Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 University Catalog 
    
2017-2018 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Public Administration


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Division of Politics Administration and Justice Division Chair

Stacy Mallicoat

Public Administration Coordinator

Michelle Arsneault

Department Office/Website

University Hall 511
657-278-3521
hss.fullerton.edu/paj

Faculty

David Adams, Michelle Arsneault, Sarah Hill, Meriem Hodge, Myung Jung Kwon, Paul Peretz, Samuel Stone, Yuan Ting, Justin Tucker, Yan Xiao

Introduction

Public Administration trains people to become managers in government and nonprofit organizations. It draws on literature from political science, psychology, economics, business and sociology to provide students with skills that will make them more effective public sector leaders. It is concerned with the role played by public employees in policy-making, planning, personnel management, taxation and finance, and in responding to the needs and problems of communities and the nation.

A major in Public Administration features focused study and preparation for service in public agencies or in nonprofit organizations. Public administration majors study the larger political environment of public service and the concepts and goals that underline such functions as budgeting, personnel, policy analysis and management. Students without professional public service backgrounds gain experience through the government internship.

Degree Descriptions

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration is designed to prepare students for service in public agencies or in nonprofit organizations. Public administration majors study the larger political environment of public service and the concepts and goals that underline such functions as budgeting, personnel, policy analysis and management. Specifically, the curriculum provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of factual knowledge about the role and function of the public and nonprofit sectors of society, including: understanding the role of the administrative function in political system; the role of personnel administration, public budgeting and finance in the creation and implementation of public policy; the role of public administration professionals as participants in the creation and implementation of public policy; and different models of politics and governance as they relate to the role of administrative agencies and processes, particularly their role in democratic systems. A major in public administration prepares students for employment in government at the local, state and national levels, in nonprofit agencies, public safety, advocacy and more.

The Master of Arts in Public Administration (M.P.A.) is designed to prepare students for a career in public service by providing a core set of competencies anchored on the foundations of scholarly research and professional practice. Specifically, the curriculum provides opportunities for M.P.A. students to develop knowledge, skills and public service values that equip them to be ethical and exceptional leaders in their communities who act with a commitment to public service, democratic values, accountability, social equity and diversity. An M.P.A. prepares students for employment and advancement in government agencies at the local, state and national levels, as well as nonprofit and other public service organizations.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Internships

The division offers a variety of internships. Each one involves students working in an agency or political organization, and meeting in an on-campus seminar to discuss and analyze their experiences. The internship in Public Administration is POSC 497 and is required of all majors without public service administration experience.

Programs and Courses Offered

Courses are designated as POSC (Political Science) in the class schedule. Please refer to the Political Science Department catalog section for course numbers and descriptions.

Programs

    Bachelor of ArtsMaster of Public AdministrationNon-Degree

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