Bachelor of Arts in Public Service
Make a Difference Through Public Leadership
The Bachelor of Arts in Public Service at CSUSB prepares individuals to lead, serve, and create positive change in their communities. Designed for those interested in government, nonprofit organizations, and community-focused work, the program provides a strong foundation in public administration, policy, leadership, budgeting, human resources, and organizational management.
The program explores how public-serving organizations operate, how policy shapes communities, and how effective leadership can improve people’s lives. Through a combination of academic study and applied learning, individuals develop the skills needed to address real-world challenges with professionalism, ethics, and purpose.
Whether pursuing careers in local government, public agencies, nonprofit leadership, or community development, graduates of the Public Service program gain practical preparation for meaningful and impactful work.
Why Choose Public Service at CSUSB?
The Public Service program gives individuals the tools to understand and solve issues facing communities and organizations today. Coursework is designed to help strengthen abilities in:
- Ethical leadership
- Public and nonprofit management
- Budgeting and resource allocation
- Human resource management
- Policy analysis
- Community planning and development
- Organizational communication
- Research and data-informed decision-making
Graduates will have the knowledge and practical perspective needed to contribute in a wide range of public-serving roles.
What Can You Do With a Public Service Degree?
A BA in Public Service establishes careers in government, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community-based institutions. Graduates are prepared for entry-level and advancing roles that focus on service, leadership, planning, and administration.
Career opportunities may include:
- Policy Analyst
- Program Coordinator
- Nonprofit Administrator
- Community Development Specialist
- City or County Management Support Staff
- Public Sector Human Resources Specialist
- Budget or Administrative Analyst
- Community Engagement and Planning Coordinator
- Government Services Coordinator
- Public Affairs or Public Relations Specialist
The degree is especially valuable for students who want careers centered on public impact, community improvement, and organizational leadership.
Curriculum
The degree involves coursework that develops a broad understanding of public-sector and nonprofit organizations while also building practical leadership and management skills.
Core coursework includes:
- PA 3050 – Organizations in Multicultural and Diverse Societies
- PA 3150 – Society, Business, & Global Governance
- PA 3800 – Introduction to Public Administration
- PA 4620 – Managing Human Resources for Public Service Organizations
- PA 4630 – Budgeting for Public Service Organizations
- PA 4700 – Public Policy and Administration
- PA 5010 – Ethical Public Service Leadership
- PA 5140 – Nonprofit Management and Leadership
- ADMN 2100 – Applied Business Statistics
- MKTG 3160 – Research Methods
- MGMT 3500 – Applied Communication
- Additional upper - division Public Administration electives
Students may also explore upper-division topics such as:
- Executive Nonprofit Leadership
- Nonprofit Fundraising and Grant Writing
- Diversity and Public Organizations
- Sustainability Policy and Management
- Community Planning and Management
- Intergovernmental Administration
- Public Sector Labor Relations
- Economic and Community Development
- Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting
- Internship and Independent Study opportunities
This curriculum helps with developing both specialized knowledge and transferable skills that apply across many public service settings.
Learn to Lead With Purpose
Public service careers require more than good intentions; they require strong leadership, sound judgment, and a deep understanding of how organizations and communities work. At CSUSB, the Public Service program prepares individuals to become thoughtful professionals who can lead with integrity and respond to the changing needs of society.
From policy and planning to nonprofit leadership and community engagement, the program equips individuals to turn their commitment to service into a career with lasting impact.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you are passionate about helping communities, improving public systems, and building a career centered on service and leadership, the BA Public Service at CSUSB will help you get there.