We are seeking individuals who have a passion for public service and the desire to be a leader.

Whether you are just getting started or seeking to advance your career, a Master of Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill provides the skills and tools necessary to reach your goals.

“If you truly want to be a public servant and make a positive change, an MPA will give you the know-how to lead not just effectively, but ethically and equitably too.”

Adrienne Augustus UNC MPA Alumnus

One Program, Two Formats.

There are two convenient ways to earn your MPA from UNC-Chapel Hill. We offer a full-time two-year format for on-campus students, while the online format is available for full- or part-time students. Scholarships are available to both on-campus and online students.

Start Term

Fall 2025

Application Due

January 1st, 2025

Start Your On-Campus Application

See How to Apply

Start Term

Fall 2024

Application Due

May 15th (Priortity Deadline May 1st)

Start Your Online Application

See How to Apply

Degree Requirements

0 Hours of Coursework
  • Includes 15 Elective Hours
  • Professional Work Experience (PWE)
  • Submission of Applied Research Problem (Thesis Substitute)
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Tailor your UNC MPA experience to a specific discipline within public administration by choosing a concentration for your degree. Our students are not required to select a concentration area, but those who do must complete at least nine credit hours from the list of elective courses provided for that area. Concentrations include Local Government, Nonprofit Management, Public Management, International Relations, Public Health, Community and Economic Development, and Public Policy.

Learn More About Each Of These Concentrations

Upcoming Admissions Events

October 15, 2024

If you have been deciding what to do for graduate school and have been considering the above paths,…

October 24, 2024

The Fall 2024 MPA Immersion course will be led by Professor John Stephens.  The topic will be…

October 25, 2024

The Promises and Perils of Artificial Intelligence for Public Administration and Government…

Recent Blog Posts

October 01, 2024

Interview with current student Ushni Gupta Welcome to the Carolina MPA@UNC program Ushni! …

September 16, 2024

Meet new student Ryan Campbell! Hometown: Boston, MA Alma Mater: Western Carolina University…

September 13, 2024

Welcome to the Carolina MPA@UNC program Ushni!  Tell us a bit about yourself. I was born…