Public Administration, Executive, M.P.A.

The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree is offered in a traditional track and an executive track by the Department of Public Administration. Complete information on the M.P.A. program can be found on the department website.

The North Carolina Central University Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program trains leaders in public service by enhancing their knowledge, skills, and abilities through scholarship and professional development with a global lens. We prepare students to serve effectively throughout governance and policy environments, upholding principles of ethical leadership, public accountability, and service to all communities.

The Executive Master of Public Administration

The Executive Master of Public Administration (E.M.P.A.) is a track within the regular M.P.A. degree program. The program is composed of candidates with 4–5 years of professional full-time work experience (post undergraduate studies) in the public, private or nonprofit sectors. E.M.P.A. students continue their employment while completing their course of study in an 18-month period.

The E.M.P.A. for NCCU is offered as two required summer experiences and three full semester experiences. Students are enrolled in three classes per semester. Both summer semesters (8 weeks) are 100% online. The Fall and Spring semesters (16 weeks) have a hybrid model in which two classes are face-to-face and one class is 100% online. Face-to-face classes are held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The E.M.P.A. program offers a hybrid learning model (60% online and 40% face-to-face) in which students complete their coursework online using the Blackboard learning management system. Students enrolled in this Executive MPA track complete an international internship abroad. Travel and lodging to complete the international internship are included in the tuition and fees.

Students are admitted into the E.M.P.A. track as part of a cohort of approximately 20 students. The students proceed through their course of study as members of this cohort. Each cohort participates in the same set of learning experiences. The requirements for graduation for all M.P.A. tracks are the same. The M.P.A. program is structured so that students are able to earn a degree in 18 months.

Executive Master of Public Administration: Fast Track (Online)

The Department of Public Administration at North Carolina Central University will now offer an Executive Master of Public Administration (E.M.P.A.) fast track option 100% online, which can be completed in one year! The program is composed of candidates with 5 years of professional full-time work experience (post-undergraduate studies) in the public, private or nonprofit sectors. E.M.P.A. students continue their employment while completing their course of study online in one year (12-month period).

Applicants must have at least five years of professional work experience after earning an undergraduate degree (bachelor's) with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. All classes will be facilitated 100% percent online, and students will proceed through the program as a cohort. Students will take nine credit hours in eight-week sessions, which allows students to complete the program in one year. An international internship is not offered to students in the online track. Students will use their current or past job to complete the internship requirement for the program. Students enrolled in the online program will have the option of earning a certificate in Nonprofit Management after completing the required 42 core credit hours and still be able to complete the degree in one year.

Students are admitted into the E.M.P.A. online track as part of a cohort of approximately 20 students. The students proceed through their course of study as members of this cohort. Each cohort participates in the same set of learning experiences. The requirements for graduation for all M.P.A. tracks are the same. The M.P.A. online program is structured so that students are able to earn a degree in 12 months.

The E.M.P.A. track is designed to accommodate:

1. Students who are seeking to improve their professional skills and qualifications
2. Students who are seeking to advance to upper administrative and higher management roles in their organizations
3. Students who are public and private sector employees who have made a career change or are pursuing a career closely associated with the public sector

View Catalog Information

The Department of Public Administration at North Carolina Central University strives to prepare students to become professionals with the knowledge and skills required for ethical leadership in the public and non-profit sectors through effective teaching, applied and scholarly research, and service to all communities.

The NCCU M.P.A. program has seven core full-time faculty. The E.M.P.A. program instruction is also provided by academically and professionally qualified adjunct and part-time instructors who bring extensive experience in their fields.

Tuition and fees for the M.P.A. are available in the Tuition and Fees document for the university.

The NCCU Office of Scholarships and Student Aid (OSSA) aims to provide financial assistance to students through scholarships, grants, loans and work-study. The E.M.P.A. program offers limited aid on a merit basis.

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

• Fall: No admission
• Spring: December 1
• Summer: April 1

International Applicants

• Fall: No admission
• Spring: September 1
• Summer: No admission

All individuals who would like to apply to an NCCU graduate program (except the law program) must apply using the correct online graduate admission application. 

Learn More

In addition to the professional development offered by the Master of Public Administration program, the NCCU Career and Professional Development Center is dedicated to helping NCCU students get career ready for life!

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