Thomas Bennett
UNC MPA Alumni
“My favorite part of the program was the cohort. They are some of the best and smartest people I’ve ever met. To be a part of that group is something special.”
Stephen Thompson
Online UNC MPA Student
“The biggest surprise for me as an online student is the strong sense of community I have found here. The instructor’s emphasis on small group assignments and facilitation of class-wide discussions allows each student to bring their full self to class. A key component of the program is learning and working with public servants from California to Maine as peers and fellow students, and seeing those familiar faces from your cohort throughout your time in the program allows you to form some pretty strong relationships.”
Regardless of the format you choose, the educational rigor and commitment to excellence are the same. Use the table below to learn more about key similarities and differences between the two options.
On-Campus
Online
Total credits
45
Total credits
45
Start Terms
Fall only
(late August)
Start Terms
Three per year
(January, May, September)
Flexibility
Full-time only
Flexibility
Full-time or Part-time
Experience
In-person, cohort model
(most classes taken with your cohort)
Experience
Asynchronous/Synchronous learning. Each class requires self-paced learning with 1.5 hours each week of on-camera instruction.
Classes per semester
3-4 per semester. Core course schedule is pre-determined.
Electives are flexible.
See sample on-campus schedule
Classes per semester
Usually 2 per semester
Some flexibility in choosing classes.
See sample online schedule
Class times
During the day
Monday through Thursday
Class times
One evening per week
per course for 90 minutes
Completion time
2 years (3 years for dual degree)
Completion time
18 months or up to five years
Approximate total cost of program
$27,031 for NC residents /
$62,483 for non-residents
Approximate total cost of program
$54,405 (flat rate)
Scholarships/Financial Aid availability
Yes –
Scholarships and Assistantships
Scholarships/Financial Aid availability
Yes –
Scholarships
Average age
25
Average age
30
Total cohort size per start term
Fewer than 30 students
Total cohort size per start term
Varies, but usually around 15 students
Class sizes
Fewer than 30 students
Class sizes
10-15 students
Opportunity to work
Part-time only (recommended)
Opportunity to work
85 percent work full-time
Faculty
Full Professors + Adjunct Instructor
Faculty
Full Professors + Adjunct Instructors
Concentrations available
Local Government, Public Management, Nonprofit Management, Community and Economic Development
Concentrations available
Local Government, Public Health, International Affairs, Public Management, Nonprofit Management
Opportunity to take classes in other format
Up to nine credits online
Opportunity to take classes in other format
Up to nine credits on campus
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