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Appalachian State University

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Political Science (BS) - Public Administration

Undergraduate Program
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Application Deadlines

Important dates and deadlines for undergraduate admissions

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Location

Boone campus

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Costs and Aid

Help shape public policy to improve your community.

Cities, towns and villages depend on advocates who are sensitive to the needs of their communities and possess the specialized knowledge and skills to make improvements that benefit the people who live there.

Through App State’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science - Public Administration degree program, you will develop an understanding of local and state government administration that will position you for roles through which you can make a difference in your community.

Choose one of two tracks: Public Management or Town, City and County Management. The Public Management track puts you on a path toward an administration career in a bureaucratic or public organization. The Town, City and County Management track provides a broad overview of administration within local governments.

Public Administration is a career path rife with opportunities for advancement, and App State’s excellent academic curriculum is designed to prepare you with industry-relevant qualifications.

  • Department of Government and Justice Studies

  • College of Arts and Sciences

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A ‘Best College’ for 2025

The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and Southeast for 2025.

Top 3 in innovation, undergraduate teaching

U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top three school for innovation and the high quality of its undergraduate instruction for eight consecutive years.

A ‘Best College’ for value

App State’s quality, affordability and student outcomes place it among the nation’s 2024 best schools for value, according to Money.com

Learn more about App State’s accolades

Elevate Your Education

Courses

    • Students pursuing this major explore Public Administration, American National Government and Politics and more.
    Program of Study
    View the Program of Study

Minors

Public Management track:
A minor is required in Accounting, Criminal Justice, Healthcare Management, Human Resources Management, General Business, Non-profit Organizations or Sustainable Development. Other minors may be allowed with approval from your adviser and the department chair.

Town Administrator, City County Management track:
A minor in Community and Regional Planning is required.

View all minors

Transferring Credits

Learn about App State’s credit transfer process, and use our Transfer Equivalency Course Search tool to determine how your courses may transfer to App State.

Related Programs

  • Political Science (BA)
  • Political Science (BS) - American Politics
  • Political Science (BS) - International and Comparative Politics
  • Political Science (BS) - Legal Studies

General Education

With courses in history, natural and social sciences and humanities, App State’s General Education Program will reshape your outlook on learning and provide a foundational skill set that will prepare you for any career.

Gen Ed Program Info

Accelerated Master’s

You can begin your graduate studies as an undergraduate and earn your master’s degree in as little as one year.

Accelerated Master’s Info

Careers and Mountaineers

Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go! Our passionate and engaged alumni become leaders in their communities and chosen professions.

Careers

  • City Manager
  • Community Relations Director
  • Congressional Aide
  • Legislative Analyst Lobbyist
  • Public Administrator/Manager
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Social Services Administrator
  • Interest Group Director
  • Urban/Regional Planner

Some of these roles may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.

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: Sarah Harris ’14 ’15
    Alumna Profile: Sarah Harris ’14 ’15

    Sarah Harris chose to remain at Appalachian to earn her Master of Public Administration degree through Appalachian’s accelerated admissions process.

  • Alumnus Profile: Lane Bailey ’87 ’89
    Alumnus Profile: Lane Bailey ’87 ’89

    Salisbury City Manager Lane Bailey ’87 ’89 says he gets up each day to go to work to make his community a better place — whether that’s in North Carolina or across the globe.

More to Explore at App State

Fund Your Education

Numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to help fund your App State education. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.

International Experience

Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more.

Real-world Internships

Gain firsthand experience while earning your degree. Learn more

Find Your Community

Get inspired and get involved by joining App State clubs and organizations, such as the App State Politics Club. Learn more

Honors College

Develop high-level creative thinking and research skills. Learn more and check out the departmental honors program.

Apply

Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.

Start Your Application

Admissions questions? Contact us.

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Request More Information

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Program Contact

Dr. Cathy Marcum
Department Chair
828-262-3075
[email protected]

Dr. Heather Ondercin
Political Science Curriculum Coordinator
828-262-6349
[email protected]

College of Arts and Sciences

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Visit Campus

Explore App State’s campuses in Boone and Hickory and learn more about what life is like as a Mountaineer.

Attend an information session to get to know App State’s people and programs.

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Have questions related to the App State admissions process? Our admissions counselors are here to help.

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

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