Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA)

School of Undergraduate Studies

General Public Administration specialization

Develop a foundational knowledge of the management, communication, and collaboration skills you need to be an effective public administrator. The curriculum covers such topics as public finance and accounting, human resource management, public-private collaboration, strategic planning, participative governance, contracting, and privatization. Interactive learning technologies, along with access to a rich, global network of experienced faculty and professional peers, will help you gain the perspective of various public service roles. Convenient electronic textbooks lowers program costs and provides immediate access to course materials. People who choose this specialization are likely to be pursuing entry-level professional positions or advancement in government agencies or non-profit public service organizations.

You may be closer than you think. Our petition process helps you document prior learning. Based on a faculty evaluation of your petition, you may earn credit for competencies developed through prior education or work experience. Learn more about earning credit for prior learning.

General Education Requirements

To complete your bachelor's degree, you will need 45 quarter credits in general education subject areas with a minimum of 6 quarter credits from each category. We offer general education courses in communication, humanities, natural science and mathematics, and social science.

Residents of Arkansas must complete Arkansas general education requirements.

Core Courses (each course 6 quarter credits unless noted)

• BPA3004 - Developing a Public Administration Perspective
• BUS3010 - Fundamentals of Management and Leadership
• BPA3025 - Introduction to Public Administration
• BPA3035 - Theoretical Foundations of Public Administration
• BPA3045 - Human Resource Management in the Public Sector
• BUS3050 - Fundamentals of Organizational Communication
• BPA3065 - Introduction to Public Finance and Accounting

Specialization Courses (each course 6 quarter credits unless noted)

• BPA4101 - Principles of Organizational Planning and Accountability*
• BPA4102 - Public Policies and Regulatory Processes*
• BPA4103 - Ethical Standards and Legal Issues in Public Administration*
• BPA4104 - Introduction to Diversity and Cultural Competence*
• BPA4105 - Creating Public Value*
• BPA4106 - Resource Management in the Public Sector*
• BPA4107 - The Political and Administrative System*
• BPA4108 - Privatization of Government Services*

Elective Courses

• Choose 39 quarter credits of additional undergraduate courses.

Capstone Course

• To be taken during the learner’s final quarter:
• BPA4993 - Public Administration Project - 6 quarter credits

Review of this specialization is pending in: AL, AR, AZ, FL, GA, KY, ND, SC, VA, WA, and WI.

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