How to Apply

Application

(including $95 application fee)

Application fee waiver requests are available for select applicants. For more information, visit the UNC Graduate School Application Fee Waiver page. Fee waivers are sometimes granted for attending one of our admissions events.

Current Résumé or CV

Statement of Purpose

In one to two pages, respond to the question, “Why do you want to earn an MPA from UNC-Chapel Hill?” In your statement, address the following:

• Experiences that have led you to consider a public service career
• Why the UNC-Chapel Hill MPA program would be a good fit for you
• Your professional goals

Unofficial Transcripts

An unofficial transcript from each college or university attended is required to be uploaded to the application. Official transcripts are not required until after admission and enrollment.

International students should submit an ECE or WES evaluation of their international transcripts to determine the U.S. degree equivalency and grade point average.

Three Letters of Recommendation

Recommendation letters should come from individuals familiar with your academic and professional achievements and should address your potential for success in this particular academic setting.

Applicants who have graduated with a degree in the last five years are strongly encouraged to have at least one academic reference.

Official Standardized Test Scores (optional)

We encourage any students who believe their application materials do not fully reflect their academic potential to include in their application an official graduate entrance exam (GRE, LSAT, and GMAT). Scores must be less than five years old. This is particularly recommended for students with cumulative GPAs below a 3.3, but any candidate is welcome to submit official exam scores for consideration by the admissions committee.

Send your official score report to Institution Code #5816.

TOEFL or IELTS Scores for non-native English speakers

For more information, visit the UNC Graduate School website for international student admissions.

Potential Interview

After a preliminary screening of applications, the UNC-Chapel Hill MPA Admissions Committee will contact selected candidates to schedule an interview. Candidate interviews are held via Zoom.