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

No public service experience required. 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 Alumni

One Program, Two Formats.

There are two convenient ways to earn your UNC MPA. 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 both on-campus and online students.

Start Term

Fall 2023

Application Due

January 10th, 2023 (January 1st is recommended for best financial support consideration)

Start Your On-Campus Application

See How to Apply

Start Term

Coming Soon

Application Due

Coming Soon

Start Your Online Application

See How to Apply

Degree Requirements

0 Hours of Coursework
  • Includes 15 Elective Hours
  • A Professional Work Experience
  • Submission of Applied Research Problem (Thesis Substitute)
Background Image

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 choose 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

March 27, 2024

Did you know 100% of our students are looking to start, advance, or change their careers?  Attend…

April 04, 2024

Join UNC MPA in Raleigh to (re)connect with MPA alumni, students, prospective students, faculty,…

April 09, 2024

Join UNC MPA on April 9th from 5-7:30pm in our nation’s capital to (re)connect with MPA alumni,…

Recent Blog Posts

February 19, 2024

Andrew Stephen Wright is a current 1st year student in the MPA program at Chapel Hill.  Born and…

February 05, 2024

Tell us about yourself, and what are your motivations for getting your MPA at UNC? My name…

November 30, 2023

This post was written by 1st year student Julia Egger. Making the decision to attend graduate…