Public Administration

Public Administration is a field of academic study that emphasizes professional training in carrying out the actions of government. The program is designed to provide an understanding of bureaucratic organizations, to encourage and develop critical analytical skills, and to apply those skills in the implementation and evaluation of public policy.

General Requirements

The program requires 33 semester hours in political science with a public administration focus. Majors are strongly encouraged, but not required, to choose 12 hours of their free electives from the following career support areas:

• Local Government
• International
• Social Services
• Health Services

Enrollment in the mandatory internship requires completion of 24 hours of Political Science and a minimum GPA of 2.25. There is no foreign language requirement for those who have completed two years of the same foreign language in high school. Majors must satisfy general education core curriculum and additional BPA requirements.

Internship

Students will be required to complete an internship. The internship program provides supervised work experience in which students can earn three to six credit hours. Students gain practical experience by working for various federal, state, local, or non-profit agencies. Under the direction of a faculty member, the student expands and applies concepts and skills gained through academic study.

• Internship Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Majoring in political science can qualify you for many different careers in private for-profit and nonprofit organizations, as well as public sector organizations, including careers in business, law, consulting, state, local, and federal government, journalism and communications, international organization, finance, political campaigns, interest groups, community service and non-governmental organizations, and pre-college and college teaching.

Political science training also provides valuable preparation for participating in community organizations, electoral politics, movements on behalf of specific policies, and especially for seeking elective or appointive positions in government.