The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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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

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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…

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  • School
  • Student
  • General News
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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…

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  • Student
  • General News
  • Impact of Your Support Story
  • School
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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…

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  • School
  • Student
  • General News
  • Student Profile

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

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July 02, 2026

One Mission, Five Regions: What a National Nonprofit Taught Me About…

This post is written by current student Bam Purcell. Bam Purcell is a current MPA student in…

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  • Professional Work Experience (PWE)
  • NonProfit
  • Non Profit
  • Students
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July 01, 2026

OSBM Impact Story: Communicating Change 

This post is written by current student Josh Davis. Josh Davis is a current on-campus student…

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  • Professional Work Experience (PWE)
  • State Government
  • Students
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June 29, 2026

Applying Learning to Practice: Wicked Problems and Accessibility in…

This post is written by current student Megan Lanning. Megan Lanning is a current student in…

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

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