Frequently Asked Questions

We do. Please contact Cara Robinson, director of admissions, to discuss your options.

UNC MPA is seeking candidates who demonstrate the ability to succeed in graduate school and who express a desire to pursue a career as a public service leader. Previous public service experience is not required.

All students must complete a course in American Government prior to starting classes. We offer a free, online course for all newly enrolled students who haven’t completed one as an undergraduate.

The on-campus format offers one start date in the fall (mid-August). The online format offers three start dates (Fall (September), Spring (January), and Summer (May)).  Deadlines can be found on our ‘How to Apply’ page.

UNC MPA offers two formats in order to accommodate students at any stage of their career. The on-campus (residential) format is a full-time two-year option that offers classes during the day. The online format offers evening classes and can accommodate either full-time or part-time students. Visit this page to explore more about the differences between formats.

To be considered for admission to UNC MPA, you must complete the application (with a $95 application fee) and submit a statement of purpose; your resume; unofficial transcripts; and three letters of recommendation. Candidates may submit standardized test scores if they would like (GRE/LSAT/GMAT).  After an initial review of your application, you may be invited to move to the next phase of the admissions process, which is an interview in person via Zoom.

UNC MPA completes a holistic review of every applicant, so there are no required minimum test scores. While a GPA of 3.0 or above and test scores above the 50th percentile are preferred, they are not required for admission.

We do not require the GRE; however, any applicant may submit GRE (or other standardized test scores) to help strengthen their application.  The program encourages standardized test scores when gpa’s are under a 3.3 or when academic performance does not reflect a person’s abilities.  To discuss further, please reach out to our Director of Admissions, Cara Robinson.

Our acceptance rate varies based on the number of applications we receive each year. Our on-campus format has limited space (up to 30 students per year), and we generally cap the online format at around 20 students per start date.