Bachelor of Science in Political Science w/ a Public Administration Concentration

Requirements for the Public Administration Concentration ( effective Fall 2010). The following requirements apply to students starting MTSU in the fall 2010 or later. Students who started prior to fall 2010 may continue to operate under the prior program, but have the option of adopting the new program if desired. Please consult your advisor. Concentration: Public Administration (36 credit hours) Core (18 hrs): PS 1005: American Government & Politics PS 1010: Foundations of Government PS 3001: Research Methods in PS PS 3250: Public Administration PS 4290: Public Service Internship PS 4800: Senior Seminar Choose 2 from each of the following groups (12 hrs): PS 3440, 4590, 4630 PS 2020, 2440, 3400, 3490, 4120 Choose 2 courses from the following sub-fields (6 hrs): American Government Comparative Government International Relations Political Theory Public Administration Cognate (18 hrs): In addition, students should also complete 6 of the following courses in consultation with their advisor. This cognate takes the place of one minor. ACCT 3020 - Managerial Accounting BCEN 4680 - Diversity in the Workplace COMM 3220 - Small Group Communication ECON 2410 - Macroeconomics ECON 2420 - Microeconomics ECON 4390 - Employee Benefits ECON 4420 - Labor & Human Resource Economics ECON 4510 - Unions and Collective Bargaining MGMT 3610 - Principles of Management MGMT 4200 - Leadership in Organization MGMT 4680 - Organization Behavior LEST 3010 - Leadership Theories and Practice OROC 3240 - Intro to Organizational Communication OROC 3250 - Organ. Comm. in Communities OROC 3500 - Strategic Comm. in Organizations OROC 3650 - Conflict and Organizations PSY 4380 - Group Dynamics Program Requirements (prior to 2010-11) (33 credit hours) Core Public Administration Courses PS 1010: Foundations of Government PS 1005 (previously 2010) American Govt & Politics PS 3001 (previously 4000) Research Methods in PS PS 3250: Public Administration PS 4290: Public Service Internship PS 4800: Senior Seminar PS 3250: Public Administration PS 4290: Public Service Internship 9 hours from the following: PS 2020: State and Local Government PS 3160: American Public Policy PS 3440: Budgeting and Finance Administration PS 4590: Administrative Law PS 4630: Personnel Management 6 elective hours in PS These are not the only requirements for the degree. Please refer to the proper Upper-Division Form for the complete requirements. For the complete listing and description of courses click here.

Curriculum Mapping

Examples laying out all requirements to complete the degree in 4 years.
Click on:

Political Science, Public Administration, B.A., Academic Map

Political Science, Public Administration, B.S., Academic Map

---

Why Study Public Administration?

Public management is a dynamic and changing field. The demand for trained administrators continues to grow, particularly in state and local government. The Public Administration emphasis within the Political Science major at MTSU is designed for students who seek careers in government and public service. These include careers not only with government agencies, but also with non-governmental service groups, lobbying firms, and research organizations. The Public Administration emphasis is also valuable for students who plan to attend graduate school in public administration. The proximity of MTSU to the state capital in Nashville, only 35 miles away, provides unique opportunities for both hands-on training and career placement. The Department has a long-standing and successful Public Service internship program, which is a central feature of the Public Administration emphasis. Students may earn up to 12 semester hours and gain invaluable real-world experience working in state agencies, Metro Nashville offices, and public service organizations. Students benefit from both classroom and practical work experience. The complexity of modern government programs in health care, environmental protection, crime prevention, education, and others increasingly requires managers with specialized knowledge of government institutions and practices and skills in management, budgeting, personnel, and public policy. The Public Administration emphasis in Political Science meets these needs.

---

For more information about the Public Administration concentration, please contact:

Dr. George Vernardakis
Professor of Political Science
MTSU Box 460
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
(615)898-2719

Dr. David Carleton
Professor of Political Science
MTSU Box X095
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
(615)898-5461

For information regarding Public Service Internships, please contact:

Dr. Lisa Langenbach
Peck Hall 257
Ext. 2710