Overview
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration with a concentration in General Public Administration learn to apply the principles of effective public sector management and identify and evaluate problems, policy dilemmas, and solutions in public administration. This program will also assist those who are already employed with the city, state, and federal government to advance their careers, and to more fully develop management, legal, behavioral and communication skills for more effective job performance.
Students will receive a solid foundation in public sector practices and processes complemented by coursework in the social sciences. All General Public Administration students will receive a fundamental understanding of, and appreciation for, public sector management practices and administrative procedures. The General Public Administration program is offered through in-class and distance learning instruction.
Internships / Practicums
General Public Administration students have interned at a variety of city, state, and federal agencies and gained valuable experience in the field prior to graduation. Students have completed internships at:
- State of Hawaiʻi, Office of the Governor
- Honolulu City Council
- State of Hawai‘i, Senate and House of Representatives
- City & County of Honolulu, Office of the Mayor
- Institute for Human Services
Careers and Earning Potential
Graduates in Public Administration will be prepared for careers in management and administration with the federal, state, county, and local levels of government, and in public service sectors such as healthcare and child welfare programs. Students may also choose to work in private non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army and American Red Cross. Many have also gone on to pursue graduate degrees in public administration, government and political science, administrative law, justice administration, and environmental administration.
Management careers in the public sector are the fastest growing among all professional occupations. Salaries for trained mid-level professionals in public administration can range between $60,000 and $90,000.
For more information on careers and earning potential, visit the Hawaiʻi Career Explorer website.
