Support the CollegeCollege of Arts & Science & University Studies
Academic Advising
What Can I Do With a Major in Public Administration?
Public administration focuses on public leadership and the management of public affairs, governmental organizations and the analysis and implementation of public policy. The curriculum in public administration includes a core of courses in political science, economics, related social science courses in psychology, sociology, communication, and specialized courses in finance, accounting, and decision sciences, The Public Administration major is designed for undergraduates interested in studying and understanding the issues of governance and management of the public sector, and more specifically about the link between politics and public policy implementation. It is appropriate for those interested in leadership and management careers in the federal government, state government, and/or local government including: city and county management, public finance administration, public personnel administration, and public policy analysis and program evaluation. This major prepares students for continuation of their education in professional and graduate schools of public administration, public policy analysis, and related fields. It also serves as a course of pre-legal study.
Interests
Interest in developing public leadership skills and understanding the management of governmental organizations and public policy. A desire to study contemporary issues, people and their behavior, and the law.
Competencies
- Analytical
- Grasping of complex laws or case histories
Isolating the specific from the general
Translating theory into action
Planning and administering programs
Organizing ideas/materials/objects
Reviewing/evaluating projects or ideas - Communication
- Effective/persuasive speaking
Writing reports/articles
Explaining data analysis
Simplifying complex data
Editing/proofreading materials
Maintaining records/tabulating data
Interviewing
Informing/explaining ideas
Comparing/compiling research reports
Describing and evaluating issues/problems/events - Quantitative
- Analyzing data
Developing research designs
Programming computers and analyzing systems
Collecting and organizing data
Knowledge of survey research methods
Computer/statistical skills
Opportunities - Careers
- State, Local, and National Government
- City manager
Public policy analyst
Government finance administrator
Public safety director
Public personnel specialist
Election manager
Community development director
Intelligence specialist
Foreign service officer
Public works director
Economic development administration
Public program manager
Homeland security coordinator
Intergovernmental relations officer
Law enforcement officer
Human resources manager - Political Parties and Civic Groups
- Public opinion pollster
Survey research consultant
Congressional aide
Senatorial staff member
Media elections analyst
Assistant to party committees
Campaign consultant - Law
- Legislative analyst
Para legal research assistant
Assistant public defender
Court administrator
Counciliator
Abstractor
Arbitrator
Welfare specialist
Legal investigator
Parole officer
Corrections officer
Probation officer - Education
- Teacher
Admissions officer
Adult vocational counselor
Program evaluator
Research assistant
Administrative assistant - Business/Industry
- Risk management director
Research and evaluation analyst
Employee training manager
Government relations director
Economic risks analyst
Program manager
Quality control specialist
Director, industrial relations
Research analyst
Public affairs officer
Association executive
Organizational behavior specialist
Loan officer
Financial adviser
Underwriter
Fund-raising specialist
Sales representative/executive
Claims examiner
Customer service representative - General
- Reporter
Administrative assistant
Research assistant
News analyst/editor
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Students may continue their education in professional and graduate schools of public administration and related fields such as business, hospital or health administration, law school, and regional analysis.
Opportunities - Experiential
The Center for Public Management and Regional Affairs at Miami University engages in applied research, training and education, data base development and information services, and technical assistance in various areas of local government. Through the Center's internship program, graduate and undergraduate students work individually or in project teams with local government officials on projects ranging from budget preparation and program evaluation to personnel classification plans and compensation analysis.
Other experiential opportunities include summer or part-time work and internships with governmental or legal agencies, political parties, public office holders, political campaign staffs, civic organizations, interest groups, voluntary agencies, or hospitals, and involvement in student organizations such as, the Pi Sigma Alpha Honorary, the Pre-Law Society, the Miami Association for Public Administration, and the National Model United Nations or similar simulations such as the Model Arab League.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Political Science (218 Harrison Hall, 529-2000)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Pre-Law Program (Maria P. Vitullo, Esq.)
(159 Upham, 529-0877, prelaw@MiamiOH.edu) - Career Services (200 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.