Public Administration, AS
Public Administration Department
Program Overview
Public Administration, AS
Our A.S. in Public Administration is your fast-track, two-year foundation. You’ll master core management concepts, gain essential computer skills, and get exposed to the inner workings of government and non-profit organizations.
AS – Associate in Science
60 credit hours
Major
Description
Are you a natural leader who wants to make a difference in your city, state, or even the world? The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Administration is the perfect path! This program isn’t about working for private companies—it’s about learning how governments, non-profits, and agencies are run smoothly and fairly.
You’ll gain crucial skills in Public Service, management, and policy, preparing you to tackle big issues like budgets, urban planning, and public safety. You’ll learn to manage people and resources, understand how NYS and Local Government works, and even explore the operations of Global Institutions. Plus, the required Internship puts you right into a professional environment! If you want a career that truly serves the public good, this degree is your starting point.
Program and Major
Requirements
General Education Requirements (CUNY Common Core & College Option)
These requirements align with the CUNY Common Core and College Option structure:
- Required Core (12 Credits):
- English Composition: ENGL 112 and ENGL 150.
- Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning: 1 course (e.g., MTH 115).
- Life and Physical Sciences: 1 course (e.g., BIO 101 or PHS 101).
- Flexible Core (18 Credits – 6 Courses): Complete one course in each of the five areas, plus an additional Flexible Core course in any area. No more than two courses from any one discipline are permitted.
- World Cultures and Global Issues
- U.S. Experience in its Diversity
- Creative Expressions
- Individual and Society (e.g., ECON 212 or ECON 213)
- Scientific World (e.g., CIS 101).
- College Option (9 Credits – 3 Courses):
- Socio-Cultural and Diversity Cluster III: 1 course (e.g., SOC 202).
- Integrative Knowledge Cluster IV:
- Socio-Cultural and Diversity Cluster III
- Integrative Knowledge Cluster IV (Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences, and Natural Sciences & Mathematics)
Major Requirements
Required Core Courses (11-12 Total Courses)
To earn your B.S. in Public Administration, you need to complete the following required courses and electives. These classes will build your foundation in leadership and public service!
You must complete ALL of the following core courses:
- Introductory Skills: CIS 101 (Computer Literacy), LIB 100 (Library & Research Methods), FS 101 (Freshman Seminar I)
- Public Service & Law PA 103 (Introduction to Public Service and Administration), PA 150 (Introduction to Criminal Law) OR PA 260 (Constitutional Law And Civil Liberties)
- Management & Policy: PA 205 (Public Personnel Administration) OR PA 214 (Organizational Theory in the Public Sector), PA 211 (NYS and Local Government), PA 225 (Public Policy and Caseload Management)
- Global & Internship: PA 285 (Administration of Global Institutions), PA 290 (Public Administration Internship I)
Elective Courses (Minimum 9 Credits)
You must earn at least 9 credits by choosing a combination of the following courses:
- Public Administration Electives: Choose courses from the approved list of Public Administration electives.
- Other Elective Options: You can choose from CIS 211 (Internet and Emerging Technologies), LAW 208 (Legal Environmental of Business), or use FS 101/LIB 100 again if permitted by an advisor.
Degree Map
Ready to map out your career in public service? The Degree Map below is a suggestion for your four-year plan! It shows you exactly how can schedule your core Public Administration courses (like Constitutional Law and Global Institutions) along with your General Education requirements, making sure you graduate on time and ready for a great job!