Immersion Experience
Bridging Theory and Practice
The MPA Program’s Immersion Experience connects theoretical concepts to everyday practice in an in-person intensive 3-day weekend delivery. Online and on-campus students participate in an academic course (PUBA 744) taught by an MPA faculty member that culminates in a three-day seminar held at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government. The immersion experience focuses on practical and timely issues affecting government and the nonprofit sector.
Making Connections
How do concepts learned in the classroom translate into real-world practice? The MPA Immersion Weekend offers both online and on-campus students the opportunity to make this connection and learn from MPA faculty with expertise in government and nonprofit administration. Course participants and faculty come together at the School for three days to focus on a relevant topic in the field of Public Administration; previous Immersions have addressed local government budgets and issues with workplace diversity. Regardless of the topic, the course spotlights practical and timely issues faced by government and nonprofits.
Course participants will make other connections both in and outside the classroom. Throughout the weekend online and on-campus students can learn from and network with each other and tap into the expertise of other School of Government and MPA faculty as well as expert alumni and other practitioners. Additional programs during the weekend include professional development activities such as drop-in office hours to discuss professional work experiences and academic and career advising by School staff. Participants are also invited to attend the Alumni Networking Event held on Friday evening.
Previous participants have found the experience to be enormously beneficial for a number of reasons. Online students described feeling more connected to the program as a whole and the value of meeting on-campus cohorts and faculty in person. On-campus students observed that the workshop format was compelling and effective and more similar to the instruction the School typically offers to clients and practitioners than other weekend courses. Students from both formats appreciated the opportunity to encounter diverse perspectives on the topic of focus and engage with each other, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Immersion participants earn 1.5 elective credit hours for participating in the course and gain invaluable connections, perspectives, and experiences throughout the entire Immersion program. As there is a different topic each year, the course is repeatable for credit.
Fall 2025
Title: Emergency Management
Dates: October 9-11, 2025
Faculty: Dr. Crista Cuccaro
Course Description:
The MPA Program’s Immersion Experience connects theoretical concepts to everyday practice in an in-person intensive 3-day weekend delivery. Online and on-campus students participate in an academic course (PUBA 744) taught by an MPA faculty member that culminates in a three-day seminar held at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government. The immersion experience focuses on practical and timely issues affecting government and the nonprofit sector.
Typical schedule Thursday: Friday: Saturday:
Local Hotels and Restaurants The School of Government has a list of area hotels by distance from the SOG. Here are a few MPA staff recommendations if you are in Chapel Hill for the Immersion: Chapel Hill Carrboro Durham Hillsborough
Previous Course Information
If you have questions on the MPA Immersion registration and programming, please contact Allison Binkley or Elizabeth Langefeld