Public Administration, BS
Public Administration Department
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.
HEGIS Code: 2102.00
NYSED Program Code: 02296 – PA-BS
Major
Description
Are you a 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!
Student
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
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Analyze Public Policy – Students will be able to understand, evaluate, and explain how public policy is developed, implemented, and evolves across local, domestic, and international contexts.
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Apply Managerial and Organizational Knowledge – Students will be able to develop and implement structures and initiatives that address managerial, political, legal, and ethical challenges in publicand nonprofit organizations.
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Demonstrate Career-Readiness in Public Administration – Students will be able to apply knowledge and skills to pursue professional management careers in public, nonprofit, and governmental sectors.
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Prepare for Graduate and Professional Studies – Students will be able to demonstrate foundational knowledge and competencies that support success in graduate or professional programs in publicadministration or related fields.
Major
Requirements
As part of your degree, you must fulfill the CUNY Pathways general education requirements, which consist of the Common Core (Required and Flexible) and the Medgar Evers College Option. These courses provide the essential quantitative, scientific, and socio-cultural literacy that complements your technical training.
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, CIS 261, LIB 100, FS 101
- Foundational Concepts: PA 103, MTH 213, PA 214
- Law & Policy: PA 150 OR PA 260, PA 225
- Administration: PA 205, PA 211, PA 200 OR PA 215, PA 285
- Advanced Management: PA 300, PA 325, PA 326, PA 327
- Research & Capstone: PA 390, PA 413, PA 450
- Global/Comparative: PA 407 OR PA 486
- Internship: PA 290, PA 490
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.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you have questions regarding the Department of Public Administration or need assistance navigating the application process, please reach out to our department office.
Chairperson: Wallace Ford II | wford@mec.cuny.edu
Phone: 718 270-5067 Fax: 718 270-5181
Location: 1650 Bedford Avenue, B-2015 F