Application fee waiver requests are available for selected 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. 

UNC-CH MPA completes a holistic review of every applicant, so minimum GPAs are not required. While a GPA of 3.0 or above is preferred, candidates who don’t have this are encouraged to submit standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, or LSAT). All candidates are invited to provide a supplemental statement to inform us of any circumstances contributing to a lower GPA. 

To be considered for admission, you must complete the application (which includes a $95 application fee) and submit: 

• a statement of purpose 

• your resume 

• unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended 

• three letters of recommendation 

Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, or LSAT) are optional. After an initial review of your application, you may be invited to move to the next phase of the admissions process: an interview in person or via Zoom.  

International students whose degrees are from outside the United States must also submit a WES or ECE transcript evaluation and English language proficiency scores if they are from a country where the native language is not English. 

For more information on how to apply, click here.

Yes, we allow non-degree-seeking students to take classes with us. Non-degree courses are based on availability, and up to 12 credit hours can count toward the MPA program if you later enroll in it. You must apply as a non-degree–seeking student. Reach out to our director of admissions for schedule and class availability.  

 
UNC-CH 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. Admitted students come from varying academic backgrounds and interest areas; however, competitive candidates usually have a GPA of at least 3.0 or a supplemental demonstration of academic abilities.

All students must have completed a course in American Government (or an equivalent course) before beginning the program.

For students who did not complete an approved course during their undergraduate studies or who did not earn college credit for a high school course, the MPA Program provides a free, self-paced, online American Government course for newly enrolled students.

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-CH MPA offers two ways to pursue the MPA. The on-campus (residential) format is a full-time program that offers daytime classes. The online format offers evening classes and the option of pursuing your degree part-time or full-time.    

Explore the differences between the two formats here. 

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 GRE scores; however, applicants may submit GRE (or other standardized test) scores to help strengthen their application.

UNC-CH MPA encourages standardized test scores if a candidate has a GPA under 3.3 or when academic performance does not reflect an applicant’s abilities. To discuss further, contact Susan Lynch, MPA Operations Manager.

Our acceptance rate varies depending on the number of applications; both formats average between 60 and 70 percent acceptance.