A Public Administration 90-30 BS allows you to learn about leadership, management, ethics, budgets, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This degree plan emphasizes experiential learning by linking theory to specific problems and case studies. This program will provide you with the knowledge and skills for careers in the public, non-profit, and private sectors and can also prepare you for graduate and/or law school.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | C |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The mission of the Public Administration program is to prepare students to become effective and ethical managers in a variety of public service fields. The Public Administration 90-30 degree focuses on experiential learning that links theory to issues that students are likely to encounter in the workplace and is ideal for students who have already completed credits at the community college or university level and are looking to finish their degree in a relatively short amount of time. The program's accelerated course format, as well as course offerings throughout the calendar year, allows students to achieve this goal.
Faculty in the Public Administration program are experienced practitioners who promote rigorous academic standards and high expectations for student achievement. Rather than teaching students what to think, faculty focus on developing analytical skills in course structures that allow students to be active participants in the education process. The core courses in the Public Administration, 90-30 degree focus on ethics, leadership, public sector budgeting, public policy, research methods, and written communication skills. Courses offer theoretical perspectives as a foundation from which students can analyze and apply ideas to real-world situations.
Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in public, non-profit, and private sector organizations; the degree also serves as a platform for students who wish to pursue graduate degrees. For those students already working in the field, the Public Administration, 90-30 degree expands knowledge and skills and allows for advancement in their careers. Graduates of the Public Administration program will have developed abilities to be dynamic and ethical leaders who are prepared to face the challenges of rapidly changing organizational environments. Above all, they will be committed to effectively and competently serving the public good.
Student Learning Outcomes
All major requirements must be completed at Northern Arizona University.
Take the following 30 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
If you have not yet met NAU's Global and/or U.S. Ethnic Diversity requirements, you should select:
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Public Administration 90-30 and start a Master of Public Administration at NAU.
Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:
Major Requirements
All coursework must be upper-division and from Northern Arizona University. Substitutions and use of credit from other institutions are not allowed.
Take the following 30 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from the following academic disciplines: Business Administration, Communication, Emergency Management, Forestry, Health and Human Services, Justice Studies, Parks and Recreation, Politics and International Affairs, and Project Management.
You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives in the above-listed academic disciplines if they were not used to meet major or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.