Program Overview

Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Management

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Management prepares students for leadership and administrative roles in various fields within public affairs. Designed for working adults, the program offers a flexible curriculum that blends theory with practical skills. Graduates gain applied knowledge in areas such as policy analysis and organizational leadership, equipping them to address the complex challenges of public management.

Program Highlights

• Focused on crucial skills like crisis management, public policy, ethical leadership, and emergency response planning, the program offers flexible scheduling and online courses for working professionals.
• It aims to empower first responders to effectively lead and manage in demanding environments, thereby improving public safety and community welfare.
• Key features include:
  • In-State Tuition for All: All online students pay in-state tuition, no matter where they live.
  • Fully Online: All courses are 100% online, making them accessible from anywhere.
  • Respected Degree from an Accredited University: Earn a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University, a nationally recognized research institution and leader in online education.
  • Flexible Schedule: Courses are delivered asynchronously to accommodate work and life schedules.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are well-prepared for leadership and managerial roles within emergency services, law enforcement, fire services, and other public sector agencies. The program equips first responders with the strategic management and leadership skills necessary to ascend to supervisory and executive positions, such as:

• Emergency Services Manager
• Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
• Disaster Recovery Planner
• Public Safety Director
• Policy Analyst
• Public Administrator

Degree Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Management, students must complete the following:

• Must pass a minimum of 120 applicable hours.
  • 60 hours must be earned at an accredited four-year university.
  • 30 hours of upper-level (3000/4000) credits must be earned at MSU.
  • The final 30 hours must be earned at MSU.
  • Up to 60 hours transferred from an accredited community college may apply toward the degree, with a maximum of 45 hours allowed for technical credit.
• Must meet GPA requirements:
  • 2.00 GPA on all MSU course work attempted.
  • 2.00 GPA on all course work attempted.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of public management, including policy analysis, organizational leadership, and crisis management.

Transfer Credit

• Up to 60 credit hours may be transferred from an accredited community college, with a maximum of 45 hours allowed for technical credit.
• Students may transfer up to 86 credit hours from an accredited four-year university.
• For students with a combination of credits from both types of institutions, MSU will accept up to 86 hours in total, but only 60 community college hours will be counted.
• Half of the program's total credit hours (60 hours) must be completed at an accredited four-year university.
• Upon admission to the university, the Registrar's Office will assess and evaluate transfer credits to determine their applicability to MSU's requirements.

Admissions Requirements

For New Transfers (15 or More Transferable Hours):

• College GPA - 2.0 cumulative GPA on all credit hours
• Good Academic Standing
• Students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science or Technology can enroll in this degree program. It does not matter when the degree was earned, but it must be confirmed as completed on an official transcript.

Tuition and Fees

• Tuition per credit hour: $435.75
• Instructional Support Fee per credit hour: $25.00
• Efficient Timeframe: Full-time students can complete the BAS-PM degree in as little as two years (four semesters)
• Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply.