On Campus or Online

Regardless of the format you choose within the UNC-CH MPA program, the educational rigor and commitment to excellence are the same

On Campus

The on-campus MPA experience is a full-time program that starts in the Fall. It is 45 credit hours that students typically complete in two years (three years for a dual degree). You will meet on campus in person as a cohort. Most class schedules are Monday through Thursday during the day.

full time
Daytime classes
Cohort experience

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.

Thomas Bennett UNC MPA Alumni

Online

The online MPA format was designed for working professionals. It offers evening classes and the option of pursuing the degree part-time or full-time. Students typically take two courses per semester, and each class requires 90 minutes of on-camera class time once per week with the rest of your classmates and instructor.

Part time or full time
Live online evening classes
Asynchronous work on your own

The biggest surprise for me as an online student is the strong sense of community I found here. The instructor’s emphasis on small group assignments and facilitation of class-wide discussions allows students to bring their whole selves 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.

Stephen Thompson UNC MPA Alumni

Earn Your Degree Your Way

Learn more about key similarities and differences between the two options. Compare the two formats side-by-side below.

On Campus

Online

Total credits

Start terms

Fall (late August)

Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September)

Flexibility

Full-time only

Full-time or part-time

Experience

In-person, cohort model

(most classes taken with your cohort)

Asynchronous and synchronous

(self-paced learning and on-camera instruction)

Classes per semester

Three to four

view sample on-campus schedule

Typically two

view sample online schedule

Class times

Daytime Monday–Thursday

One evening per course per

week for 90 minutes

Completion time

Two years: MPA

Three years: dual degree

From 18 months to five years

Approximate cost

NC residents: $27,493.44

Non-NC residents: $64,807.44

NC residents: $30,702.15

Non-NC residents: $77,344.65

Financial aid availability

Scholarships and Assistantships

Scholarships

Average student age

Cohort size

Fewer than 30

About 15

Class sizes

Fewer than 30

10–15

Recommended work schedule

Part time only

Full time

(85% of students work full time)

Faculty

Full professors and adjunct instructors

Concentrations

Local Government, Public Management, Nonprofit Management, Community and Economic Development, Public Policy

Local Government, Public Management, Nonprofit Management

Taking classes in the other format

Up to nine online credits

Up to nine on-campus credits

Total credits	45	45
Start terms	Fall (late August)	Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September)
Flexibility	Full-time only	Full-time or part-time
Experience	In-person, cohort model (most classes taken with your cohort)	Asynchronous and synchronous (self-paced learning and on-camera instruction)
Classes per semester	Three to four view sample on-campus schedule	Typically two view sample online schedule
Class times	Daytime Monday–Thursday	One evening per course per week for 90 minutes
Completion time	Two years: MPA Three years: dual degree	From 18 months to five years
Approximate cost	NC residents: $27,493.44 Non-NC residents: $64,807.44	NC residents: $30,702.15 Non-NC residents: $77,344.65
Financial aid availability	Scholarships and Assistantships	Scholarships
Average student age	25	30
Cohort size	Fewer than 30	About 15
Class sizes	Fewer than 30	10–15
Recommended work schedule	Part time only	Full time (85% of students work full time)
Faculty	Full professors and adjunct instructors	Full professors and adjunct instructors
Concentrations	Local Government, Public Management, Nonprofit Management, Community and Economic Development, Public Policy	Local Government, Public Management, Nonprofit Management
Taking classes in the other format	Up to nine online credits	Up to nine on-campus credits