UNC MPA students represent a variety of academic backgrounds and interest areas but are united by a desire to improve their communities through a career in public service. Some of our students choose to pursue a public administration degree before entering the workforce, while others seek to advance their career or change fields.

Meet Our Students

Our students are an accomplished and diverse group. Just over half of UNC MPA students are from North Carolina.

Student Life & Voices

Meet some of our students on our Student Voices page. We also invite you to learn more about student life and opportunities for engagement.

Student Life

Student News

October 06, 2025

by Katie Geith The UNC Master of Public Administration program celebrates the kickoff of the…

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  • Student
  • General News
  • Student Profile

July 15, 2025

Sarah Dhunjishaw is originally from Colorado and received her undergraduate degree from Queens…

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June 11, 2025

Meg is a current student from Naperville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. She graduated from Butler…

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  • Impact of Your Support Story
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Students at a Glance

167 Students Enrolled
59% Female Students
3.42 Average Undergraduate GPA
24% Underrepresented Minorities
48% Out-of-State Students
45 On-campus Students

What will you do with an MPA?

Program Outcomes

Tom Bennett

“The cohort experience is memorable. My classmates were some of the best and smartest people I’ve ever met. To be a part of that group is something special.”

—Thomas Bennett MPA ’20

MPA Graduate, Raleigh City Manager

“The greatest value I received from the MPA program was the connection with people, the connection with movers and shakers in government, the connection with people who see government as a proponent versus an opponent.”

—Marchell Adams-David ’92, City Manager, Raleigh, NC

Latest Student Blog Posts

August 28, 2025

By Dr. Obed Pasha PUBA 709 is often one of the first courses students take when they join the…

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  • At the SOG
  • Faculty
  • Education

August 18, 2025

As my summer Professional Work Experience (PWE) with the North Carolina Community Colleges…

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  • Non Profit
  • Students
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August 06, 2025

This post was written by current student Ryan Ledbetter….

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  • Students
  • Professional Work Experience (PWE)
  • Economic Development
  • Local Government