Axe ’Em, Jacks!
A comprehensive education in public service
SFA’s undergraduate public administration program gives students leadership and management skills for jobs in both the public and private sectors.
You’ll gain an understanding of social issues and strategies for facilitating change through government systems. You’ll learn how public administrators make policy and enforce programs to help build and strengthen communities and society.
The undergraduate program will also prepare you for graduate school, including our Master of Public Administration program.
Prepare for a career in the public sector
SFA’s program gives you the practical, technical, managerial and political skills essential for tackling the complex problems that confront the public sector.
The increasing complexity of both governmental and nongovernmental institutions creates a high demand for well-educated management specialists in public service. Your degree in public administration will prepare you to excel as a public or nonprofit professional.
You can also take advantage of the resources of The Students for Public Administration, a specialized organization providing information for students seeking public sector employment.
Undergraduate programs and requirements
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in public administration
This degree program allows you to explore topics such as American public policy, management of public organization and policy analysis. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to complete either an internship or independent study in public administration.
See the Undergraduate Bulletin for additional details, guidelines and requirements.
Minor in Public Administration
SFA also offers an 18-credit public administration minor that covers topics such as public personnel administration, public budgeting and financial administration.
See the Undergraduate Bulletin for additional details, guidelines and requirements.
Five-year overlap program
With careful planning, it is possible to condense the conventional six-year plan of study typically required to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in public administration into five years. Motivated students who choose this degree plan can earn both a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Administration in five calendar years.
The Department of Government offers the following dual degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science/Master of Public Administration in political science or public administration
- Bachelor of Arts/Master of Public Administration in criminal justice
Talk to your advisor to learn more.
Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration program prepares students for management and leadership positions both in the public sector and in nonprofit organizations.
The program is designed to meet the needs of both pre-service and in-service students seeking professional credentials by providing online classes, special research projects, internships and graduate assistantships. The program combines academic expertise with "real-world" experiences to provide you with outstanding opportunities to connect knowledge with practice.
All courses are completed online. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available.
Information on requirements for admission to the MPA program can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.
Undergraduate students interested in beginning their graduate studies early can apply for the Graduate School Overlap Program.
Graduate minor in public administration
A graduate student admitted to another program at SFA can minor in public administration. The minor can be include any PBA courses listed within the Graduate Bulletin.
See the Graduate Bulletin for additional details, guidelines and requirements.
Additional requirements and prerequisites
- Before completing 12 graduate hours, students must file a degree plan and have it approved by the program director and department chair.
- The Master of Public Administration degree plan must specify all coursework to be completed.
- Before completing 18 graduate hours, each student must identify a faculty member who will serve as chair of the capstone committee and direct completion of the capstone project.
Contact
Department of Government
936.468.4408
mpaprogram@sfasu.edu
Dugas Liberal Arts North
Room 124
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 13045, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, Texas 75962