Political Science BA to MPA- 5 Year Path

In your undergraduate classes, you’ll build a strong foundation in political systems, policy and public service. Then you'll deepen your skills with graduate-level courses in leadership, budgeting, human resources and analytics. Along the way, you’ll gain real-world experience and prepare for roles that shape communities, policy and change.

You’ll learn:

• Core principles of political science and public administration
• Public leadership and decision-making
• How to analyze and create public policy
• Budgeting, finance and HR in government settings
• Real-world experience through a graduate internship

Program Requirements

Back to Top

Apply during your junior year at UNCP to be considered for the five-year track. This program is open to political science majors who meet the following criteria:

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum 3.4 GPA
• At least 12 hours of political science coursework at UNCP
• Completed (with a B or higher) from UNCP or any school:
•  PAD 3100: Introduction to Public Administration 
• PAD 3190: Public Policy and Analysis

Application Requirements:

• Submit an undergraduate privilege application during your junior year
• Apply for formal admission to The Graduate School as you near the end of your senior year
• Submit three letters of recommendation (two must be from faculty in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration)
• Attend a program orientation after acceptance

To stay in the program:

• Maintain a 3.4 undergraduate GPA and 3.0 graduate GPA
• Complete all graduate coursework on campus when available
• Follow the official plan of study and Graduate School policies
• Do not work during the senior and fifth years
• Understand that fifth-year tuition is at the graduate rate

Back to Top