Public Administration

Prepare for a career in public service. Develop the leadership tools and knowledge you need to serve, manage and lead public or nonprofit organizations or to conduct cutting-edge academic research.

What We Offer

Public Administration students at NC State enjoy an extraordinary faculty recognized for its research productivity, a highly-ranked graduate program with great flexibility in its elective courses, and North Carolina’s capital city location and proximity to the world-renowned Research Triangle Park.

We offer two advanced degrees: a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Ph.D. in public administration. Many public administration professionals working part- or full-time pursue their MPA degree to study public administration, policy and theory and apply what they’re learning.

You’ll get a rich classroom experience that enhances real-world needs in one of the top-ranked MPA programs and the only public administration Ph.D. program in North Carolina.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Department of Public Administration faculty affirm the inherent dignity of all people. We are committed to creating an inclusive and engaging working and learning environment, free from discrimination on the basis of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender orientation, racial/ethnic background and/or religion.

Master of Public Administration

Our mission is to develop principled and skilled public service professionals who fulfill leadership roles within governmental and nonprofit organizations.

Ph.D. in Public Administration

The Ph.D. in Public Administration program provides students with a strong foundation for teaching and research positions. It is led by a faculty recognized nationally for its research productivity.