Our Mission
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 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.
Executive Master of Public Administration: Fast Track (Online)
The Executive Master of Public Administration (E.M.P.A.) program at North Carolina Central University is a fully online accelerated program that prepares leaders in public service through scholarship and professional development. Completed in just 12 months, the E.M.P.A. is designed for working professionals with at least five years of relevant professional experience seeking to advance their careers in public and nonprofit leadership. The program offers the flexibility needed to balance professional and personal commitments, allowing students to earn their degree while continuing to work full-time.
Curriculum Overview
At North Carolina Central University, the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) is a professional graduate degree comprising a 14-course, 42-credit-hour curriculum designed to prepare students for leadership in public service and nonprofit organizations.
Students in the Executive M.P.A. track progress through the curriculum in assigned cohorts, creating a collaborative learning environment that supports professional networking and peer engagement.
Students complete a capstone internship paper (generally fulfilling the internship requirement through their current employment) and assemble a professional portfolio (the Student Learning Portfolio).
The degree title is Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.).
The M.P.A. program is located within the Department of Public Administration in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at North Carolina Central University.
Applicants must have at least five years of professional work experience and an undergraduate degree (bachelor's) with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
The Executive M.P.A. is a cohort-based accelerated program that is completed in 12 months. Students will take nine credit hours in eight-week sessions over the course of one year.
The E.M.P.A. online track is a cohort-based program. Students take all courses together as part of a cohort of approximately 15 students. Each cohort participates in the same set of learning experiences.
This program is delivered fully online, and classes are delivered asynchronously.
This program has 42 credit hours.
The E.M.P.A. program instruction is provided by the full-time faculty and academically and professionally qualified adjunct and part-time instructors who bring extensive experience in their fields.
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!
The NCCU M.P.A. program learning outcomes are for students to be able to:
The requirements for all applicants are as follows:
Note: The GRE is not required.
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
International Applicants
Tuition and fees for the M.P.A. are available in the Tuition and Fees document for the university.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
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.
Meet NCCU Executive M.P.A. alumni who are leading change, strengthening communities, and making a lasting impact through public service. Featured by University Communications and Marketing, these stories highlight the experiences, leadership journeys, and professional accomplishments of our graduates across North Carolina and beyond.
Discover how this NCCU Executive M.P.A. alum transformed a career in athletics into a mission-driven path in public service and community leadership.
Explore the journey of this Executive M.P.A. graduate as she combined a passion for environmental advocacy with public service leadership to create lasting impact across North Carolina.
Holder, Ta'Keyah M
Director of Executive Programs
Public Administration
Albert N. Whiting Criminal Justice Building, Room313 
919-530-5203