Public Administration Major

Public Administration Overview

The public administration major is designed for students interested in the management of public organizations or nonprofit institutions. Majors explore government and political theory, budgeting and financial management, statistics, organizational dynamics, and theories of management. Students choosing the public administration major also prepared to understand the information systems/networks that are becoming increasingly a part of public delivery management.

Requirements

The BS in Public Administration requires 32 course units (128 semester credits). Students may transfer up to 16 units toward degree completion.

The Major

Students are required to consult with their academic advisor to select 8 courses in their major.  Sample courses include:

• PA 1100 Introduction to Nonprofit Management
• COMM 2020 Organizational Behavior
• COMM 1210 Effective Speaking and Presenting
• COMM 2360 Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Management

Capstone Course

The Capstone project is the culminating experience for bachelor of science degree programs.  The final deliverable is a demonstration of the student’s professional competencies and evidence of a foundation of theoretical knowledge applied to “real-world” issues. SPS offers students various options for completing their capstone requirement.  Each option involves practicing their skills in collaboration, analysis, problem solving, research, writing and professional presentations.  Students work with their advisor to determine the Capstone option that works best for their professional and academic development.

Note that these requirements are the same for any B.S. major. Requirements for the B.A. majors are different.

Distribution Requirements

Students are required to take 11 course units to meet the liberal arts distribution requirement for a bachelor of science degree. This requirement is designed to give students perspectives on human affairs that are essential to be contributing citizens of the world.  Please note that required major courses may also satisfy a Distribution Requirement; consult with your academic advisor if you have questions.  The 11 units must be distributed as follows:

• English/Verbal Expression- two units - ENG 1000 - Introduction to Composition  & ENG 1150 - Intermediate Composition  
• Humanities - three units, distributed among at least two disciplines. One unit must be met a course on ethics.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: ASL, ART, ARTH, ARTS, ENG (not ENG 1000 or ENG 1150), FILM, GERM, HEBR, JAPN, MUSC, PHIL, and TA.  Students may also take COMM 1210 Effective Speaking and Presenting.
• Science/Mathematics - two units. One in math; one in science.
• Social Sciences - three units, distributed among at least two disciplines.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: CJ, COMM, ECON, GOVT, HIST, LEAD, PSYC, and SOC.
• Technology - one unit.  Course subject prefixes that satisfy this category include: CSCI, CSEC

Electives

Electives may be selected from the entire spectrum of courses. Please consult your academic advisor with questions.