Academic Program

The Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration is a 124-hour curriculum that will prepare the student for an entry-level position in government or a non-profit organization. The General Education requirements must be met in order to fulfill the demands of the Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Public Administration. These requirements are explained in detail in the UCA student handbook.

The program provides students with an understanding of public administration and the knowledge and skills needed for a career in the public and non-profit sectors.  The program is divided into three areas. First, the "core" curriculum (39 hours) must be completed.  The "core" curriculum represents the foundation of the degree program and includes courses such as U.S. Government, Public Administration, Government Budgeting, Public Policy, Accounting, Economics and Management.  Second, twenty-one hours (21) must be completed in the "Areas of Special Emphasis," where students choose courses in Public Management, Public Policy, and Planning.  Third, electives are used to complete the 124 hours needed to graduate.  Electives are carefully chosen by the student and program director to meet the special interests and career goals of the student. 

For more information on the curriculum, click on the following link:

Public Administration Major Curriculum

Career Outlook

Public administrators have an unusually diverse practical and academic background. Approximately one in six Americans work for government in the United States, therefore employment opportunities abound in a variety of specialized areas, such as:

·City Management                              · Budget Analyst 

· Land Use Planner                             ·Legislative Aide 

· Department Manager                      · Policy Evaluator

· Attorney                                             · Military Officer 

· Policy Analyst                                   · Economic Developer

· Professor                                           · Budget Director

· Program Director

Internships

The required internship program offers the student the opportunity to receive hands-on experience in a governmental office. Interns in the UCA Public Adminstration program have been placed in a variety of federal, state, and local departments and non-profit organizations.  Interns have also served in congressional offices in Little Rock and Washington, D.C. Internships can and often do turn into permanent positions in government service. For information on the general requirements for internships in public administration and recent internship placements, click on the following links.

General Requirements for Internships

Internships in Public Administration - Recent Placements

Faculty and Students

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the Public Administration degree, students have the opportunity to take courses from a variety of faculty in several disciplines and colleges, including:

· Political Science                               · Economics

· Geography                                          · Management

· Sociology                                            · Finance

· Accounting

Public Administration students are active on campus through the Public Administration Club.  The Public Administration Club is open to all students interested in a career in the public and non-profit sectors.