Public Administration

The public administration major promotes an understanding of the policies, purposes, philosophies, responsibilities, management methods, and challenges of civic leadership. Students analyze complex organizational systems; learn budgeting processes; apply new technologies; identify ethical issues; and evaluate the goals of local, state, and national governmental agencies in a changing society. Critical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication are important skills that students develop as they analyze case studies and commit themselves to continuous quality improvement. Graduates of this major are prepared to enter city, county, state, or national agencies that benefit from ethical management, efficient practices, positive public relations, and an empathetic response to the diverse social groups within and served by agencies.