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MPA

Public Administration

Step into leadership with UNC Pembroke’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program. You’ll complete your MPA degree online to balance work and life while preparing for roles in public, non-profit or private sectors. Our three distinct tracts give you the flexibility to tailor your education and grow your career.

Focus Areas

Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, General

Application Deadline

Aug. 11, 2025

Classes Start

Aug. 18, 2025

Nationally Recognized

UNCP's Master of Public Administration program consistently earns national recognition for its value and excellence. Our affordable online format, flexible concentrations, expert faculty and student-first approach help position our graduates for leadership roles in government, nonprofit and public sector careers.
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Best

Online Master's Program by OnlineMastersDegrees.com

#41

Best Online Master's in Public Administration by Best Accredited Colleges

Customize Your Leadership Journey

 Our curriculum is designed to build essential skills in public policy, management and organizational leadership, equipping you to create real solutions for complex social challenges. Whether you choose General Public Management, Criminal Justice or Emergency Management each track blends core administrative theory with discipline-specific knowledge. These specialized options not only sharpen your leadership competencies, but also prepare you to address unique public sector challenges — making your MPA tailored to where you want to lead.

The Criminal Justice track is designed for professionals working in the field. With courses tailored to your needs, it focuses on skills and knowledge you can apply directly to your career.

Required Courses:

Choose 12 hours of CRJ or CRJS courses at the 5000 level or higher. Talk with your advisor to choose the best courses for your career goals. Courses include:


CRJ 5700. Criminal Justice Research Methods (3 credits)

CRJ 5710. Criminological Theory (3 credits)

CRJ 5810. Victimology and Criminal Justice (3 credits)

CRJ 5830. Image Management and Media Relations for Criminal Justice and Public Service Agencies (3 credits)

CRJ 5850. Results-Driven Management in Criminal Justice (3 credits)

CRJ 5860. Use of Force Policy in Criminal Justice (3 credits)

CRJ 5870. Criminal Justice Policy (3 credits)

CRJ 5880. Police Effectiveness (3 credits)

CRJ 5890. Philosophy of Corrections (3 credits)

View the Course Catalog

Gain versatile administrative skills to excel in senior management roles. Work across public, non-profit and private sectors. This track is ideal for building a strong foundation in leadership, strategy and policy.

Required Courses:

Choose 12 hours of PAD courses at the 5000 level or higher. Talk with your advisor to choose the best courses for your career goals. Courses include:


PAD 5020 Legal, Policy, and Ethical Issues in Administration 

PAD 5030 Economic Analysis for Public Managers 

PAD 5070  Computer Technology in Administration 

PAD 5100 Organizational Leadership Seminar 

PAD 5110 Strategic Planning 

PAD 5120 Decision-Making for Leaders

PAD 5300 Organizational Communication

PAD 5310 Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting for Managers

PAD 5320 Quantitative Analysis II

PAD 5330 Leadership and Change 

PAD 5360 Administrative Law 

PAD 5370 Policy and Program Analysis

PAD 5380 Conflict Analysis and Resolution 

PAD 5530 Advanced Public Administration and Policy

PAD 5600 Independent Study

PAD 5770 Topics in Public Policy

View the Course Catalog

Prepare to lead in times of crisis with the Emergency Management track. This concentration equips you with the tools to plan, respond and recover from natural and manmade disasters.

The Emergency Management track uses an "all-hazards approach." This strategy prepares you to respond to various types of disasters. Both natural (like hurricanes or earthquakes) and manmade (like cyberattacks or terrorism). The concentration aims to improve the planning and problem-solving skills of:

Emergency management professionals who are directly involved in disaster response and recovery.

Public administrators who contribute to creating communities that are better prepared to withstand and recover from disasters.
 

Required Course (3 Hours)

EMG 5150 Introduction to Emergency Management

Elective Courses (9 Hours) - Choose Three of the Following:

EMG 5160 Sustainability and Hazard Resilience

EMG 5170 Crisis Leadership and Sustainability

EMG 5180 Social Equity in Emergency Management

EMG 5190 Technological Applications in Emergency Management

EMG 5800 Disaster Recovery and Sustainability

EMGS 5900 Special Topics in Emergency Management (1-3) Hours

View the Course Catalog

 

Admissions Checklist

Admission to the program is based on a few key qualifications. Before you apply, make sure you meet the outlined requirements. These help ensure you're prepared for graduate-level coursework in science education. If you have any questions, reach out to us at The Graduate School.

Email Us

Program Requirements

  • No GRE with a 3.0 GPA from undergraduate work
  • A GRE score of the 30th percentile or higher on all three criteria for those with a 2.9 GPA or lower 
  • A statement of purpose demonstrating strong writing skills and a clear professional direction
  • Three letters of recommendation that honestly assess the applicants skills as well as clearly address weaknesses and the ability to persevere.

Our Guiding Mission

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.
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Mission & Values

The mission of the 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
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Our Priorities

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.

Unlock Leadership Opportunities

Priscilla Hunt
Thanks to faculty support and the program’s strong partnership with state agencies, I landed a paid summer internship with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services . That experience gave me hands‑on insight into public health administration.

Priscilla Hunt

Common Careers

Our MPA program prepares you for meaningful, mission-driven careers by building expertise in policy, management and public service leadership — skills that are in demand across government, nonprofit and private organizations. Possible careers with an MPA degree include:

  • Local, State, and Federal agency management positions
  • Specialty agency management positions in the areas of disaster management, criminal justice, and non-profits
  • Public Administration Consultants
  • Executive Directors
  • Program Analysts
  • Program Directors
  • City Managers
  • Mayors
  • Government Archives and Records Management

 

No Undergraduate Degree Yet? Start with Our BA to MPA Pathway

If you're just beginning your college journey but already know public service is your calling, UNC Pembroke offers a five-year track that lets you earn both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration. Save time, reduce costs and graduate ready to lead in government, nonprofits or public policy — all within a streamlined, student-focused program.
BA to MPA Requirements
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Recognizing Excellence
in Public Service

Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) is the national honor society for public affairs and administration, recognizing students and professionals who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and commitment to public service. UNCP established its chapter in 2003 to honor excellence in the classroom and the field.

Learn More

 

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Have Questions?

Our Graduate School team is here to help.

or call us at 910.521.6271

 

 

Meet our Faculty & Staff

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William Albrecht

Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Administration


910.521.6822
Headshot of Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson

Associate Professor of Public Administration and MPA Director


910.775.4282
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Melissa Buice

Assistant Professor of Political Science and Public Administration


910.521.6267
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Tracy Cooper

Associate Professor of Public Administration


910.521.6386
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