BA/BS in Public Administration

Students in this major prepare to work on problems in communities, states, nonprofit organizations and the private sector. The curriculum emphasizes responsibility to the public, sustainable environments and cross-border understanding. Students learn by doing, use evidence to inform decisions and draw across academic disciplines. They can explore how public policy shapes everyday life. Courses concentrate on concepts and skills and show how they can be applied in local communities, organizations and public agencies. Faculty include researchers whose training and interests span many fields. Students can focus on areas such as urban planning, neighborhood development, food systems and nonprofit leadership. Many courses take place in community settings, so students practice applying policy and planning ideas to real projects. Hands-on work connects classroom ideas to public problems.