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.
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.
Degrees
100% Online
Focus Areas
Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, General
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.
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)
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
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
Admissions Checklist
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.
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
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
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
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.
Have Questions?
Our Graduate School team is here to help.
or call us at 910.521.6271
Meet our Faculty & Staff
William Albrecht
Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Administration
william.albrecht@uncp.edu910.521.6822
Gary Anderson
Associate Professor of Public Administration and MPA Director
gary.anderson@uncp.edu910.775.4282
Melissa Buice
Assistant Professor of Political Science and Public Administration
melissa.buice@uncp.edu910.521.6267
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