Mission

The mission of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is to advance effective public governance by enhancing the capacities of current and future leaders in public and non-profit sectors through education, relevant research, and a commitment to service that strengthens communities.  

This mission encompasses five public service values:

• Accountability
• Ethics
• Academic Rigor
• Diversity
• Professional Collaboration and Community Engagement

The MPA Program prioritizes helping students attain key professional competencies in public administration:

• To lead and manage in the public interest;
• To participate in, and contribute to, the public policy process;
• To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make evidence informed decisions in a complex and dynamic environment;
• To articulate, apply, and advance a public service perspective;
• To communicate and interact productively and in culturally responsive ways with a diverse and changing workforce and society at large.

The MPA program trains students for leadership positions within public and non-profit sector organizations and bureaucracies. Students interested in private sector employment in industries with strong governmental interactions and regulation will also benefit from seeking an MPA degree. We believe in “aggressive” career development, preparing you to move beyond existing career positions as opportunities arise. Education to accelerate career access.

The MPA at UNCP can be completed as a fully online program.  

Application Deadlines:

The following application deadline has been established by the MPA Admissions Committee:

• Fall deadline: one week prior to the start of the semester
• Spring deadline: one week prior to the start of the semester
• Summer deadline: No Admissions for Summer Sessions

The MPA Program offers four concentrations as well as the BA-MPA program.