The William Howard Dean Graduate School

At UNCP's William Howard Dean Graduate School, you gain more than a degree. With small class sizes and committed faculty, you'll receive personalized support every step of the way. Our programs combine academic excellence with affordability and flexibility to fit your goals. Hands-on experiences — through internships, fieldwork and study abroad — prepare you to thrive in a competitive job market. Join the W.H. Dean Graduate School, and join a community that cares about your success and pushes you to reach new heights.

Graduate Programs

The Graduate School offers a wide range of flexible degree options to fit your schedule and goals. Choose from face-to-face, hybrid or fully online programs, with many offering year-round classes and flexible enrollment dates. New degree and certificate programs are added annually, making it easier than ever to find the path that’s right for you.

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Explore Graduate Programs

Top 25

Best One-Year Online MBA by College Consensus

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Top 15

Public Regional University in the South by U.S. News & World Report

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Military-Friendly Small Public School

Military Support

Gain hands-on experience while earning your degree. Assistantship roles allow you to work 20 hours weekly while building career skills and knowledge. You'll also be able to participate in research events like the Graduate Research Symposium. Some positions come with a tuition benefit to help offset costs.

About Assistantships

The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is here to support you. It’s a place to connect, share ideas and make a difference. The GSO hosts events, represents graduate student voices in campus meetings and informs you about campus services. You don’t need to be a member to participate—just join our events, share your input or follow us on social media. Interested? Join one of our virtual GSO interest meetings to get started.

About GSO

At UNC Pembroke, you’re part of a welcoming community that supports your success. Located in Pembroke, NC, our campus is full of opportunities to connect, grow and explore. With over 90 student organizations and a vibrant mix of cultures, you’ll find a place where you belong. You can join campus events, enjoy the performing arts and cheer on our NCAA Division II teams. At UNCP, you’re more than just a student—you’re part of a community that celebrates every step of your journey.

Get Involved on Campus

Assistantships

About Assistantships

Graduate Student Organization

About GSO

Campus & Community

Get Involved on Campus

At UNCP, we're committed to supporting you throughout your graduate journey. From academic advising to career services, we provide the tools and resources you need to succeed. Many support services are offered online as well as in person.

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Scholarships

For over a century, UNC Pembroke has remained true to providing first-class education at an affordable price. But we understand that you may still need some help financially. There are various scholarships to help fund your graduate degree. Explore your options and apply for the ones that best fit your needs. Visit the scholarship page for more details on available opportunities and deadlines.

Academic Calendar

Stay on track with the academic calendar. It provides important dates, including class start and end times, holidays and deadlines for applications and assignments. Keep track of key deadlines throughout the year so you never miss important dates.

Graduate Council

The Graduate Council manages all graduate programs at UNCP. It ensures that rules, procedures and courses meet high academic standards. You can attend council meetings if you have questions or concerns.

Writing Center

The Writing Center is a valuable resource for students at any stage of the writing process. Whether you're brainstorming, drafting or polishing your final paper, the Writing Center's staff can guide you. They'll help you strengthen your argument, improve clarity and ensure your writing is at its best.

Career Center

The Career Center is your go-to resource for career planning and job search support. We offer everything from career counseling to interview prep. Take advantage of our services to help you transition from graduate school to your career.

Health and Wellbeing Services

Your health and well-being is important to us. Through the W.H. Dean Graduate School, we offer mental health and personal development support. You'll find counseling services and workshops designed just for graduate students. Check the calendar for upcoming events and resources to help you thrive.

Go Beyond the Classroom

UNCP's professors are passionate about their students' success and are more than happy to provide guidance. By taking advantage of opportunities like undergraduate privilege, online accelerated programs and affordable tuition, I am confident in my future.

Trey McDonald

MBA Graduate

Alumni Spotlight

Trey McDonald earned an MBA — his second UNCP degree in five years. The Red Springs native became part of an elite group in the country in that only 14% of Americans 25 and older had attained an advanced degree.

“The course material is rigorous and takes time, but it's very much attainable if you put in the time and effort,” McDonald said. “My biggest challenge was programming, but my undergrad (experience) prepared me for everything else. I was very much impressed with our faculty. They do an amazing job in preparing you for the future.”

Trey McDonald, MBA graduate

Jun 5 Mark Locklear

UNCP’s Jonathan Ricks Earns National Honor for Impact on Future Counselors

Dr. Jonathan Ricks believes the most effective counselors see people not as problems to solve, but as individuals with strengths, experiences and the capacity to grow.

UNC Pembroke occupational therapy students work with a child and caregiver during a hands-on pediatric therapy training exercise while classmates observe in a clinical lab setting.

May 29 University Communications & Marketing

UNCP Occupational Therapy Program Earns Full Seven-Year Accreditation

Less than two years after welcoming its first cohort of students, UNC Pembroke’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program has earned full accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), marking a major milestone for the university’s expanding healthcare education efforts.

Michelle McNeil smiles for a portrait while wearing a red blouse. She is pictured outdoors with a blurred campus background, including trees, a walkway and a campus tower in the distance.

May 15 Adrielle Cooper

UNCP alumna Michelle McNeil Named 2026 Gaston County Social Worker of the Year

Michelle McNeil serves as a social services director in a long-term care facility, where she has built her career around showing up for residents and families during deeply personal transitions. She helps coordinate care, supports discharge planning, provides emotional support and walks families through difficult decisions, including end-of-life care. For her, social work has never been about checking a box or completing a task. It has been about making sure people feel seen, heard and respected.