Public Policy and Administration

The public policy and administration major is an extended program consisting of 60 credits; due to its length, no minor is required.  The degree requirements are divided into four areas: a business and economics core (15 credits), a political science core (15 credits), integrative experience and electives (15 credits, including a required internship), and the student’s choice of a concentration (15 credits).  The different concentrations and their potential career paths are described below.  For more information about the program or to request a checksheet with specific course requirements, please contact the program coordinator, Dr. Jonah Ralston. There is also a public administration minor available as part of the program.  Please contact the program coordinator for more information or to request a checksheet for the minor.

Concentrations available in the public policy and administration major:

General Management: Study of the effective use of human and material resources to achieve organizational goals.  Prepares the student for an entry-level management position in the public sector or related organizations.

Public Policy: Study of the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of public policy.  Prepares the student for a career as an analyst in an administrative or legislative agency, or as a legislative staff member.

Planning and Budget Administration: Study of budgeting and environmental resource planning.  Prepares the student for a career as an analyst capable of working in public agencies or consulting firms.

Police and Criminal Justice Administration: Study of the administration and organization of the criminal justice system.  Prepares the student for a career in court administration or law enforcement.

Personnel: Study of the recruitment, placement, training, promotion, and retention of a diverse workforce.  Prepares the student for an entry-level position in the personnel division of an organization.

Legal Affairs: Study of the law and legal institutions.  Prepares the student for entry to law school or for a career as a legal assistant.

Urban Affairs: Study of the political, economic, planning, and development processes in urban settings.  Prepares the student for a career in municipal government as a city manager, planning specialist, or policymaker.

Individualized Concentration: Upon recommendation of the public policy and administration program coordinator, a student may pursue a concentration designed to meet professional interests and career goals that are not encompassed within the concentrations outlined above.  Individualized concentrations must be educationally and professionally sound and must not result in any divergence of a student’s overall degree program or NASPAA or AACBS guidelines and standards.