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 the Appalachian State University MPA program is to educate and prepare in-service and pre-service students to be ethical public service leaders by fostering foundational knowledge, professional networks, analytical and practical skills, including emerging technologies affecting future workplaces.
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
Former FEMA administrator Brock Long '97 '99 and wife establish emergency management fellowship at App State
Oct 14, 2026
Former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator and Homeland Security Today Editorial Board member Brock Long and his wife, Mandi...
How a pandemic-era job search led a local to help build her hometown's communications [alumna featured]
Aug 4, 2026
BOONE — When Laney Wise took a job with the town of Boone, she thought of it as “just a resume builder.” Five years later, she’s helped build ...
Dr. Patricia Mitchell to serve as consultant for Boone town manager search
Feb 20, 2026
BOONE, N.C. — The Town of Boone has selected Dr. Patricia Mitchell — professor in Appalachian State University's Department of Government and...
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).