Western Carolina University

What is the difference between public affairs and public administration?

The short answer is not much. The MPA generally stands for either Master of Public Affairs or Master of Public Administration. Jobs which require a Master of Public Administration will also accept a Master of Public Affairs degree (and vice-versa). The national accrediting body is NASPAA, which stands for the National Association of School of Public Affairs and Administration.

Do I have to take the GRE?

Yes.  The GRE is one of many factors we consider when making admissions decisions. If you are applying late and cannot complete the GRE in time, however, you are eligible to take classes as a non-degree seeking student for one semester before completing the GRE.

What is the minimum GPA/GRE for admission?

Although admission to our program is competitive, we do not have a formal minimum for either the GRE or GPA; each part of a student’s application is taken into consideration. For example, a student with a high GPA might be admitted with a lower GRE. Similarly, a student with extensive work experience in the public sector would not need as high a GRE as a recent college graduate with no experience.

What is your application deadline?

There is no official application deadline; we accept applications throughout the year on a continuous basis. Students are admitted for fall, spring, and summer semesters. 

How long does it typically take to complete the program?

The length of time varies according to student need. Some students finish in as little as a year and a half. Others take one class a semester and stretch their program out over five to six years. Most students complete the program in two years.

What is the difference between an MPA and an MBA?

The MPA is meant for students who wish to work in or around government—whether directly for government, non-profit groups, or government relations offices within for-profit businesses. Although some graduates of our program work for business, Western’s MPA program is designed to allow students to understand both government and non-profit worlds, each with its separate organizational and incentive structures and different goals than for-profit businesses. If you would like to work for business, we encourage you to contact our excellent MBA program.

How many students are enrolled in the program?

At any given time in a semester, there are between 50-60 students enrolled in the MPA program.

How much does the MPA program cost?

Visit graduate tuition and fees for current costs.

What financial aid opportunities are available?

MPA Students are eligible for a variety of financial aid opportunities. Please click here for a list of opportunities offered on campus as well as opportunities available only to MPA students.  Students interested in receiving federal financial aid should read about applying for financial aid. 

How many of your students have prior experience in public service? How many are involved in public service?

About half of our students come to us directly after receiving an undergraduate degree. The other half are already at work in a variety of occupations in and out of the public sector.

What happens to your students after they graduate?

Graduates from Western’s thriving MPA program have been remarkably successful finding meaningful and rewarding employment after graduation, especially throughout North Carolina and the region.  Alumni serve as town managers, police chiefs, county administrators, non-profit directors, planning directors, and a variety of other positions in and around government. Western Magazine recently featured many of our alumni in an article about alumni who work for local government (page 14).

Who do I contact for more information?

Dr. Roger Hartley, MPA Director