Public Administration Major, BS

Public Administration Overview

The public administration major is designed for students interested in a career in the public sector: government or nonprofit institutions. This flexible program provides the foundations for students to work in this sector in addition to allowing students to choose courses that interest them.  The program culminates with a Capstone that provides students the opportunity to dig deep into a particular topic and or gain field experience where they apply their knowledge.

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 complete 8 courses in their major:

• PA 1100 - Introduction to Nonprofit Management  
• PA 1110 - Introduction to Public Administration  
• COMM 1210 - Effective Speaking and Presenting  
• COMM 2360 - Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Management  
• LEAD 1010 - Leadership and Decision-Making  
• PA 1200 - Project Management Basics  
• 2 additional PA courses or other courses with permission from your academic advisor

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.

Distribution Requirements

Students are required to take 11 course units to meet the liberal arts distribution requirement for a bachelor of science or a bachelor of general studies 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 prefix that satisfies this category: CSEC

Electives

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