North Carolina Central University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree has received accreditation from the globally recognized Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).
The NASPAA Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation found that NCCU’s MPA program met all accreditation standards and is eligible to be listed on the network’s Annual Roster of Accredited Programs. The accreditation period runs from Sept. 1, 2021, to Aug. 31, 2028.
“The strong tradition of leadership of the Public Administration program at North Carolina Central University and recognition by NASPAA confirms that we offer students a top-tier education in public administration,” says David H. Jackson Jr., Ph.D., provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at NCCU. “The self-study process was rigorous and will assure international recognition for our MPA.”
The Department of Public Administration at NCCU was established in 1985 and is housed in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. In addition to nine core courses, the 42-credit-hour program offers concentrations in non-profit management, public health policy, and urban studies.
“Our program remains focused on continuous improvement as we advance our students toward future careers in public leadership,” says Larrisha McGill-Youngblood, Ph.D., director of the Executive MPA program. “Affiliation with NASPAA will allow us to exchange ideas and information with other top-ranked public administration education programs and maintain best-practices within the field to ensure the global success of our students.”
The mission of the NCCU Master of Public Administration is to train leaders in public service by instilling knowledge, skills and abilities through scholarship and professional development. The university’s internationally focused MPA program is dedicated to advancing diversity and promoting social equity.
“NCCU MPA students gain skills to advance their organizations across a variety of public sectors,” said Christopher Paul, Ph.D., director of the MPA Program at NCCU. “NASPAA accreditation raises the profile of our program and highlights the accomplishments of our students.”
The NCCU Master of Public Administration is offered in a traditional evening track to support in-service professionals, as well as a hybrid weekend executive option for students with at least five years of professional experience.
“We are very pleased that the NCCU Master of Public Administration is now a NASPAA accredited degree program,” said Zaphon Wilson, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Public Administration.
“The program has a long history of training public leaders for North Carolina and beyond, and this new recognition represents our trajectory toward expanding that mission in the future.”
To view the press release issued by NASPAA, click here.
