Public Administration, M.P.A.

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.

NCCU M.P.A. students connect academic study with professional practice through applied learning experiences in public service. Students completing the internship track fulfill a requirement of 300 hours of focused professional development, which may include traditional internships, supervised projects within their current employment, qualifying public-serving private-sector activities, or public management consulting.

For students already employed in public service, an approved in-service project can build upon their existing professional responsibilities while providing new opportunities for learning, growth, and organizational contribution. Students work with a professional mentor and faculty instructor to identify and document their experience.

Students completing PADG 5800: Public Service Internship integrate their professional experiences with academic learning through a reflective analytical paper addressing a public service issue and developing recommendations for improvement.

NCCU does not waive its applied professional development requirements based solely on a student's prior professional experience or current employment. Instead, students who are already employed in public service may fulfill the internship requirement through an approved in-service professional development project.

These projects must provide meaningful opportunities for professional growth, applied learning, and organizational contribution beyond routine job responsibilities. Students completing the internship track must document the equivalent of 300 hours of focused professional development, receive appropriate faculty and mentor approval and oversight, and complete the academic requirements of PADG 5800: Public Service Internship.

In-service projects are therefore considered an alternative means of fulfilling the internship requirement, not waivers of that requirement.

Applicants must meet NCCU School of Graduate Studies admission requirements, including completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and the applicable minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for unconditional admission. 

Required application materials include:

• Online graduate admission application and applicable application fee
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
• Two letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose or personal statement
• Current résumé

The GRE is not required for admission to the M.P.A. program.

Additional documentation and requirements apply to international applicants. Conditional admission may be available in accordance with university and program policies.

The Executive M.P.A. requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and at least five years of relevant professional experience, in addition to the applicable graduate application materials.

Prospective students should consult the dedicated Executive M.P.A. page for track-specific eligibility, admission terms, and application deadlines.

Application deadlines vary by term of entry, applicant status, and program track. Students should consult the current Graduate Studies admissions schedule and submit all required materials by the applicable deadline.

Review Graduate Admissions Requirements and Deadlines

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The Department of Public Administration offers limited graduate assistantships and M.P.A. scholarship opportunities. Assistantships may provide tuition support and a stipend, while scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. All departmental awards are subject to eligibility requirements and available funding.

Students may also explore loans and other university financial assistance through NCCU's Office of Scholarships and Student Aid.

Explore NCCU Scholarships and Student Aid

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the department regarding current graduate assistantship and scholarship opportunities.

The program's instruction is provided by full-time faculty and academically or professionally qualified adjunct and part-time instructors with expertise in public administration and related fields.

Total Number of Instructional Faculty in 2025–2026: 15

Our faculty bring experience in teaching, scholarship, public service, and professional practice. Departmental staff provide advising, student services, and administrative support.

Learn more about the backgrounds and areas of expertise of our faculty in the departmental directory:

Meet Our Faculty and Staff

Department of Public Administration
Albert N. Whiting Criminal Justice Building, Room 318
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC 27707