How to Apply

• Application fee waiver requests are available for selected applicants. For more information, visit the Application Fee Waivers page.
• Fee waivers are sometimes granted for attending one of our admissions events.

In one to two pages, respond to the question, “Why do you want to earn an MPA from UNC-Chapel Hill?”

In your statement, please address the following:

• Your professional goals
• Experiences that have led you to consider a public service career
• Why the UNC-Chapel Hill MPA program would be a good fit for you.

• In 500 words or less, please share how you see public service values impacting the work you do now or the work that you hope to do after your graduate studies.

• One unofficial transcript from each university attended is required and must be uploaded within the application.
• If you are still enrolled in coursework at the time of your application, you will be required to submit an official transcript prior to enrollment showing degree completion.
• Official transcripts are not required until enrollment.
• International students should submit an ECE evaluation of their international transcripts to determine U.S. degree and grade point system equivalency.

• Recommendation letters should come from individuals familiar with your academic and professional achievements and should address your potential for success in this particular academic setting.
• Applicants with a cumulative gpa under 3.3 and who have graduated with a degree in the last 5 years are strongly encouraged to have at least one academic reference.

• Scores must be less than five years old
• Send official score report to Institution Code: #5816
• GRE, GMAT, and LSAT scores are accepted
• Test scores are highly encouraged when an applicant has a cumulative gpa under a 3.3.

*The UNC MPA program stands by our commitment to holistic admissions and to recruiting a class which demonstrates academic success, dedication to public service, and diversity. We encourage any students who believe their application materials do not fully reflect their academic potential to include in their application an official graduate entrance exam (GRE, LSAT, and GMAT) score within the last 5 years. This is particularly recommended for students with cumulative GPAs below a 3.3, but any candidate is welcome to submit official exam scores for consideration by the admissions committee.

• For more information, visit the UNC Graduate School’s website for international student admissions.

• After a preliminary screening of applications, the MPA Admissions Committee will contact selected candidates to schedule an interview. Candidate interviews are held via Zoom.