Public Administration, BS

Public Administration Department

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Program Overview

Ready to become a leader who shapes public policy?

The B.S. in Public Administration is designed to prepare you for leadership and management roles in vital public and non-profit organizations. This program focuses on equipping you with core skills in policy analysis, financial management, and ethical decision-making to effectively address complex societal issues.

Degree Designation
BS – Bachelor in Science
Hours Required
120 credit hours

Major

Description

Are you the person who wants to solve big problems? Do you want to run a non-profit, manage a city department, or even work with global organizations? If so, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Administration is the perfect degree for you!

This program is your essential training for becoming a professional public servant. You’ll learn how to manage people (Public Personnel Administration), handle money and budgets (Fiscal Administration), and understand how government policies are made and evaluated. You’ll gain crucial skills in ethical decision-making and research.

Plus, this degree offers exciting specialized tracks like:

  • Criminal Justice Administration
  • Non-Profit Management
  • International Administration
  • Law and Public Policy

You’ll graduate ready for a rewarding career where you can truly make a positive impact in your community and beyond!

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

To earn your B.S. in Public Administration, you need to complete the following courses.

Required Core Courses (22 Total Courses)
You must complete ALL of the following core courses to build your foundation in public service and management:

  • Introductory Skills: CIS 101 (Computer Literacy), CIS 261 (Contemporary Computer Applications), LIB 100 (Library & Research Methods), FS 101 (Freshman Seminar I)
  • Foundational Concepts: PA 103 (Introduction to Public Service and Administration), MTH 213 (Introduction To Statistics), PA 214 (Organizational Theory in the Public Sector)
  • Law & Policy: PA 150 (Intro to Criminal Law) OR PA 260 (Constitutional Law And Civil Liberties), PA 225 (Public Policy and Caseload Management)
  • Administration: PA 205 (Public Personnel Administration), PA 211 (NYS and Local Government), PA 200 (Intro to Non-profit Admin) OR PA 215 (Designing Local Programs), PA 285 (Administration of Global Institutions)
  • Advanced Management: PA 300 (Public Bureaucracy and Disaster Management), PA 325 (Fiscal Administration), PA 326 (Ethical Issues in Government), PA 327 (BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT)
  • Research & Capstone: PA 390 (Research Methodology for Public Administrators), PA 413 (Public Program Evaluation), PA 450 (Decision Making In Government Capstone)
  • Global/Comparative: PA 407 (Comparative Public Administration) OR PA 486 (Global Public Policy)
  • Internship: PA 290 (Public Administration Internship I), PA 490 (Public Administration Internship)

Major Electives (Minimum 3 Credits)
You must earn at least 3 credits from an approved list of Public Administration electives.

Concentration Track (Minimum 12 Credits)

You will choose one of the following specialized tracks to focus your expertise by completing at least 12 credits within that area:

  • Criminal Justice Administration
  • International Administration
  • Non-Profit Administration
  • Law and Public Policy
  • Community Development

Degree Map

Think of the Degree Map as your personal GPS for college! This guide outlines the best order for taking all your required classes—from your first Freshman Seminar to your senior-year Internship. Follow this course sequence to guarantee you build all the skills needed to manage public and non-profit organizations.

4-Year Degree Map

Need More Information

Contact Us

Have questions about the program or need help choosing the right path? Reach out — we’re here to support your journey every step of the way.

718.270.5111

Professor Wallace Ford
wford@mec.cuny.edu

1650 Bedford Avenue B-20
Brooklyn, NY 11225