Public Administration BA, BA to MPA

  1. Academics
  2. Undergraduate Degree Programs
  3. Public Administration BA, BA to MPA

With our Public Administration Program, you'll lead in public and nonprofit sectors.

Lorraine Quintero, political science and public administration major

Is public service your calling? Our bachelor's and bachelor's-to-master's degrees are your answer.

Apply to RIC Transfer to RIC

RIC's pre-professional public administration program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in the public and nonprofit sectors at the national, state and local levels. Our Public Administration bachelor's and accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s degrees position you for careers and advanced degrees in a range of fields, including public and nonprofit administration, law, public health, public policy, disaster management and information technology and security.

High-Demand Public Administration Careers

  • Government Administrator
  • Urban Planner
  • Policy Analyst
  • Nonprofit Executive
  • Government or Nonprofit Program Manager
  • Public Affairs Specialist

Why Earn a Public Administration Degree at Rhode Island College?

  • RIC's Public Administration Program is designed for students seeking careers in the private sector, charitable organizations, universities, hospitals, health insurance, defense contracting, publicly regulated utilities, lobbying and consulting companies.
  • Our Public Administration majors develop substantial knowledge of governmental structures and processes, preparing them to be effective administrators and engaged citizens.
  • Our Departmental Honors Program offers exceptionally motivated students the opportunity to engage in more in-depth, specialized research.
  • Topics covered include: American government, public management, geographic information systems, courts and public policy, political science and state government.
diversity_3

Join Our Community

We're thrilled that you're interested in Rhode Island College and we want to make sure that nothing stands in your way of pursuing a RIC degree. Just let us know how we can help you with your next steps.

Request Information

The RIC Advantage

RIC's accelerated BA-to-MPA public administration program is in cooperation with the University of Rhode Island and enables individuals with bachelor’s degrees to earn their master’s degree in as little as 15 months.

Book a Campus Tour

Political Science Faculty

Hear From a Student

Stephen Morrison

Stephen Morrison

“My college educational experience presented both an incredibly fulfilling as well as challenging opportunity, having triple majored in political science, public administration and history, I found that these majors complemented one another exquisitely, granting me the ability to observe the full scope of societal movements.”

– Triple Major in History, Political Science and Public Administration

Plentiful Political Experience and a Full Graduate Scholarship

Program Details

Course Information

Course Requirements

Course Descriptions

General Education

All degree programs require the completion of one 3-4 credit course in each of the nine General Education categories and the completion of at least 40 total credits of General Education courses. The General Education Program provides a foundation for deeper study in a wide range of academic disciplines, enabling students to develop the skills and habits of mind necessary for full participation in an increasingly complex world.

General Education at RIC

Next

Program/Learning Goals

Upon completion of this program, students will have:

  • substantial knowledge of current political and governmental structures and processes in the United States
  • an understanding of current political and governmental structures and processes outside the United States
  • an understanding of influential thinkers and ideas that have shaped democratic values
  • an understanding of the difference between descriptive and normative theory as it applies to politics and government
  • the ability to recognize and assess evidence that supports or contradicts ideas
  • the ability to demonstrate a proficiency in the use technological resources such as the Internet, on-line data, and library-based search engines
  • skill in writing papers with a clear thesis, organization and no distracting grammatical errors
  • applied what they have learned in class through active participation in politics and government through internships or other experiential settings
  • chosen a coherent set of courses within the major under the guidance of an advisor
  • received active guidance in selection of post-baccalaureate opportunities including graduate schools, law schools, a range of governmental services and other employment

Next

BA-to-MPA Program with the University of Rhode Island

Rhode Island College also offers the BA-to-MPA program in cooperation with the University of Rhode Island (URI). This program gives Rhode Island College students the opportunity to begin their graduate training in public administration as they complete their undergraduate studies at Rhode Island College. Early advisement is essential for students seeking admission to this program. A student in this cooperative program could earn the Master of Public Administration degree in 15 months of full-time study or pursue the degree on a part-time basis. The MPA prepares students for careers as professional administrators of federal, state and local government agencies and private nonprofit organizations. Students should consult with the director of the undergraduate public administration program no later than the second semester of their junior year.

More Information from URI on the Master of Public Administration

Rhode Island College entrance

Take the Next Step!

Apply to RIC Transfer to RIC

Department of Political Science

The Department of Political Science oversees degree programs in political science, public administration, geography and a certificate program in international nongovernmental organizations.

Perri Leviss

Dr. Perri S. Leviss

Assistant Professor