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Program Overview
Public Administration, BS
Overview
The BS in Public Administration provides students with the in-demand knowledge and expertise to lead change as they tackle real-world problems. The public administration program:
- Teaches students about governance, policy analysis, and management.
- Prepares students to lead change and advance the public good through nonprofit work, law, policy advocacy, or service in federal, state, or local government.
- Provides students with a foundation for graduate study in management and business, law, public policy, international affairs, global commerce, and international development.
Policies
For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees including the Mason Core. Students pursuing a BS in Public Administration must complete additional requirements for the BS degree in the Schar School of Policy and Government.
Students must earn a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course applied to the major, including GOVT courses as well as the supporting courses in other disciplines used to fulfill the requirements below. See an advisor before registering.
Core Courses
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 101 | Democratic Theory and Practice (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 103 | Introduction to American Government (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 132 | Introduction to International Politics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or GOVT 133 | Introduction to Comparative Politics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 300 | Research Methods and Analysis (Mason Core) | 4 |
| GOVT 351 | Administration in the Political System | 3 |
| GOVT 367 | Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 368 | Tools for Economic Policy Analysis | 3 |
| One course (3 credits) in math or statistics in addition to the quantitative reasoning Mason Core requirement | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 25 |
Senior Seminar
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 490 | Synthesis Seminar (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or GOVT 491 | Honors Seminar (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 |
Public Administration Field Study
Students complete the degree by taking a minimum of 24 credits of advanced public administration field courses, with or without concentration.
Concentrations
Students may partially satisfy the field focus requirement by completing at least 12 credits in any one (1) approved concentration as described below.
Concentration Areas
- Concentration in Administration and Management (ADMM)
- Concentration in Economic Policy Analysis (ECPA)
- Concentration in International Political Economy (IPE)
- Concentration in Nonprofit Management (NPMG)
- Concentration in Public Policy (PUBP)
- Concentration in US Government Institutions (USGI)
- Individualized Concentration (IND)
Concentration in Administration and Management (ADMM)
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 305 | Contemporary American Federalism | 3 |
| GOVT 313 | Political Psychology | 3 |
| GOVT 352 | Responsible Innovation | 3 |
| GOVT 355 | Public Personnel Administration | 3 |
| GOVT 356 | Public Budgeting and Finance | 3 |
| GOVT 357 | Urban Planning | 3 |
| GOVT 358 | Nonprofit Financial Planning | 4 |
| GOVT 400 | Issues in Political Analysis | 1-3 |
| GOVT 452 | Administrative Law and Procedures | 3 |
| GOVT 461 | Governance in Space | 3 |
| GOVT 463 | Artificial Intelligence: Technological and Societal Implications | 3 |
Concentration in Economic Policy Analysis (ECPA)
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 357 | Urban Planning | 3 |
| GOVT 400 | Issues in Political Analysis | 1-3 |
| ECON 309 | Economic Problems and Public Policies | 3 |
| ECON 310 | Money and Banking | 3 |
| ECON 335 | Environmental Economics | 3 |
| ECON 360 | Economics of Developing Areas (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 390 | International Economics | 3 |
Concentration in International Political Economy (IPE)
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 322 | International Relations Theory | 3 |
| GOVT 339 | Issues in the Politics of Advanced Industrial Societies | 1-3 |
| GOVT 343 | International Political Economy | 3 |
| GOVT 366 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 |
| GOVT 433 | Political Economy of East Asia | 3 |
| GOVT 446 | International Law and Organization | 3 |
| GOVT 469 | Philosophy, Politics, and Economics | 3 |
| ECON 360 | Economics of Developing Areas (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 380 | Economies in Transition (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 385 | International Economic Policy | 3 |
| ECON 390 | International Economics | 3 |
Concentration in Nonprofit Management (NPMG)
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 313 | Political Psychology | 3 |
| GOVT 354 | Nonprofit Sector in Society | 3 |
| GOVT 358 | Nonprofit Financial Planning | 4 |
| INTS 331 | The Nonprofit Sector (Mason Core) | 4 |
| INTS 431 | Principles of Fund Raising | 4 |
Concentration in Public Policy (PUBP)
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 312 | Political Parties and Campaigns | 3 |
| GOVT 313 | Political Psychology | 3 |
| GOVT 318 | Interest Groups, Lobbying, and the Political Process | 3 |
| GOVT 346 | American Security Policy | 3 |
| GOVT 347 | International Security | 3 |
| GOVT 357 | Urban Planning | 3 |
| GOVT 361 | Introduction to Environmental Policy | 3 |
| GOVT 363 | Science and Technology Institutions/Policy | 3 |
| GOVT 364 | Public Policy Making | 3 |
| GOVT 366 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 |
| GOVT 369 | Cybersecurity Policy | 3 |
| GOVT 400 | Issues in Political Analysis | 1-3 |
| GOVT 412 | Media and Political Controversy | 3 |
| GOVT 462 | Public Interest Technology | 3 |
| GOVT 463 | Artificial Intelligence: Technological and Societal Implications | 3 |
| GOVT 464 | Issues in Public Policy and Administration | 1-3 |
| ECON 309 | Economic Problems and Public Policies | 3 |
| ECON 335 | Environmental Economics | 3 |
| ECON 360 | Economics of Developing Areas (Mason Core) | 3 |
Concentration in US Government Institutions (USGI)
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 301 | Public Law and the Judicial Process | 3 |
| GOVT 304 | American State and Local Government | 3 |
| GOVT 305 | Contemporary American Federalism | 3 |
| GOVT 307 | Legislative Behavior | 3 |
| GOVT 308 | The American Presidency | 3 |
| GOVT 311 | Public Opinion and Electoral Behavior | 3 |
| GOVT 409 | Virginia Government and Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 463 | Artificial Intelligence: Technological and Societal Implications | 3 |
Individualized Concentration (IND)
Create your own concentration consisting of four upper level courses with Director approval.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors. Students majoring in public administration may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing GOVT 490 Synthesis Seminar (Mason Core) or GOVT 491 Honors Seminar (Mason Core) in their major programs.
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Bachelors of Science in Public Administration Sample Plan of Study
The sample plan below is a recommended sequencing of courses based on pre-requisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor and with PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.
Honors in the Major
Highly qualified students majoring in Government and International Politics and Public Administration may pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors in the major. Those students selected for participation in this program take a two-course sequence: GOVT 491 Honors Seminar (Mason Core) and GOVT 496 Directed Readings and Research. To graduate with honors in the major, students must complete these courses with a minimum GPA of 3.50.
Available Options
- Bachelor's Degree (any)/Biodefense, Accelerated MS
- Bachelor's Degree (any)/International Security, Accelerated MA
- Bachelor's Degree (any)/Global Commerce and Policy, Accelerated MA
- Bachelor's Degree (any)/Political Science, Accelerated MA
- Bachelor's Degree (any)/Public Administration, Accelerated MPA
- Bachelor's Degree (any)/Public Policy, Accelerated MPP
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Biodefense, Accelerated MS
Overview
Highly qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated Biodefense, MS. If accepted, students will be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in their current undergraduate major and a Schar School master’s degree within a reduced timeframe.
Admission
Please see the Graduate Admissions Policies for general information on graduate admissions to George Mason University. Information specific to the accelerated master’s program may be found on the Schar School BAM website.
Accelerated Option Requirements
While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students may complete up to fifteen graduate credits of which twelve may be counted toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. Remaining credits may be held as reserve graduate credit and count only toward the master's degree. The courses include BIOD 604 Emerging Infectious Diseases I: Bacteria and Toxins, GOVT 500 The Scientific Method and Research Design, BIOD 605 Emerging Infectious Diseases II: Viral Agents, BIOD 620 Global Health Security Policy and BIOD 609 Biodefense Strategy. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in these courses and in coursework applied to their major.
Bachelor's Degree (any)/International Security, Accelerated MA
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated MA degree program in International Security. If accepted, students will be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in their current undergraduate major and a Schar School master’s degree within a reduced timeframe.
Admission
Please see the Graduate Admissions Policies for general information on graduate admissions to George Mason University. Information specific to the accelerated master’s program may be found on the Schar School BAM website.
Accelerated Option Requirements
While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students may complete up to twelve graduate credits, all of which may be counted toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. Any remaining credits may be held as reserve graduate credit and count only toward the master's degree. The courses are:
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 540 | International Relations | 3 |
| POGO 511 | Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government | 3 |
| PUBP 504 | Grand Strategy | 3 |
| PUBP 506 | Ethics and the Use of Force | 3 |
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Global Commerce and Policy, Accelerated MA
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated MA degree program in Global Commerce and Policy. If accepted, students will be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in their current undergraduate major and a Schar School master’s degree within a reduced timeframe.
Admission
Please see the Graduate Admissions Policies for general information on graduate admissions to George Mason University. Information specific to the accelerated master’s program may be found on the Schar School BAM website.
Accelerated Option Requirements
While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students may complete up to eighteen graduate credits of which twelve may be counted toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. The remaining credits may be held as reserve graduate credit and count only toward the master's degree. The courses include GCP 500 Global Political Economy, GCP 501 Data Analysis for Global Political Economy, GCP 503 Macroeconomic Policy in the Global Economy, GCP 504 Microeconomics and Trade Policy, GCP 602 Global Financial Crises and Institutions, GCP 603 Global Trade Relations, and GCP 605 Technology, Culture and Commerce. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in these courses and in coursework applied to their major.
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Political Science, Accelerated MA
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated MA degree in political science. If accepted, students will be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in their current undergraduate major and a Schar School master’s degree within a reduced timeframe.
Admission
Please see the Graduate Admissions Policies for general information on graduate admissions to George Mason University. Information specific to the accelerated master’s program may be found on the Schar School BAM website.
Accelerated Option Requirements
While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students may complete up to eighteen graduate credits of which twelve may be counted toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. Remaining credits may be held as reserve graduate credit and count only toward the master's degree. The courses are chosen from GOVT 500 The Scientific Method and Research Design, GOVT 510 American Government and Politics, GOVT 520 Political Theory, GOVT 530 Comparative Politics, GOVT 540 International Relations and POGO 511 Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in these courses and in coursework applied to their major.
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Public Administration, Accelerated MPA
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated master's degree in public administration. If accepted, students will be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in their current undergraduate major and a Schar School master’s degree within a reduced timeframe.
Admission
Please see the Graduate Admissions Policies for general information on graduate admissions to George Mason University. Information specific to the accelerated master’s program may be found on the Schar School BAM website.
Accelerated Option Requirements
While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students may complete up to eighteen graduate credits of which twelve may be counted toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. Remaining credits may be held as reserve graduate credit and count only toward the master's degree. The courses include PUAD 502 Administration in Public and Nonprofit Organizations, POGO 511 Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government, PUAD 520 Organization Theory and Management Behavior and PUAD 540 Public Policy Process. Additionally, students can take one of the methods core courses (PUAD 613 Economic Analysis in Public Administration, PUAD 645 Policy Analysis, POGO 611 Advanced Data Analysis for Policy and Government or POGO 646 Policy and Program Evaluation) and one of the finance/budgeting/accounting core courses (PUAD 660 Public and Nonprofit Accounting and Finance, PUAD 662 National Budgeting, PUAD 663 State and Local Budgeting or PUAD 664 Nonprofit Financial Management). Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in these courses and in coursework applied to their major.
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Public Policy, Accelerated MPP
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates in any major may apply to the accelerated Master of Public Policy (MPP) program. If accepted, students will be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in their current undergraduate major and a Schar School master’s degree within a reduced timeframe.
Admission
Please see the Graduate Admissions Policies for general information on graduate admissions to George Mason University. Information specific to the accelerated master’s program may be found on the Schar School BAM website.
Accelerated Option Requirements
While undergraduate students, accelerated master's students may complete up to fifteen graduate credits of which twelve may be counted toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees. Remaining credits may be held as reserve graduate credit and count only toward the master's degree.
| Course List Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 500 | The Scientific Method and Research Design | 3 |
| POGO 511 | Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government | 3 |
| POGO 611 | Advanced Data Analysis for Policy and Government | 3 |
| or POGO 646 | Policy and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| PUAD 662 | National Budgeting | 3 |
| PUBP 500 | Theory and Practice in Public Policy | 3 |
| PUBP 503 | Culture, Organization, and Technology | 3 |
| PUBP 570 | Policy Writing Fundamentals | 3 |
Minors
- American Government Minor
- Global Systems Minor
- Government Analytics Minor (Schar)
- Government and International Politics, BA
- International Security Minor
- International Security and Law, BA
- International / Comparative Studies Minor
- Legal Studies Minor
- Political Communication Minor (Schar)
- Political Philosophy Minor (SCHAR)
- Public Policy and Management Minor
- Urban and Suburban Studies Minor
