Admission Questions
1. What are the requirements for admittance:
Requirements for admission to full standing in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree Program include:
- A complete application to the Graduate School with paid application fee. Applications can be completed on-line here.
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university.
- An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Letters of recommendation (3) preferably from those familiar with your academic and work abilities (e.g., professors or employers).
- Statement of purpose (1-2 pages in length) in which the applicant explains his/her career goals, how the MPA degree fits into achieving those goals, and any significant work experience, particularly in the public or nonprofit sectors.
- Submission of official transcripts from all postsecondary educational institutions in which the candidate was enrolled.
- Note: The GRE is not required, but optional if a student prefers to report test scores or to provide more information along with their application.
Pre-requisites are POLS 1110 – Intro to American Politics & Statistics 1222 – Elementary Statistics for the Social Sciences OR the equivalent of these and demonstrate computer proficiency. Both Intro to American Politics and Statistics can be taken once already admitted into the program. There is an approved course for STATS that is offered at Charlotte through Ed2Go. Link to Ed2Go Statistics course: https://www.ed2go.com/uncc/
2. If I don’t meet the requirements for admission, what then?
More information about taking post-baccalaureate go to https://gradadmissions.charlottewp.psapp.dev/admissions/post-baccalaureate
3. Can I take classes before I am admitted to the MPA program?
Yes, as a post-baccalaureate student (post-bacc). However, you can only receive credit for 2 courses (6 credit hours) before being admitted to the program.
4. Do you accept transfer credits?
Only 6 hours can be accepted for transfer credit. Dr. Suzanne Leland, the Director, will need to see your transcript, a syllabus and catalog description of credits you are wishing to transfer before he can make a decision about transfer credits.
5. Is it possible to defer my admission to a future term?
We ask that you apply for the semester in which you intend to enroll. However, if you encounter an issue, please contact the director about a semester deferral.
6. Where do I mail my transcripts?
You should mail your transcript to The Graduate School. Please be sure to follow their guidelines to ensure your transcripts will be considered official when the Graduate School receives them. Their mailing address is:
The Graduate School
UNC Charlotte
Cato Hall 210
9201 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28223
7. Can I send transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other materials before I submit my application online?
Yes. Just submit your information to The Graduate School. Do not submit items directly to the MPA Director.
8. Who should I contact if I am having technical difficulties with the online application?
For any technical difficulties with the application please contact The Graduate School. Their phone number is 704-687-5503.
9. What are the admission deadlines for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters?
Fall admission deadline is August 1st before the start of that fall semester
Early admission for fall semester is April 15th. This improves the students chances of obtaining funding.
Spring admission deadline is December 1st before the start of that spring semester
10.. What are my housing options?
A limited number of apartment spaces have been set aside for specifically for graduate students. Visit Housing & Resident Life for more information.
Need a place to rent or sublet? Search University of North Carolina Charlotte’s official off-campus housing database. Simply click, register, and find what place best fits you.
Contact Us
Master of Public Administration
9201 University City Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
Director
Prof. Suzanne Leland
Phone: 704-687-5937
smleland@charlotte.edu
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 704-687-5974