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.

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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.

$71,896Average salary at graduation4

39%Changed jobs5

26%Earned a raise, a promotion, or both6

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.

Read more about the student experience

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.

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 More

Build 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

Read more about the Work Experience Practicum

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

1 Net Promoter survey results are self-reported from alumni of the 2018 online graduate Master of Public Administration program from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government. Net Promoter Score® measures customer experience and predicts business growth. Return to footnote reference
2 Data represents all students currently enrolled in the program as of April 16, 2019. Return to footnote reference
3 This information includes Hispanic/Latino, black or African American, non-Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian or Alaska Native students, as well as two or more races, when one or more are from the preceding racial and ethnic categories. Return to footnote reference
4 According to a 2019 survey of 2018 graduates of the Master’s in Public Administration program from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government. Response rate was 100%. Return to footnote reference
5 According to a 2019 survey of 2018 graduates of the Master’s in Public Administration program from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government. Response rate was 100%. Return to footnote reference
6 According to a 2019 survey of 2018 graduates of the Master’s in Public Administration program from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government. Response rate was 100% Return to footnote reference
7 According to a 2019 survey of 2018 graduates of the Master’s in Public Administration program from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government. Return to footnote reference