-Chapel Hill graduate and professional students.
- The Carolina Society of Future Leaders: is focused on preparing students to become effective public service leaders.
Root for Carolina Athletics
Wear your Carolina Blue with pride! Home to the legendary Tar Heels basketball team, UNC-Chapel Hill produces some of the top athletes and teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference and the NCAA.
Our varsity teams compete in 13 men’s and 15 women’s sports, including football, baseball, softball, and golf. You can keep track of scores, upcoming schedules, and team news at GoHeels and 247Sports.
From World-Class Athlete to Global Leader
Meet Lorrie Fair Allen, a former FIFA World Cup Champion whose passion for public service inspired her to earn her MPA online from UNC.
Read MoreBuild Your Network With the Work Experience Practicum
The MPA Professional Work Experience Practicum offers you the chance to apply your knowledge in a professional environment and explore careers in public service. In addition to accruing real-world leadership experience, you also have the chance to expose yourself to a new sector of public service or advance in your preferred public sector. Choose from full- or part-time pacing options:
Full time: 400 hours of public service work | 10 weeks
Part time: 300 hours of public service work | 15 weeks
Connect With Influential Alumni
When you graduate from UNC, you join an alumni network that can help you stay connected with UNC-Chapel Hill, gain access to resources and information throughout your career, and contribute to the education of future students.
UNC MPA graduates have gone on to hold influential public service positions—from senior advisors and elected officials to managers of municipal and county governments to directors of government and nonprofit agencies to CEOs of private businesses.
Where MPA@UNC Graduates Are Employed7
22%Local
17%State
26%Nonprofit
9%Federal
17%Federal Military
9%Private