Program Overview

Public Administration Program

The public administration major at Texas State University is a gateway to a dynamic and impactful career in government, nonprofit leadership, and public service. This program goes beyond textbooks, equipping students with analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills needed to tackle real-world challenges. Students learn how policies are created and implemented, how governments and organizations operate, and how to drive meaningful change in communities.

Experiences in Public Administration

The learning doesn't stop in the classroom. A required internship provides hands-on experience, allowing students to apply their knowledge in government agencies, nonprofits, and policy organizations. Students can also expand their horizons through study abroad, engage with student organizations, and build connections through leadership roles, research projects, and honor societies.

Program Structure

By graduation, students are ready to take on the worldwhether as policymakers, city managers, nonprofit leaders, or legal experts. With practical experience, a powerful network, and a passion for public service, they are prepared to make a real difference in the lives of others.

First Year

• ADVANCE your academic journey
  • Meet with a First Year Advisor to develop your academic planning.
  • Explore majors with a MyMajors assessment.
  • Meet with the Public Administration Undergraduate Program Director to develop your academic planning within your selected major.
  • Take advantage of the Student Learning Assistance Center (Tutoring).
• EXPAND your personal and social development
  • Review your degree plan for course options that include the Service-Learning Excellence program.
  • Build social networks by joining events and organizations through the Bobcat Organization Club.
  • Attend a Department of Political Science Event to get acclimated to the department and become part of the community.
  • Attend the College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Research Expo to explore innovative student research.
• ENRICH your practical competence
  • Explore the TXST One Stop for more information about the scholarships provided to new and continuing students.
  • Research Public Administration Internship Opportunities to facilitate skill development and get a sense of future career opportunities.
• ELEVATE your career and professional development
  • Meet with the Public Administration Undergraduate Program Director to ensure course selections align with career objectives.
  • Complete your Career Assessments, such as Focus2.
  • Create your Handshake profile.
  • Create your LinkedIn profile and connect with colleagues and leaders.

Middle Years

• ADVANCE your academic journey
  • Meet with the Public Administration Undergraduate Program Director to explore 3+2 Accelerated Degree Program (BA + MA) opportunities.
  • Visit the College of Liberal Arts Advising Center for guidance with successful degree completion, identifying resources, and help achieving academic, personal, and professional goals.
• EXPAND your personal and social development
  • Consider political science study abroad opportunities to enrich your understanding of the field and immerse yourself in global practices and perspectives.
  • Join a political science affiliated organization to expand your academic experience, network with peers and professionals, and gain invaluable career skills.
• ENRICH your practical competence
  • Become familiar with the Department of Political Science's internship opportunities and requirements before participating.
  • Become a mentee through the COLA mentoring program which connects students with alumni for career advice, networking, and professional development.
• ELEVATE your career and professional life
  • Develop and review your resume with Career Services.
  • Build Career & Graduate School Fairs into your schedule to ensure your connection maximum opportunities.

Last Years

• ADVANCE your academic journey
  • Meet with the Public Administration Undergraduate Program Director to check your Degree Audit and confirm preparations for graduation.
  • Complement your degree with a micro credential.
• EXPAND your personal and social development
  • Seek out a leadership role with the Leadership & Service.
  • Consider joining Peace Corps Prep to learn how to gain valuable international experience, make a global impact, and engage in meaningful cultural exchange
• ENRICH your practical competence
  • Learn about Global Career Accelerator options that give you experience with global companies and in-demand tech skills.
• ELEVATE your career and professional life
  • Develop a full-time employment or graduate school plan with Career Services.
  • Complete your First Destination Survey to share your post-graduation plans.

Career Opportunities

Public administration graduates can pursue diverse career opportunities in government, policy and budgeting, nonprofit leadership, strategic management, law and regulatory affairs, international and urban development, education and research, emergency management, technology, and advanced specialization.

• Government & Public administration: City Manager, City Planner, County Administrator, State Agency Director, Public Affairs Director, Legislative Analyst, Economic Development Director, Public Policy Director, Government Program Coordinator.
• Policy & Budgeting: Policy Analyst, Policy Advisor, Budget Analyst, Fiscal Policy Analyst, Program Evaluator, Auditor, Government Affairs Coordinator, Performance Management Analyst.
• Nonprofit & advocacy: Nonprofit Executive Director, Grant Writer, Community Development Specialist, Human Rights Advocate, Labor Union Organizer, Public Interest Researcher, Philanthropy Advisor.
• Strategic & public sector management: Public Sector Consultant, Program Administrator, Project Manager, Risk Management Officer, Public Relations Consultant, Crisis Response Coordinator, Strategic Planning Manager.
• Law & regulatory affairs: Lawyer, Paralegal, Legislative Liaison, Compliance Officer, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Legal Research Analyst, Ethics and Accountability Officer, Contract Administrator.
• International & Urban development: Foreign Service Officer, International Development Specialist, Urban Development Coordinator, Sustainability Policy Advisor, Humanitarian Aid Coordinator, Environmental Policy Analyst.
• Education & Research: Civic Education Coordinator, Public Policy Researcher, Training and Development Manager, Higher Education Administrator, Public Affairs Professor, Curriculum Developer.
• Emergency & Crisis Management: Homeland Security Analyst, Disaster Response Coordinator, Emergency Management Director.