Public Administration (MPA)
Off-campus option available

Graduate Program

Application Deadlines

Spring Admission (on campus only)
November 1

Summer Session 1 Admission (Boone campus only)
April 1

Fall Admission (on campus and off campus)
July 1

Application Requirements

Entrance exam: GRE (exam waiver available)

Application requirements vary by program. Learn more

Location

On campus (full-time or part-time)

Off campus at App State’s Hickory campus or Winston-Salem State University (part-time, public management concentration only)

Completion Time

2 years (full time)
3-4 years (part time)

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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.

Department of Government and Justice Studies

College of Arts and Sciences

A 2025 Best

The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and the Southeast for 2025.

Top 3

U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top 3 university for innovation for 8 consecutive years.

Top 25 in Local Government Management

The MPA program’s Town, City and County Management concentration ranks among the top 25 in the nation for 2024, according to U.S. News & World Report.

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

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

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

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

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
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.