Student Blog - UNC MPA
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Master of Public Administration
School of Government
Master of Public Administration
School of Government
Admissions
We are seeking individuals who have a passion for public service & the desire to be a leader. UNC MPA is committed to preparing leaders who are confident decision-makers & resource managers.
Admissions
How to Apply
We encourage applications from anyone passionate about public service leadership.
On-Campus or Online
Choose your format. Compare credits, benefits, and schedules of each option.
Tuition & Scholarships
Get tuition, financial aid, and scholarship options for online and on-campus formats.
Events
Learn about the UNC MPA program
FAQ
Get answers about admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and more.
Academics
UNC MPA is committed to preparing leaders who are confident decision-makers and resource managers. A rigorous curriculum and engaging experiences give students the orientation they need to make a real impact on their communities.
Academics
Why an MPA?
Learn why many of today’s leaders have chosen the versatility of an MPA degree.
Dual Degrees
Get the best of two concentrations so your options remain as broad as your knowledge.
Degree Requirements
Find out what's needed before taking the next steps towards your MPA degree.
Courses
Find classes and plan a course list that fits your goals.
Professional Work Experience
Utilize a cornerstone of the UNC MPA curriculumand get real-world experience.
Concentrations
Customize your program to focus your journey on your destination.
Careers
Whether new to public administration, changing careers, or looking to advance in a current role, our students know that an MPA from UNC-Chapel Hill can lead to expanded opportunities for a satisfying career in public service.
Careers
Career Services
We are committed to your journey from your first day through graduation and beyond.
Outcomes
See MPA career outcomes in each sector and plan your path forward.
Hire UNC MPA
See the benefits of hiring a UNC MPA graduate for your organization.
Alumni
The UNC MPA alumni community extends to every corner of North Carolina, across the United States, and in seven countries.
Meet Our Alumni
Meet Our Alumni
Meet our community of more than 1,500 active alumni.
Ways to Engage
Our alumni community is one of the key strengths of our program
Support
Help support our students and the work of our faculty.
Alumni Directory
See our alumni and read about their paths from MPA to successful careers.
Impact Newsletter
Explore current and past issues of our bi-annual newsletter featuring alumni, faculty, and program highlights.
About
The UNC MPA program offers a nationally ranked leadership degree for full and part-time students. Our graduates are public service leaders who transform the communities where they work and live.
Faculty Directory
Meet our faculty and staff, and discover what drives them.
Our Faculty
Meet our renowned experts in a wide array of public sectors.
Our Students
Our students are accomplished, diverse, and committed to public service.
Our Alumni
Our network provides opportunities for professional and personal connections.
Location
Read more about our Chapel Hill, NC, campus.
Inclusivity
Our leaders are committed to ensuring members of our community are invited and included.
News & Events
See the latest UNC MPA news and upcoming events.
MPA Matters Student Blog
Explore the current happenings & pursuits of our MPA students.
Master of Public Administration
School of Government
Admissions
How to Apply
On-Campus or Online
Tuition & Scholarships
Events
FAQ
Academics
Why an MPA?
Dual Degrees
Degree Requirements
Courses
Professional Work Experience
Concentrations
Careers
Career Services
Outcomes
Hire UNC MPA
Alumni
Meet Our Alumni
Ways to Engage
Support
Alumni Directory
Impact Newsletter
About
Faculty Directory
Our Faculty
Our Students
Our Alumni
Location
Inclusivity
News & Events
MPA Matters Student Blog
Apply Now
Request Info
Student Blog
MPA Matters
Professional Work Experience (PWE)
View All PWE Posts
Professional Work Experience (PWE)
View All PWE Posts
August 18, 2025
UNC MPA
From Research to Impact: Wrapping Up My Summer with NCCCF
As my summer Professional Work Experience (PWE) with the North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation (NCCCF) comes to...
Read The Full Story
Non Profit
Students
Education
August 6, 2025
UNC MPA
Ryan Ledbetter reflects on his PWE with Stanly County Economic...
This post was written by current student Ryan Ledbetter....
Read The Full Story
Local Government
Students
Professional Work Experience (PWE)
Economic Development
July 30, 2025
UNC MPA
My Ride-Along Experience with the Hillsborough Police Department
This post was written by current student Tyler Holden who is currently finishing up his Professional Work...
Read The Full Story
Professional Work Experience (PWE)
Local Government
Students
Careers
View All Careers Posts
Careers
View All Careers Posts
March 10, 2026
Allison Binkley
What I Learned at COP30 in Belém: Local Government, Climate Justice,...
This past November, current student Brianna Beadle, Public Administration and City and Regional Planning...
Read The Full Story
Careers
October 30, 2025
UNC MPA
New Student Emmett Lille reflects on First Immersion Experience
This post was written by current student Emmett Lille, a first year student in the online format. North Carolina...
Read The Full Story
Careers
Students
July 18, 2025
UNC MPA
Strengthening Strategy and Stewardship: Continuing My Summer with...
This blog post was written by current student Lilly Parker.
In my first blog post, I shared how excited I was...
Read The Full Story
Non Profit
Students
Education
Professional Work Experience (PWE)
NonProfit
Policy
At the SOG
View All SOG Posts
At the SOG
View All SOG Posts
April 14, 2026
UNC MPA
How One Conversation Sparked Opportunity for Noah Ellington
By Hattie Lecka
When MPA student Noah Ellington attended an alumni event in January, he did not...
Read The Full Story
At the SOG
Students
March 24, 2026
Allison Binkley
Investing in Future Public Leaders: The Power of MPA Program Support
Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, UNC MPA students are able to fully engage in...
Read The Full Story
Scholarships
Students
November 3, 2025
UNC MPA
Current student Joseph Giles reflects on his first ICMA conference...
Joseph Giles is a first year UNC MPA student from Rutherford County in Western North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor...
Read The Full Story
Administration
Students
Interests
View All Interests Posts
Interests
View All Interests Posts
August 28, 2025
UNC MPA
A Behind the Scenes look at PUBA 709 (Foundations of Public...
By Dr. Obed Pasha
PUBA 709 is often one of the first courses students take when they join the MPA program at UNC....
Read The Full Story
At the SOG
Faculty
Education
July 11, 2025
UNC MPA
Recycling Project with NC DEQ
Meet Carlos Morales, a 2nd year student in the UNC MPA program.
I grew up in Columbia, SC, and originally went to...
Read The Full Story
Environmental Affairs
State Government
Students
July 11, 2025
UNC MPA
Behind the Badge: Supporting Police Operations through Policy and...
This post was written by current student Tyler Holden....
Read The Full Story
Professional Work Experience (PWE)
Administration
Community Engagement
Policy
Students
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