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Public Administration

About Public Administration at CSUSB

As a student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Administration with a concentration in Public Administration, you’ll gain a strong foundation in leadership, management, marketing, and organizational strategy. 

Building on these skills, the concentration offers specialized coursework in public policy and administration, budgeting, team management, labor relations, fundraising, and more. 

By the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared to apply practical knowledge and problem-solving skills in careers across business, government, or the nonprofit sector—equipped with the tools to make a meaningful impact in your profession and community.

Careers in Public Administration

Public Administration Student

Graduates in Public Administration often pursue careers as policy analysts, city or county managers, nonprofit administrators, or government program coordinators. 

The field offers stable career prospects, particularly within government and nonprofit sectors, and professionals with strong leadership and organizational skills can advance into senior administrative or executive roles over time.

Sample Courses

Society, Business, & Global Governance

Description and analysis of government and society. Addresses business’ ethical obligations to society, and government policies affecting business at local, state, and national levels. Covers global governance focusing on international trade treaties, trading blocs, and international financial institutions.

Organizational Behavior

This course is designed to cover the theory, research, and practice of organizational behavior. Students will be exposed to concepts associated with individual, group, and organizational levels of analysis in the context of dynamic and diverse work environments and organization types.

Nonprofit Management and Leadership

Introduction to the theory and practice of nonprofit management. Students will identify the unique role of nonprofits as public service private organizations; understand the nonprofit legal framework; review concepts in nonprofit leadership and governance, including the roles and responsibilities of the board of directors; learn how to strategically manage staff and volunteers; and understand the unique financial management practices of nonprofit organizations.

Meet Alum Sharon Pierce, PH.D.

Sharon Velarde Pierce, three-time CSUSB alumna and professor
Sharon Velarde Pierce is a three-time CSUSB alumna (BA ’13, MA ’14 public administration, Ed.D. ’17 educational leadership), or, as CSUSB President Morales said, “a Coyote through and through.”
—Sharon Pierce, PH.D.

Opportunities for Students

Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Administration with a concentration in Public Administration can enhance their academic experience through internships, hands-on learning opportunities, and networking with employers at career fairs. Those who qualify academically may also join Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for public affairs and administration.

Similar to Public Administration

With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.

Public Administration
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Campus closure dates can be found on the university calendar: https://www.csusb.edu/university-calendar

Please note, the PA office may be closed during certain hours or days. To ensure in-person availability, we recommend contacting us in advance. Thank you for your understanding.