The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Request Info

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

Hover Image

December 02, 2025

Mother and son pursue MPA degrees

When Atticus Graysmith entered the UNC School of Government program, he thought it would also be…

Read The Full Story
  • School
  • Student
  • General News
Hover Image

December 02, 2025

MPA graduate student follows family’s example

As an economic development specialist, Alyssa Blair Zimmerman is adding to their legacy of public…

Read The Full Story
  • School
  • Student
  • General News
  • Impact of Your Support Story
Hover Image

October 06, 2025

Military Families and Veterans Begin MPA Journey Through Service to…

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

Read The Full Story
  • Student Profile
  • School
  • Student
  • General News

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

Hover Image

June 24, 2026

Collaboration: Summer with the Macon County Solid Waste Department

This post is written by current student Callie Barnett. Callie Barnett is a student in the…

Read The Full Story
  • Professional Work Experience (PWE)
  • Local Government
  • Local Government
  • Students
Hover Image

June 22, 2026

Learning Meaningful Public Engagement

This post is written by current student Desiree DeDolce. Desiree DeDolce is from Winston-Salem,…

Read The Full Story
  • Local Government
  • Local Government
  • Students
  • Professional Work Experience (PWE)
Hover Image

May 26, 2026

This is Us! Meet UNC MPA Recent Graduates

At the May 2026 commencement, we had the chance to reconnect with four recent graduates of the UNC…

Read The Full Story
  • Alumni
  • Students

Connect With Us!