Interdisciplinary Major or Minor
(Bachelor of Science)

Professors – Scott R. Furlong, John R. Stoll (chair)
Associate Professors – Ekaterina Levintova, Laurel E. Phoenix, Lora Warner
Assistant Professors – Dallas Blaney, David Helpap, Rachel Russell, Aaron Weinschenk, Elizabeth Wheat

The Public Administration major is a broad-based, interdisciplinary, social science major. It is designed to prepare students for challenging careers in public and nonprofit organizations, as well as for further study in graduate programs. Students develop proficiency in organizational management and leadership, public policy analysis, program evaluation, policy development and implementation, budgeting, and governmental processes.

Graduates hold positions as professional administrators, policy analysts, budget specialists, program managers, personnel counselors, governmental affairs directors for businesses, and human resource specialists. Many pursue graduate studies in public administration, law, political science, social services, public policy, and public affairs.

Because of the wide range of course offerings in Public Administration, students may sharpen their managerial skills so that they may pursue careers in management within public or non-profit organizations. Students may also choose to focus on understanding substantive policy (such as environmental policy) and public policy design.

All Public Administration majors engage in both theoretical and applied studies. Many courses include theory as well as problem-focused, applied learning. Students are encouraged to gain these experiences through independent study, community research projects, and the internship program administered by the department. Public Administration majors in the past have completed internships in city, county and state executive offices, as well as in non-profit agencies.

The major in Public Administration consists of three sets of requirements: required supporting courses, upper-level core courses, and elective credits within the major. Majors can choose from three emphases: public management and policy, nonprofit management, and emergency management. Students who want to focus their study specifically on the nonprofit sector may want to consider the nonprofit management emphasis, which requires a more specific set of courses.  A Nonprofit Management certificate is also available. Public Administration along with Outreach and Adult Access also offer a number of courses in emergency management that meet the elective requirements of the major. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from a faculty adviser in creating their academic plan.

Considering a Double Major or a Major and a Minor?
Many Public Administration majors also choose to major in Political Science, Environmental Policy and Planning, or Economics. A second major complements the Public Administration curriculum, and makes students stronger candidates when seeking careers or entry into graduate programs. An interdisciplinary minor in Public Administration fits well with a major in Political Science, Economics, Communication, Environmental Policy and Planning, Urban and Regional Studies, Democracy and Justice Studies, and others. Students interested in the arts may want to consider the Arts Management minor. See a faculty adviser early in your academic career for advice on these options.

Students may study abroad or at other campuses in the United States through UW-Green Bay’s participation in international exchange programs and the National Student Exchange program. Travel courses are another option for obtaining academic credits and completing requirements. For more information, contact the Office of International Education at (920) 465-2190 or see http://www.uwgb.edu/international/ .