Program Description:

Click here for academic department program information. Click here for the Graduate Bulletin (catalog) degree program information including the program courses and find the 279B major code. Applicants are encouraged to review the information on both of these web sites.

Career Options:

The Master of Public Administration trains individuals for service as managers in public and non-profit organizations such as:

• City or county manager
• Director of a multi-county Council for Governments
• Housing Authority Director
• Personnel
• Director of Community Non-Profit group (Chamber of Commerce, Arts Council, local Red Cross Chapter)
• Personnel, Budget or Utilities Manager in a town or county
• Federal Law Enforcement Positions such as Secret Service, U.S. Marshal Service, Customs, & Border Protection
• Public Works Director
• Prison Manager
• Police Chief
• Criminal Information System Manager

Information Unique to Distance Education Program Admission and Enrollment:

The off campus Public Administration program accepts applicants when new sessions are planned (via a cohort-model) at an off-campus location. Cohorts begin, if there is sufficient interest, in one semester, and cohort members take their classes at the same pace (two classes per term) until graduation.

Program Delivery Information:

This distance education program is delivered via face-to-face instruction. Courses are typically taught at the site in the evenings, but use of two-way audio-video transmissions as well as the internet may also be employed in the delivery of instruction. Locations, start dates and application deadlines are provided in the Proposed Cohorts table below.

Course List:

Please click here for a complete course list with concentration information.

Proposed Cohorts*:

*You may also express interest in having the program delivered at other locations by completing this electronic form (opens in a new window). Please be aware that expressions of interest are relayed to the academic departments where decisions are made about where programs will be offered.

Eligibility:

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online application to graduate school
• Application Fee
• Official (sealed) transcript from each college or university attended
• Resume (uploaded as part of the online application)
• Three references (submitted as part of the online application)
• 2-3 page, double spaced personal statement on what has prompted your interest in obtaining an MPA degree and what appeals to you about the program at Appalachian. Also include your professional plans or ambitions once you have completed your degree.
• Test scores are required for this graduate program (see information below)

Other Requirement:

Completion of an undergraduate course in statistics is required for registration in the Research Methods course.

Test Information:

Test scores (no older than 5 years) from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) are required for this program. Minimum score requirements are listed at the Graduate Bulletin.

Application:

Click here to access Graduate School application information, requirements, and the online application for admission.

Applications must be complete (online application submitted, the fee paid, and all required supporting documents received by the Graduate School) and ready for review by the applicable deadline (see Proposed Cohorts table above). If it appears to be too late to apply, please contact the program manager to discuss options.

For information or questions related to the application process, please contact

Program Manager
Ms. Claudia Ward-Eller
Email: wardellercl@appstate.edu
Toll-free Phone: 800-355-4084, ask to be transferred
Direct Phone: 828-759-4644
Fax:  828-759-4668

Academic Coordinator
Dr. Mark Bradbury
Emai: bradburymd@appstate.edu
Toll-free Phone: 800-355-4084, x 7913
Direct Phone: 828-262-7913