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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn more about key similarities and differences between the two options. Compare the two formats side-by-side below.
45
45
Fall (late August)
Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September)
Full-time only
Full-time or part-time
In-person, cohort model
(most classes taken with your cohort)
Asynchronous and synchronous
(self-paced learning and on-camera instruction)
Three to four
Typically two
Daytime Monday–Thursday
One evening per course per
week for 90 minutes
Two years: MPA
Three years: dual degree
From 18 months to five years
NC residents: $27,493.44
Non-NC residents: $64,807.44
NC residents: $30,702.15
Non-NC residents: $77,344.65
Scholarships and Assistantships
Scholarships
25
30
Fewer than 30
About 15
Fewer than 30
10–15
Part time only
Full time
(85% of students work full time)
Full professors and adjunct instructors
Full professors and adjunct instructors
Local Government, Public Management, Nonprofit Management, Community and Economic Development, Public Policy
Local Government, Public Management, Nonprofit Management
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 |
Typically two |
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 |
June 17, 2025
This post is written by current student Tyler Holden. Tyler Holden is a current student in…
June 11, 2025
This post was written by 2nd year student Ryan Ledbetter….
June 09, 2025
Lilly Parker is a 2nd year student in the MPA program. As a former teacher from Kentucky, Lilly’s…