Master of Public Administration at Appalachian State University

The Public Administration at Appalachian State University is a Master program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Boone , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 2 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 21, 2027.

About Master of Public Administration

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.

Disciplines

Social Sciences LeadershipHuman Services

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Public Administration at Appalachian State University

Entry Requirements

Submit your graduate application online.
Pay the non-refundable application fee online.
Provide names of three references.
Upload your current resume or vita.
Submit official scores from the appropriate standardized test (GRE, GMAT, MAT). Test waivers may be available for certain programs.
Submit unofficial transcript(s) from all colleges or universities from which you earned a degree, or that you have attended within the past five years. Transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service(link is external).
Provide proof of English proficiency.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Public Administration

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.

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Public Administration at Appalachian State University

Application Fee 65

How to Apply for Master of Public Administration at Appalachian State University

If you have previously started or submitted an application to the Graduate School at Appalachian, select "Log in" under Returning users and login using the same email address as before, then select Start New Application.

To start a new application to the Graduate School, select "Create an account" under First-time users if you have never had an account with us before and follow the instructions.

Master of Public Administration at Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University

United States of America, Boone