To lead and manage in public governance by:
To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions by:
To articulate and apply a public values perspective by:
To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry by:
The MPA program faculty selects students based on their distinguished academic and service performance for scholarships courtesy of the Graduate School. These awards are available to current and prospective students.
A one-time, $1,000 award is given to an incoming student who has demonstrated significant scholastic ability. Other scholarships include several $500 awards to current and prospective students.
One tuition reduction scholarship is provided to an out-of-state student working as a departmental graduate assistant who has demonstrated significant scholastic ability. This award traditionally adjusts out-of-state tuition to meet in-state costs.
All Graduate School scholarships are contingent on budget availability. None are guaranteed until disbursement.
North Carolina City and County Management Association Scholarship
This scholarship, for tuition, is presented to a current student who satisfies the following requirements:
This scholarship is presented to a full-time MPA student who has demonstrated a commitment to community and public service and/or volunteerism in support of nonprofit organizations and programs.
This fellowship award is granted to an incoming or returning MPA student who has demonstrated academic ability and special achievement. The fellowship is renewable for returning students, as approved by the scholarship committee, provided they continue to meet the award criteria.
Additional Graduate School Scholarships and Fellowships
This is an innovative partnershipwhere the county selects four new MPA students to work as fellows with the county for one year (renewable for two years) while they are enrolled in the MPA program. The students will be placed in policy, planning and human resource offices and work on a variety of projects that will meet county needs while also providing the students with invaluable experience.
MPA Professional Development Financial Assistance
The MPA program may provide some travel assistance to students for conferences, research, and professional development. These awards are designed to supplement primary funds granted through the Graduate Student Association and the Graduate School Travel Awards program.
The Jewish Educational Loan Fund provides interest-free, last dollar loans for higher education.
The Government Finance Officers Association has developed a scholarship specifically intended for students pursuing their MPA and who are interested in a career in government, government finance, budgeting, etc.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. The FAFSA is available as well as scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and employment. Please visit the UNCW Financial Aid Office or Admitted Student Next Steps for more information.
The MPA program offers a limited about of Graduate Teaching Assistantships to students on a 10 or 20-hour basis. Each year, the program director will email enrolled students with the opportunity to apply for an assistantship. This is based on merit, not financial need. Funding for the GTA positions may or may not be available.
The MPA Program also awards a limited number of need-based and merit-based scholarships each year to new and returning students. Incoming students interested in obtaining financial support should apply early in the admission cycle. Returning students should maintain a high GPA.
Please contact the MPA office or Financial Aid if you have questions.
The MPA program awards several graduate teaching assistantships on a competitive basis.
Students are required to work a total of about 20 hours a week, 10 hours for a half-time GTA. Most GTAs are required to work at least four hours per week in the graduate computer lab that provides professors with help.
GTAs also provide classroom support for faculty in the Department of Public and International Affairs. This involves grading, covering classes in the case of illness, copying, preparing course materials, helping with website development and other related duties.
Each student is also assigned to a research/service cluster for a balance of their time with their assignment designed to further the teaching, research, and service missions for the MPA program. Some of the anticipated service and research clusters are:
In addition, all GTAs will provide support to PIA and the MPA program during special events that allow GTAs with an opportunity to network with public and nonprofit administrators.
When there are openings, a request for applications will be sent out on the MPA listserve. If you are interested in applying for one of our GTA openings, at that time, please send a current resume and a cover letter as email attachments. In your cover letter be sure to indicate any knowledge, skills, and abilities that will enable you to make a contribution as a GTA. You should also indicate your preferences with respect to the research clusters with which you are interested in working. These materials should be submitted electronically via email to the MPA director, Dr. Mark Imperial.
For information on graduate assistantships at UNCW outside of the MPA program, click here.
These resources are designed to assist our students and alumni in their job searches. Please take a look at the following websites and announcements to find that perfect position for you.
We also send announcements via the listservs as we receive them. Be sure that you are on one of the MPA listservs. The MPA program does not serve as a staffing agency, so please contact the hiring agencies directly for additional information.
The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network has a listserv for job postings, community events, and volunteer opportunities from nonprofits in the Triangle area. To join, click here.
Mr. Craig Kelly, MPA Program Coordinator
Leutze Hall
601 S. College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
Dr. Mark Imperial, MPA Program Director