Program Overview

Public Service Program

The Public Service program is an interdisciplinary major that prepares students for a range of job options, from local government to international affairs. This exciting major is offered in partnership with Pitt's School of Public and International Affairs.

Program Description

The Public Service major is designed for students who are passionate about making a positive impact in their community and beyond. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the public service sector, including public administration, nonprofit management, and international affairs.

Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Public Service. The requirements include:

• 33 credits (11 courses) in Public Service, distributed as follows:
  • 15 credits in core courses (including a 3-credit internship)
  • 18 credits in a concentration area
• One course in statistics (STAT 0200, 0800, or 1000)
• Six credits (two courses) in a related field, such as political science, economics, psychology, sociology, or another field approved by an academic advisor

Public Service Core

The Public Service core consists of five required courses:

• PUBSRV 0020 - Introduction to Public Service
• PUBSRV 0030 - Public Policy Process
• PUBSRV 0040 - Public Service Technologies
• PUBSRV 0050 - Ethics and Accountability
• PUBSRV 1900 - Internship Seminar

Concentration Areas

Students can choose from three concentration areas:

• Public Administration: This concentration area focuses on the management and administration of public programs and services.
• Nonprofit Management: This concentration area focuses on the management and administration of nonprofit organizations.
• Self-Designed: This concentration area allows students to design their own concentration area, with the approval of the College of General Studies Academic Affairs Committee.

Public Service Electives

Students can choose from a variety of elective courses, including:

• PIA 0201 - How to Identify Better Policy: Foundations for Policy Analysis
• PUBSRV 1300 - Legal Issues in Public Service
• PUBSRV 1305 - Health, Law and Ethics
• PUBSRV 1310 - Diversity Issues in Public Service
• PUBSRV 1315 - Managing Projects and Contracts
• PUBSRV 1320 - Geographic Information Systems in the Public Service
• PUBSRV 1340 - Strategic Planning Public Sector
• PUBSRV 1390 - Theories of Leadership
• PUBSRV 1425 - Principles of Homeland Security
• PUBSRV 1430 - Trial Advocacy 1
• PUBSRV 1435 - Trial Advocacy 2
• PUBSRV 1455 - Law, Ethics and Public Policy in the Mass Media
• PUBSRV 1901 - Independent Study
• PUBSRV 1910 - Institute of Politics Internship/Seminar

Program Planning Checklist

Students can use the Public Service BA checklist to plan and track their progress in the major.

Internships

The Public Service program provides students with hands-on experience in the field through internships with local, state, government, or nonprofit organizations.

Global Experiences/Study Abroad

Students can gain a global perspective on public service by spending a term, summer, or short break abroad, studying international nonprofit organizations and gaining cross-cultural experiences.