Program(s) Available: B.A.S., B.S., Minor
If you're interested in pursuing a public leadership position or making society a better place, a major in public administration may be for you. Keep reading to learn the benefits of this program!
Public Administration is the study of how public and nonprofit organizations are managed, funded, and led to serve communities effectively. The major focuses on leadership, public policy, budgeting, ethics, and program management, preparing students to work in government, nonprofits, and public service–oriented organizations. Students drawn to public administration are typically interested in making a positive social impact, improving how institutions function, and solving real-world problems. This major is well-suited for students who value service, leadership, collaboration, and practical applications of policy and management skills.
The public administration major centers on the decision-making process and explores job opportunities in public organizations and local, state, federal and international agencies.
This noncomprehensive major allows students to combine their interests in other fields through their minor with a degree that will allow for additional specialization while working in the public or private sector.
View the catalog for courses and more information.
If you have already completed a technical associate of applied science (A.A.S.), associate of science (A.S.), or certificate from a regionally accredited community college, the B.A.S. in public administration provides a streamlined path for you to earn your bachelor’s degree. This flexible option maximizes transfer of your vocational and technical courses while building the advanced skills necessary for public health practice.
This degree path offers:
View the Academic Catalog for more information or see more on the benefits of a B.A.S. program.
1. Make an impact
Whether you're passionate about your local community, public policy, or nonprofit work, this minor helps you understand how to create real change from the inside out.
2. Boost your leadership skills
You’ll learn about budgeting, organizational leadership, decision-making, and ethics—all essential for leading teams and managing resources in public or private sectors.
3. Pair it with almost anything
Majoring in political science, business, social work, emergency management, or even agriculture? Public administration gives you the background to navigate regulations, policy, and public funding.
4. Open more career doors
This minor preps you for roles in city planning, government, nonprofit leadership, community development, public health, and more — plus it’s a great foundation for grad school or law school.
This 24-credit-hour program focuses on public policy, public management and organizational behavior.
Looking for flexible public administration degrees that offer the same quality as on-campus programs? Explore Northwest’s online bachelor’s in public administration program. Designed for busy students, our program allows you to balance work, family or other commitments while still providing the same comprehensive coursework and practical learning experiences as Northwest’s on-campus major.
Humanities and Social Science
660.562.1290
megans@nwmissouri.edu
“My degree in Political Science taught me skills transferable across disciplines that I truly believe create deliverables within and beyond Academia. Whether it was statistical analysis, developing policy alternatives, charting out a research agenda, or opportunities beyond the classroom, such as my internship at the NWMORCOG, I’ve been well-equipped to tackle the issues that matter most to my community.”
Abigail Baker
Political Science major from Omaha, Neb.
In the Mock Trial Team, students compete in trial simulations at invitational and American Mock Trial Association-sanctioned regional and national tournaments and Bearcat Invitational hosted annually at Northwest.
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