Distance Education Options
We offer multiple program locations to meet your needs.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program welcomes both pre-service and in-service students. To accommodate students who are employed full-time, courses are offered in the evening for both on-campus and off-campus students. Each student enrolled in an off-campus cohort takes a predetermined schedule of courses that have been designed to fulfill the requirements of the Public Management concentration.
Face-to-face distance education for the MPA program with a Public Management concentration is offered at Appalachian State's Hickory Campus. The Hickory Cohort is becoming a Hickory-Hybrid in Spring 2027. Hickory Campus MPA in-service students will continue to take two courses per semester (spring, summer, and fall) with a face-to-face class on Thursday evenings on the Hickory Campus, and one asynchronous online course. The Hickory-Hybrid is designed for the working professional. MPA leadership knowledge and skills will further advance your career opportunities while connecting you with other professionals from the region.
Individuals interested in an off-campus cohort should contact the MPA Program Director, Dr. Patricia Mitchell, CEcD, by email at mitchelljp@appstate.edu.