This degree provides you with knowledge and skills specifically designed for careers in government policy and administration. This degree helps you gain the insights needed to plan and formulate policy as well as manage, organize, and implement operations in the public arena.
Your degree program will focus on organizational governance, finance, and administration. With this specialization, you can find jobs in local, state, or federal government; public service sectors, such as fire and rescue or health care; and non-profit organizations, such as arts or international relief agencies.
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 |
| Foreign Language | Optional |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | 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. As with other degrees in the Public Administration program, the bachelor's degree focuses on experiential learning that links theory to issues that students are likely to encounter in the workplace. The degree allows students to transfer up to 64 credit hours to satisfy the 120 credit hours needed for the degree. Coursework for the bachelor's degree is designed to allow the student to acquire a general knowledge of leadership and management, ethics, and policy issues.
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 program focus on ethics, leadership and management, budgeting, public policy formation, organizational theory, 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, particularly through the evaluation of case studies.
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 program courses expand knowledge and skills, and allow 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
Understand the importance of leadership in public sector organizations, and have the ability and knowledge to demonstrate and practice leadership concepts and skills learned in the Public Administration program throughout their careers.
This major requires 48 - 52 units units distributed as follows:
Take the following 48 units with a Grade of "C" or better:
Public Administration Common Course Requirements (36 units)
Foreign Language or Science Requirement Option (12 - 16 units)
You must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English that is equivalent to four terms of university coursework in the same language. You may satisfy this requirement by taking language courses or through credit by exam.
OR
Science Requirement (12 units)
Select from the following: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.
While completing the Bachelor in Public Administration, students can start a Master of Public Administration in Public Administration.
Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:
This major requires 48 - 52 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 36 units with a Grade of "C" or better:
Foreign Language or Science Requirement Option (12 - 16 units)
Foreign Language Requirement (16 units)
You must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English that is equivalent to four terms of university coursework in the same language. You may satisfy this requirement by taking language courses or through credit by exam.
Science Requirement (12 units)
Select from the following: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.