About
Approximately one-third of all North Carolina city and county managers are alumni of Appalachian State University’s public administration program. In the Political Science (BS) - Public Administration degree, you will develop an understanding of local and state government administration.
Students are required to complete one of two tracks: public management, or town, city and county management. The first track is for students who wish to pursue an administration career in the political system, bureaucracy or public organizations. The second is for students who wish to learn more about administration within local governments.
Students are encouraged to participate in local politics, and many pursue internships in local government or in Raleigh with North Carolina’s state legislature or other state agencies.
After Graduation
Employment: Students find jobs in city and county management. Approximately one-third of all North Carolina city and county managers are alumni of this program.
Graduate school: Most students continue their education through Appalachian State University’s Masters of Public Administration program.
People
Courses
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Program of Study
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is not required.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
The Student Planners Association (SPA) and the Appalachian Geographical Society are student-run, university-recognized organizations consisting of students interested in fellowship, outings, fun and learning more about these professional fields.
App State offers the Zeta Tau Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, a national honorary society for U.S. college students majoring in the political and social sciences.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.
Why Appalachian?
- Students in the Public Administration track are required to complete an internship. Student are provided assistance in finding internships through the department’s internship director and the department’s extensive and active alumni.
- Public Administration students are required to take classes in the Department of Geography and Planning, offering an interdisciplinary approach to their education.
- Students with a 3.4 GPA or higher have the opportunity to participate in Appalachian’s Accelerated Master’s Program.
- The Department of Government and Justice Studies includes more than 30 tenure-track faculty with Ph.D.s in Political Science, Public Administration and Criminal Justice. This gives students the opportunity to study under professors with an array of expertise.
- The department offers a variety of study-away courses that allow students to earn course credits while engaging in real-world politics. Recent study-away destinations include Raleigh, N.C., Washington, D.C., the Iowa caucuses, Cuba and Jordan.
- Scholarships are available through the department.
Location
Boone and Hickory*
*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.
Careers
- City Manager
- Community Relations Director
- Congressional Aide
- Legislative Analyst Lobbyist
- Public Administrator/Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Social Services Administrator
- Interest Group Director
- Urban/Regional Planner
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Department of Government and Justice Studies
Dr. Cathy Marcum
Department Chair
828-262-3075
marcumcm@appstate.edu
Dr. Heather Ondercin
Political Science Curriculum Coordinator
828-262-6349
ondercinhl@appstate.edu