Public Administration program

MUndergrad major mUndergrad minor

Are you interested in how our government works?

Every day new policy decisions are made that change our lives from gun control to K-12 school budgets to mass vaccination plans. Public Administration is the study of how we design and implement public policies such as these. If you want to learn how public policy decisions are made and get involved in this process, public administration might be the right field for you.

A public administration degree offers broad skills and serves as a strong foundation for careers in government, consulting, public policy, business, political communication and the non-profit sector. In the UW-La Crosse Public Administration program, instructors challenge, mentor, advise and support students as they pursue internships, research projects, study abroad, and other hands-on learning opportunities.

Public administration jobs

Many graduates choose career paths associated with the public administration major. Other graduates choose unrelated careers that use skills and experiences developed during their time in college. Keep in mind that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The list below offers a few examples of possible career paths.

Positions

  • City manager
  • Campaign manager
  • Congressional or white house aide
  • Contract specialist
  • Educator
  • Election supervisor
  • Environmental activist
  • Foreign services officer
  • Government officer
  • Labor relations specialist
  • Law enforcement officer
  • Lawyer
  • Legislative assistant
  • Lobbyist
  • Paralegal or legal assistant
  • Peace corps officer
  • Policy staff assistant
  • Political consultant
  • Program evaluator
  • Public interest group director
  • Speech or technical writer
  • Urban/ regional planner
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What is Public Administration?

Public Administration refers to what government does. It covers law, regulation and the executive function. It also includes organizing and managing people and resources to achieve the goals of government and implement public policy. Students who major in public administration take courses in public policy and administration, public and non-profit management, economics, research methodology and more.

What distinguishes UWL's Public Administration program?

Top program nationally

UWL's program has been nationally ranked No. 29 for the Best Affordable Degree for Public Administration by University HQ. The rankings consider a variety of factors such as cost of tuition, admission rate, retention rate, graduation rate, graduating salary, diplomas awarded and more.
Commitment to community involvement

UWL's Department of Political Science and Public Administration places a high value on the Wisconsin Idea, which is the idea that the university's boundaries extend beyond the classroom. The department faculty and students are frequently engaging in outreach and developing projects and other connections that extend into the community.
Student organizations

Students interested in getting involved and exploring interests in political science, public administration, and legal studies, can choose from several department-affiliated student organizations. These include the Political Science and Public Administration Association, Pre-Law Society, College Republicans and College Democrats.
Ample opportunities to participate in undergraduate research

Students find many ways to conduct research within the department such as working jointly with a faculty member on a project, pursuing their own research opportunity, or engaging in original research as part of class. Because of UWL's size and the dedication of faculty in the department, many students are able to engage in research opportunities with faculty mentors.
Internships and study abroad

Students in the department engage in many hands-on methods to learn material such as study abroad and internships. The Political Science & Public Administration Department works closely with Career Services to help students find opportunities for internships and register for internship credit. Students find study abroad opportunities through International Education and Engagement.
Network connects student projects to civic leaders

The UWL Policy Research Network was created to help undergraduates conduct research and prepare reports for civic leaders. The goal of this network is to provide students with valuable, real-world experience and to strengthen ties with civic leaders.

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