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The College of Liberal Arts will add a new Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration beginning in Fall 2026, expanding educational opportunities for students interested in public service, nonprofit leadership, and government careers. The program was developed in response to growing demand for undergraduate public administration education and was informed by faculty engagement with the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), conversations with students, and extensive outreach to regional employers. Faculty found that public and nonprofit organizations throughout the region consistently expressed a need for graduates equipped with administrative, leadership, and organizational skills tailored to today's workforce. 

Development of the degree began in the summer of 2024 and involved close collaboration among faculty members across the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. Key leadership for the initiative was provided by Dr. Eric Boyer, Director of the Master of Public Administration Program; Dr. Gaspare Genna, Director of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Studies; and Dr. José Villalobos, Department Chair. Together with faculty who teach public administration at the graduate and undergraduate levels, the team designed a curriculum that aligns with workforce needs while reflecting national best practices in public administration education. 

“We didn't just design a degree, we built a launchpad, ready to send graduates straight into public service or straight into furthering their education,” said Dr. Genna. 

The new degree is also a product of the department's recent merger of its Master of Public Administration program with the former Department of Political Science, an effort intended to create stronger academic synergies and enhance student learning opportunities. While public administration was previously offered as a concentration within the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, faculty recognized the need for a modernized curriculum and additional coursework that better prepares students for immediate employment and graduate study. The program is expected to serve as a valuable pathway to advanced degrees, including ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ's Master of Public Administration. 

For more on the Department of Political Science and Public Administration: /liberalarts/political-science/