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Public Administration (MPA)
Off-campus option available

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Application Deadlines

Spring Admission (on campus only)
November 1

Summer Session 1 Admission (on campus only)
April 1

Fall Admission (on campus and off campus)
July 1, priority deadline March 15

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Exams & Waivers

Entrance exam: GRE or GMAT
Exam waiver available: Yes

Learn more about exam waiver eligibility

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Location

On campus (full-time or part-time)

Off campus at Forsyth Technical Community College or Catawba Valley Community College (part-time)

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Completion Time

2 years (full time)

Apply

Request Info

Costs and Aid

Make real change in your community.

A Master of Public Administration from App State provides you with the abilities to fulfill your leadership potential while earning you lifelong membership into the largest collection of MPA graduates in the state of North Carolina. Learn the analytical, financial, communication and management skills you need to excel in the public (government or nonprofit careers) or private sector.

The experience you gain in this program will make it possible for you to ignite positive change anywhere life takes you.

Visit the Department of Government and Justice Studies website for more information about the Public Administration program.

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A 2022 ‘Best’

In its 2022 “Best Colleges” rankings, U.S. News & World Report named App State:

  • No. 1 — Most Innovative School among Southern universities
  • No. 3 — Top Public Schools in the South
  • No. 6 — Best Regional Universities of the South

The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and the Southeast for 2022.

‘Top’ school for 2022

Forbes magazine ranked App State among “America’s Top Colleges” for 2022.

Learn more about App State’s accolades

Concentrations and Courses

    • Town, City and County Management

      Meet the demand for leadership in public management, finance and policy.

      Graduate Bulletin & Course Catalog

    • Not-for-Profit Management

      Gain critical knowledge in nonprofit organization law and financial characteristics.

      Graduate Bulletin & Course Catalog

    • Administration of Justice

      Prepare for administrative/management positions in a variety of law enforcement, court and correctional agencies.

      Graduate Bulletin & Course Catalog

    • Public Management

      Explore public sector budgeting and microeconomics-based policy analysis.

      Graduate Bulletin & Course Catalog

Related Programs

  • Dual Degree Program: Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Analytics (MS) and Public Administration - Not-for-Profit Management (MPA)
  • Dual Degree Program: Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Analytics (MS) and Public Administration - Public Management (MPA)
  • Dual Degree Program: Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Analytics (MS) and Public Administration - Town, City and County Management (MPA)
  • Dual Degree Program: Business Administration - Interdisciplinary Business (MBA) and Public Administration - Public Management (MPA)

Careers and Mountaineers

Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go!

Careers

  • Manager of a town, city, or county government
  • Executive Director of a non-profit organization
  • Department, Division, or Agency Director
  • Probation Officer
  • City Clerk
  • Donor Services Officer
  • Police Corporal
  • Budget Analyst
  • Emergency Manager
  • Economic Developer
  • Fire Chief
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Sheriff’s Sergeant
  • Utilities/Public Works Director
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Business Development Supervisor

Employers

  • Towns, cities and counties across North Carolina and other states
  • Local, regional, national and international non-profit organizations
  • Police and fire departments across North Carolina and other states
  • Consulting firms and companies that partner with government

Career information resource

App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.

  • Alumna Profile: Catrina Thompson ’09
    Alumna Profile: Catrina Thompson ’09

    Winston-Salem’s chief of police earned an MPA in public management from Appalachian. Catrina Thompson leads 558 sworn officers and has forged relationships across many sectors to manage a community-oriented police force.

  • Student Profile: Bayley Plummer
    Student Profile: Bayley Plummer

    Plummer has strong interests in public service. With a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and work experience already with the Appalachian Police Department and North Carolina State Highway Patrol, she envisions a career in federal law enforcement.

  • Alumna Profile: Marisa Sedlak ’14 ’20
    Alumna Profile: Marisa Sedlak ’14 ’20

    Sedlak works for the Town of Beech Mountain’s Parks and Recreation Department. She recently named by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in its “30 Under 30 for 2021” feature, which recognizes the top 30 parks and recreation professionals under age 30 to watch in 2021.

  • Alumnus Profile: Brock Long ’97 ’99
    Alumnus Profile: Brock Long ’97 ’99

    After 16 years’ experience in homeland security, Long served as FEMA administrator from 2017 to 2019. He holds two degrees from Appalachian: a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a Master of Public Administration degree.

More to Explore at App State

International Experience

Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more

Professional Development

Invest in yourself with opportunities designed to stimulate career growth. Learn more

Graduate Assistantships

Earn some money while you earn your degree. Learn more

Apply

Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.

Start Your Application

Admissions questions? Contact us.

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Request More Information

Connect with App State to learn more about this program.

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Program Contact

Dr. Patricia Mitchell
Program Director
mitchelljp@appstate.edu
828-262-2947

Department of Government and Justice Studies

College of Arts and Sciences

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Experience the beauty of App State’s Boone campus firsthand. Tour campus, virtually or in person. Explore App State’s Boone home.

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Admissions Events

Want to know more about the people and programs of App State’s School of Graduate Studies? Attend an information session.

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It's up to me|us

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