Welcome!
Welcome to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program at Appalachian State University!
Established in 1989, our program has a distinguished reputation for cultivating the next generation of leaders in public service through an immersive, hands-on learning experience. We combine theoretical foundations with practical applications to empower our students to navigate the complexities of public administration with confidence and expertise. Led by a combination of esteemed practitioners and scholars, our curriculum is recognized among the top 25 local government programs in the nation.
The mission of our program is to educate and prepare in-service and pre-service students to be public service leaders by fostering foundational knowledge, analytical and practical skills, and professional networks.
Leading Western North Carolina In Public Administration:
NASPAA Accredited Program
We are accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).
Top 25 in Local Government
Our local government program is #21 in the country according to U.S. News and World Report.
Spotlights
Jason Spokas shares his experience interning with the Department of Homeland Security
Feb 13, 2025
As part of the MPA experience, I applied for an internship with the United States Department of Homeland Security in Brunswick, Georgia. This prestigi...
Katelyn McKinney shares how App State's MPA program is preparing her for a career in public service
Feb 13, 2025
My journey toward a career in public service began with a deep interest in the challenges and opportunities facing cities and counties, which led me t...
Derek Kolb shares why he chose App State's MPA program
Feb 13, 2025
After eight years of service to the United States as an Infantry Soldier in the Army and a decade of non-profit experience, I was fatigued and ready f...
Program Concentrations
On-campus students choose one of four tracks as their area of concentration:
For quick details about the MPA program, see our flyer (PDF, 858 KB).