UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL · UNITED STATES
Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) and Ph.D. in Public Policy
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 6Areas of Faculty Research Expertise
- 48Credits required for M.P.P.
- InterdisciplinaryApproach to Policy Research
- Research Centers and InstitutesAccess to Leading Research Hubs
The Department of Public Policy at UNC-Chapel Hill offers both a Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) and a Ph.D. in Public Policy. The M.P.P. program is an accelerated dual-degree option for current UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduates, allowing them to begin graduate coursework in their senior year and complete the M.P.P. in one additional academic year. The Ph.D. program is designed for students aiming to contribute new knowledge to public policy through rigorous research, combining core theoretical and analytical foundations with specialization in a chosen policy field. The department's faculty expertise spans six broad areas of policy research: Education and Labor Markets, Environment and Human Welfare, Social Policy and Inequality, Health Policy, Bioethics, and Human Rights, International Development Policy, and Global Conflict and Cooperation. Students benefit from research opportunities through various university centers and institutes. Both programs emphasize a strong grounding in policy analysis, research methods, and application to real-world challenges. The M.P.P. includes a capstone project and internship, while the Ph.D. focuses on developing advanced research skills and contributing original scholarship.
Curriculum
The M.P.P. program requires 48 credits, including core courses, track specializations, communication, management/leadership, electives, and professional development seminars. The Ph.D. program involves doctoral-level core courses in theory, research design, methods, and a specialization.
- M.P.P. Year 1 (Senior undergraduate year)
- Graduate M.P.P. courses
- M.P.P. Year 2 (Post-baccalaureate)
- Core M.P.P. Courses
- Track Courses (Policy Design and Innovation or Policy Design and Impact Evaluation)
- Communication Course
- Management/Leadership Course
- Elective/Field Courses
- M.P.P. Professional Development/Internship Seminars
- Internship
- Maymester Seminar and Capstone Project
Frequently asked questions
- What is the structure of the Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) program?
- The M.P.P. program is a dual-degree option for current UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduates, allowing graduate coursework in their senior year. The total program requires 48 credits, including core courses, specialization, communication, management/leadership, electives, and an internship.
- What are the academic prerequisites for the Ph.D. in Public Policy?
- While diverse academic backgrounds are accepted, coursework in microeconomics, basic statistics, and quantitative analysis is recommended. All entering students must complete a math and statistics review course before their first semester.
- How are tuition fees determined for international students?
- Tuition and fee rates vary by program and residency status. Specific international tuition amounts are assessed per credit hour and are not detailed in the provided information.
- What application materials are needed for the M.P.P. and Ph.D. programs?
- Applicants need to prepare academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest. International applicants may also need to submit TOEFL scores.
- Are there opportunities for financial assistance for admitted students?
- Yes, merit-based Graduate School Fellowships, Teaching Assistantships, and Research Assistantships may be available, potentially covering full tuition and health insurance.
- When is the application deadline for the Ph.D. program?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is posted and is essential for consideration for Graduate School competitive awards.
Entry requirements
M.P.P. (Dual Degree)Currently enrolled undergraduate student at UNC-Chapel Hill. Prerequisites include ECON 101, PLCY 210, PLCY 460, and PLCY 581.
Ph.D.Diverse academic backgrounds accepted. Coursework in microeconomics, basic statistics, and quantitative analysis (including multivariable calculus) is recommended. A master's degree and public policy-related work experience are desirable. All entering students must take a math and statistics review course (PLCY 800) before their first semester.
TOEFLRequired for applicants from non-English-speaking countries who do not have a degree from a U.S. institution.
For the M.P.P., applications are typically submitted during the student's senior year. For the Ph.D., applications for fall admission must be received by the posted deadlines to be considered for competitive awards. Factors considered include academic transcripts, class rank, references, statements of interest, faculty research fit, and professional experience.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fee rates vary by program and residency status. Specific international tuition amounts are not detailed here but are assessed per credit hour.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fee rates vary by program and residency status. North Carolina residents may be eligible for a tuition guarantee program for undergraduate degrees.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified.
Tuition and fee rates are set by the North Carolina legislature and approved annually. Students can use the tuition estimator tool for estimated costs. Billing is based on the University Registrar's Calendar.
How to apply
1. Check Eligibility and PrerequisitesEnsure you meet the academic and any specific program prerequisites for the M.P.P. (if a current UNC undergraduate) or the Ph.D. program.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of interest, and any required work experience documentation.
3. Submit English Proficiency ScoresIf required, take the TOEFL and have the scores sent to the university.
4. Complete and Submit ApplicationSubmit the online application by the posted deadline. Admitted Ph.D. students are considered for competitive awards if applications are received by the deadline.
5. Await Admission DecisionDecisions are typically released following the application review period.
Scholarships
Graduate School Fellowships, Teaching Assistantships, Research AssistantshipsFull tuition and health insurance coverage may be granted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the structure of the Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) program?
+
The M.P.P. program is a dual-degree option for current UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduates, allowing graduate coursework in their senior year. The total program requires 48 credits, including core courses, specialization, communication, management/leadership, electives, and an internship.
What are the academic prerequisites for the Ph.D. in Public Policy?
+
While diverse academic backgrounds are accepted, coursework in microeconomics, basic statistics, and quantitative analysis is recommended. All entering students must complete a math and statistics review course before their first semester.
How are tuition fees determined for international students?
+
Tuition and fee rates vary by program and residency status. Specific international tuition amounts are assessed per credit hour and are not detailed in the provided information.
What application materials are needed for the M.P.P. and Ph.D. programs?
+
Applicants need to prepare academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest. International applicants may also need to submit TOEFL scores.
Are there opportunities for financial assistance for admitted students?
+
Yes, merit-based Graduate School Fellowships, Teaching Assistantships, and Research Assistantships may be available, potentially covering full tuition and health insurance.
When is the application deadline for the Ph.D. program?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is posted and is essential for consideration for Graduate School competitive awards.