Public Administration, M.P.A. - Academics

Public Administration, M.P.A. - Academics
Public Administration, M.P.A.
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Program Overview
The Gerald G. Fox Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program provides professional training in public administration. The curriculum of this National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) accredited program emphasizes the analysis of the political and administrative environments as well as the administrative decision-making approaches of public administration. Application of techniques and administrative skills to the management of nonprofit organizations is also included in the curriculum. The methods of instruction employed in the program expose students to a variety of approaches to public management. Students may enroll in the Master of Public Administration program on either a full-time or part-time basis. The majority of classes are scheduled in the evening throughout the year. Classes meet on the main University campus and at UNC Charlotte Center City.
Department of Political Science and Public Administration
Program Contact
Justin Stritch
Master of Public Administration Director
jstritch@charlotte.edu
704-687-5937
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MPA at a Glance
To fulfill the requirements for the MPA, you must complete 39 hours of graduate credit for completion of the degree. You can complete one of five approved 15 credit hour concentrations, or you may develop your own program of study from elective courses.
Credit Hours
39 Credit Hours
All Evening Courses
Built for Your Schedule
Rolling Application
August 1 – Fall Final
December 1 – Spring Final
GRE Scores
Not Required
Application Deadlines
Final Application Deadlines
Fall Semester – August 1
Spring Semester – December 1
Priority Application Deadlines
Application Requirements
A complete application to the Graduate School with a paid application fee. Applications are
completed online
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 their 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.
Once the Graduate School has received all the materials associated with the application, the materials are sent to the MPA admissions committee. The committee reviews the packet and makes a recommendation (accept/deny) to the MPA Director. The Director reviews the application, makes a recommendation and sends the packet back to the Graduate School. The Graduate School has the final say on an application based on the recommendations from the Program. Once that final decision is reached, the Dean of the Graduate School sends a letter in the mail to the applicant with the outcome of the process.
Admission recommendations are based on a complete review of the applicant’s file. The following all enter into that decision: (1) undergraduate and any graduate grades; (2) letters of recommendation; (3) specific previous coursework; (4) statement of purpose; and (5) applicable work history.
Sample Course List
Core Courses
Students must complete each of the following core courses with a “B” grade or better. Students are not permitted to take the research courses (MPAD 6187, 6188, 6800, 6801) until all core courses are successfully completed.
MPAD 6102 Foundation in Public Administration
MPAD 6104 Public Organizations and Management
MPAD 6125 Quantitative Research Methods in Public Administration
MPAD 6126 Data Analysis in Decision Making (prerequisite: MPAD 6125)
MPAD 6131 Public Budgeting and Finance
MPAD 6134 Human Resource Management
Elective Courses
Students must complete 15 credit hours of elective coursework. Students may choose to follow one of the MPA Program’s concentrations (Public Budgeting & Finance, Urban Management & Policy, Nonprofit Management, Arts Administration, and Emergency Management) as concentrated areas for their electives, but doing so is not necessary. With the approval of the MPA Director, students may take courses from other departments/programs as electives.
Nonprofit Management
The nonprofit management concentration consists of 15 credit hours within the MPA curriculum. Students must fulfill the following requirements:
Students are required to take the following two courses:
MPAD 6311 Introduction to Nonprofit Management (3)
MPAD 6324 Financial Analysis for Nonprofit Organizations (3)
2.
Students are required to take the following two courses:
MPAD 6142 Grant Writing and Reporting (3)
MPAD 6310 Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector (3)
MPAD 6312 Fundraising (3)
MPAD 6314 Marketing for Arts & Nonprofit Organizations (3)
MPAD 6316 Introduction to Arts Administration (3)
MPAD 6318 Arts Administration II (3)
MPAD 6327 Internal Capacity Building in Nonprofit Organizations (3)
MPAD 6329 Nonprofit Organizations and the Environment (3)
MPAD 6330 Program Evaluation for the Public and Nonprofit Sectors (3)
MPAD 6332 Project Management (3)
3.
Students must complete an additional three credit hours of MPAD electives
Note:
Appropriate non-MPAD courses may be taken within this concentration upon approval of the student’s advisor and the MPA Director.
Urban Management and Policy
The Urban Management and Policy Concentration consists of 15 credit hours within the MPA curriculum. Students must fulfill the following requirements:
Students are required to take the following two courses:
MPAD 6184 Urban government and Politics (3)
MPAD 6185 Intergovernmental Relations (3)
2.
Students must complete two of the following courses:
MPAD 6128 Foundations of Public Policy (3)
MPAD 6142 Grant Writing and Reporting (3)
MPAD 6143 Introduction to Administrative Law (3)
MPAD 6160 Information Systems in Public Administration (3)
MPAD 6290 Introduction to Emergency Management (3)
MPAD 6324 Financial Analysis for Government and Nonprofit Organizations (3)
MPAD 6326 Applied Economics for Public Administrators (3)
MPAD 6328 Urban and Community Development (3)
MPAD 6330 Program Evaluation for the Public & Nonprofit Sectors (3)
MPAD 6332 Project Management (3)
MPAD 6350 Public Sector Financial Management (3)
MPAD 6352 Public Sector Financial Reporting and Analysis (3)
GEOG 5155 Retail Location (3)
GEOG 5190 Geographic Info Systems for Non-Majors (3) or GEOG 5120 Introduction
to Geographic Information Systems (3)
GEOG 5210 Urban Planning Methods (3)
GEOG 5260 Transportation Policy Formulation (3)
GEOG 6300 Applied Regional Analysis (3)
GEOG 6301 Industrial Location (3)
GEOG 6500 Urban Planning: Theory and Practice (3)
3.
Students must complete an additional three credit hours of MPAD
Note:
Appropriate non-MPAD courses may be taken within this concentration upon approval of the student’s advisor and the MPA Director.
Arts Administration
The arts administration concentration consists of fifteen credit hours within the MPA curriculum. Students must fulfill the following requirements:
Students are required to take the following two courses:
MPAD 6311 Introduction to Nonprofit Management (3)
MPAD 6316 Introduction to Arts Administration (3)
2.
Students must complete at least one of the following courses:
MPAD 6312 Fundraising (3)
MPAD 6314 Marketing for Arts & Nonprofit Organizations (3)
3.
Students must complete one of the following courses:
MPAD 6128 Foundations of Public Policy (3)
MPAD 6142 Grant Writing and Reporting (3)
MPAD 6160 Information Systems in Public Administration (3)
MPAD 6318 Arts Administration II (3)
MPAD 6324 Financial Analysis for Government and Nonprofit Organizations (3)
MPAD 6327 Internal Capacity Building in Nonprofit Organizations (3)
MPAD 6329 Nonprofit Organizations and the Environment (3)
COMM 5102 Federal Interpretation of the First Amendment (3)
COMM 6145 Communications Campaign Management (3)
COMM 6146 Media Relations (3)
HIST 6310 History Museums (3)
ANTH 5120 Intercultural Communications (3)
ENGL 5182 Information Design & Digital Publishing (3)
4.
Students must complete an additional three credit hours of MPAD electives
Note:
Appropriate non-MPAD courses may be taken within this concentration upon approval of the student’s advisor and the MPA Director.
Emergency Management
The Emergency Management concentration consists of fifteen credit hours within the MPA curriculum. Students must fulfill the following requirements:
Students are required to take the following two courses:
MPAD 6290 Emergency Management (3)
MPAD 6185 Intergovernmental Relations (3)
2.
Students must complete one of the following four courses:
MPAD 6142 Grant Writing and Reporting (3)
MPAD 6291 Homeland Security & Terrorism (3)
MPAD 6292 Introduction to Disaster Management (3)
GEOG 5190 Geographic Information Systems for Non-Majors (3) or GEOG 5120
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3)
3.
Students must complete one of the following courses:
MPAD 6128 Foundations of Public Policy (3)
MPAD 6143 Administrative Law (3)
MPAD 6160 Information Systems in Public Organizations (3)
MPAD 6184 Urban Government and Politics (3)
MPAD 6324 Financial Analysis for Nonprofit Organizations (3)
MPAD 6330 Program Evaluation for the Public & Nonprofit Sectors (3)
MPAD 6332 Project Management (3)
GEOG 5130 Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3)
CJUS 5103 International Criminal Justice (3)
CJUS 6120 Criminal Justice Mgmt & Decision Making (3)
CJUS 6132 Legal Issues in Law Enforcement (3)
COMM 5102 Federal Interpretation of the First Amendment (3)
COMM 6120 Communication and the Network Society (3)
PSYC 6155 Community Psychology (3)
IT IS 5250 Computer Forensics (3)
CSLG 7680 Crisis Counseling (3)
4.
Students must complete an additional three credit hours of MPAD electives
Note:
Appropriate non-MPAD courses may be taken within this concentration upon approval of the student’s advisor and the MPA Director.
Public Budgeting and Financial Management
The Concentration in Public Budgeting and Financial Management consists of 15 credit hours within the MPA curriculum.  Students must fulfill the following requirements:
Required Courses (6 credit hours)
MPAD 6326 – Applied Economics for Public Administrators (3)
MPAD 6350 – Public Sector Financial Management (3)
2.
Elective courses (9 credit hours) – Select three from the following:
MPAD 6142 – Grant Writing and Reporting (3)
MPAD 6185 – Intergovernmental Relations (3)
MPAD 6324 – Financial Analysis for Nonprofit Organizations (3)
MPAD 6330 – Program Evaluation for the Public and Nonprofit Sectors (3)
MPAD 6332 – Project Management (3)
MPAD 6352 – Public Sector Financial Reporting and Analysis (3)
ECON 6112 – Graduate Econometrics (3)
ECON 6218 – Advanced Business and Economic Forecasting (3)
MBAD 6159 – Real Estate Development (0 to 3)
Note:
Appropriate non-MPAD courses may be taken within this concentration upon approval of the student’s advisor and the MPA Director.
Research Courses
After successfully completing all their core coursework, students are eligible to take their research courses. Two options are available to students:
Option 1: Research Applications
MPAD 6187 Advanced Seminar in Public Management Problem Solving
This course requires the class to work as an evaluation team on a real-world project using the skills they developed in the Program. A professional report is produced and presented to the relevant government or nonprofit body.
MPAD 6188 Research Application in Public Administration
This course requires students to work on an individual research project using the skills they developed in the Program. Students produce a professional research report and present their findings in a professional manner to the MPA faculty.
Option 2: Directed Study (Thesis)
Students selecting this option need to take only 12 credits of elective coursework.
MPAD 6187 Advanced Seminar in Public Management Problem Solving
(see Option 1 above for a description)
MPAD 6800 Directed Study Proposal
For this course, students must select three faculty members to serve as their thesis committee. Students must produce a research proposal and defend it before their committee.
MPAD 6801 Directed Study Project
Students must complete their thesis and defend it before their committee.
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Nationally Ranked. Professionally Accredited.
With national rankings and NASPAA accreditation, Charlotte’s MPA program delivers the quality and credibility that public service careers demand.
Charlotte’s MPA Ranks Among the Best
Charlotte’s MPA program is ranked No. 49 nationally — and three concentrations placed in the top 25: Local Government Management (No. 21), Public Finance & Budgeting (No. 23), and Nonprofit Management (No. 24).
View Rankings & Concentrations
Accredited for Excellence in Public Affairs
The Gerald G. Fox MPA program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)— ensuring quality, rigor, and real-world relevance.
Customize Your MPA with a Career-Focused Concentration
Gain specialized skills — and a competitive edge — with one of Charlotte’s MPA concentrations. Each area pairs seamlessly with graduate certificates, so you can earn additional credentials faster by overlapping coursework.
View Catalog
Nonprofit Management
Prepare for leadership roles in mission-driven organizations — from fundraising and volunteer coordination to program development, grant writing, and community outreach. This concentration aligns with careers like nonprofit program manager, development officer, social services director, and philanthropy or outreach director.
Course Details
Urban Management and Policy
Develop the skills to lead in city governance, policy analysis, and community development. This concentration prepares you for roles like city planner, policy analyst, community development manager, sustainability officer, or emergency management director — across public, nonprofit, and private sectors.
Course Details
Arts Administration
Blend your passion for the arts with skills in leadership, fundraising, and public service. This concentration leads to roles like arts organization manager, development director, cultural program coordinator, grant writer, or policy advisor — supporting artistic programs and organizations that engage the public.
Course Details
Emergency Management
Build expertise in crisis response, disaster planning, and public safety. This concentration prepares you for roles like emergency management coordinator, disaster recovery manager, policy analyst, or business continuity planner — in government, nonprofit, and private sector organizations.
Course Details
Public Budgeting and Finance
Gain the skills to lead in public finance, budgeting, and resource management. This concentration prepares you for careers like budget analyst, financial manager, grant coordinator, or public finance consultant — helping agencies and nonprofits allocate resources and plan responsibly.
Course Details
Real-World Connections Start Here
From strong government and nonprofit partnerships to an engaged alumni network, UNC Charlotte’s MPA program opens doors to meaningful career connections — right here in one of the country’s fastest-growing metro areas.
Strong Partnerships with Local Government and Nonprofits
Benefit from long-standing relationships with city, county, and nonprofit organizations across Charlotte — built to give MPA students direct access to impactful internships, hands-on projects, and professional collaboration.
An Active Network of Alumni, Faculty, and Public Service Leaders
Connect through a thriving network of alumni, faculty, and students — supported by leadership organizations like the Public Administration Student Association and Pi Alpha Alpha, which promote scholarship, service, and professionalism in public affairs.
Full-Time or Part-Time Flexibility
Study on your schedule with evening classes and flexible pacing — designed to fit the lives of working professionals and full-time students alike.
Explore Flexible Options
Scholarships and Nonprofit Fellowships
Access funding opportunities through merit-based scholarships and competitive fellowships with local nonprofit partners—designed to support both your goals and your impact.
Discover Funding Opportunities
No Thesis, Real-World Capstone
Apply your skills in a collaborative capstone project for a local government or nonprofit — working in a student team, guided by faculty and community consultants, to tackle real public service challenges.
How the Capstone Works
MPA Alumni Making an Impact
Charlotte MPA grads are stepping into roles that matter—solving problems, serving communities, and leading with purpose across the public sector.
Sarah Lowry
MPA ’18 – Health Policy and Issues Management Analyst at CDC Injury Prevention and Control Center
“I’m really thankful I went and got my MPA…Because [the] MPA touches on so many different areas, not just health…I didn’t realize that what I was saying was that I wanted to work in policy.”
Misha Eady-Harbold
MPA ’21 – Director of Company Management & Touring at Ballet West & Chair at Dance/USA’s Company Manager Affinity Group
“This program was amazing. It helped me build the skills I needed for a rewarding career in Public Administration!”
Johnathan Blanton
MPA ’16 – City Manager at City of Mount Holly, North Carolina
“…During my time at UNC-Charlotte, I was able to connect and learn from some of the best of the best in the profession who were teaching at the time. From career professionals to academic experts, I could not have asked for a better bedrock to prepare me for a career in local government.”
Ashley Lantz
MPA ’12 – Director of Social Services at Union County
“For prospective students, if you’re wondering if or how you can add this to your already full plate, you can do it. If your goal is to grow as a person and a professional, this is the way to go.”
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎
10/30/24
Understanding Election Administration
Mary Jo McGowan, a professor of Political Science and Public Administration, together with her colleagues, investigates the expenses associated with conducting elections, revealing critical insights into voter participation and the efficiency of electoral operations.
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