The program accepts up to 12 hours of previously earned graduate credit from courses with a “B” or better grade from an accredited institution. They do not have to be MPA courses. 

UNC-CH MPA has a dedicated advising and student success team. Students are paired with an advisor and work directly with that advisor each semester to select their classes and ensure they are on track to graduate. New students are contacted by their advisor shortly after admission. 

If you are an on-campus student, you will graduate in two years (three years if you are a dual-degree student). On-campus students take three to four classes (nine or more credits) per semester. Online students generally take two classes per semester if they work full-time. Most online students finish the program within two to two and a half years, but students have up to five years to complete the program. 

On-campus students usually take four classes or about 12 credits per semester. Classes are typically during the day, Monday through Thursday. Online students usually take two classes per semester, and these classes are one evening a week for 90 minutes. View a typical schedule for online and on-campus students here. 

PWE stands for Professional Work Experience (our version of an internship) and is a required part of the UNC-CH MPA program. It is a paid, high-level management or project implementation experience within a public service organization. Students use our network of sites, our alumni contacts, and their network to find their PWE. Read more about the PWE here.  

We have more than 1,500 active UNC-CH MPA alumni. Each year, through the Alumni Mentor Program, we pair students looking to start or change their careers with seasoned career professionals. This is one of many opportunities for our students to engage with alumni. 

Research is an integral part of our program and offers valuable opportunities for professional development. Our curriculum includes a two-part sequential course focused on research, data, and analysis. Additionally, many classes include assignments that allow students to engage in research activities. As part of our final project, students conduct applied research to address current issues within an organization and propose practical solutions. Beyond the required coursework, students can apply for a research assistantship with a faculty member from the School of Government. This position allows students to work in specific areas while receiving tuition coverage and additional financial benefits. For more information, visit our Tuition and Financial Aid section. 

One of the best parts of our program is the small class sizes. Each year, the on-campus format has 30 spots available. The online format typically has between 20 and 30 students starting each term, but each online class averages around 12 to 15 students.

UNC-CH MPA students are not required to pursue a concentration area.  In fact, the majority of our students choose to take electives across concentration areas depending on what interests them.  We offer concentration areas within the MPA program, but we encourage students to pursue the own interests and career goals.

Students can also take classes in other graduate programs across UNC Chapel Hill when available.  For example, students can pursue interests in social work, emergency management, environmental sustainability, international affairs/relations, or education by taking elective courses at UNC or an institution of their choice. Several graduate certificates are available at UNC, which our students may wish to pursue.  

Our UNC-CH MPA online format was created as a part–time program. Classes are offered in the evening one day a week, and students usually take two courses per semester as online students. 

UNC MPA has a dedicated advising team. Students will be contacted by their advisor shortly after admission.

Once admitted to the program, you must accept your admission offer in your online application portal and pay the enrollment deposit. You’ll then receive a welcome email with next steps including how to create your UNC-CH email address and getting you connected with your academic advisor to begin the onboarding and registration process. 

Official transcripts are not required to apply but will be required if you are admitted and decide to enroll. Please wait to request your official transcripts until after you are admitted and after all coursework is completed. They can be sent to the UNC Graduate School at gradadmissions@unc.edu. Please do not have them sent generically to UNC-Chapel Hill, as they will go to Undergraduate Admissions. 

Yes, the program will accept up to 12 credit hours of previously earned graduate credit from courses with a grade of “B” or better from an accredited institution. They do not have to be MPA courses.

Student demographics vary from year to year. Our students come from various backgrounds, academic majors, and institutions. Most of our on-campus students enter the program soon after completing their undergraduate degree; their average age is 25. There is a broader range of ages among our online students (ages 22–65), with an average age of 29. Eighty-five percent of our online students hold full-time jobs. A little over half of our students come from North Carolina.