Major in Public Administration – Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The major in Public and Administration from Rutgers SPAA prepares students for management and leadership roles across a wide range of careers spanning all levels of government (federal, state, and local), the nonprofit sector, international organizations, academia, and even the private sector.

Rutgers SPAA's bachelor of arts (BA) program, which is rooted in the concept of experiential learning, is not solely focused on traditional academic coursework. Rather, the curriculum aims to give students a hands-on educational experience through internships, projects, activities, and events that provide the practical knowledge and skills required to enter rewarding and successful careers in government or the nonprofit sector in a variety of policy areas.

Program Highlights

• Service-Learning Internships: Students connect theory with practice through the program’s internship requirement that provides real-world professional experience and serves as a great networking opportunity while providing mentorship and guidance from practitioners in public and nonprofit administration. Students have the opportunity to reflect on their experience through the complementary course. For more information and a sampling of organizations where SPAA interns serve in the greater Newark, NJ area and beyond, see Internships.
• Career Explorations: This required hands-on course allows students to understand the behind the scenes of public and nonprofit administration, covering topics such as types of careers, job responsibilities, mock interview skills, cover letter and resume review, and branding your professional image. For more information on what you can do with a degree in public administration, see Careers.
• Off-Campus Class Sessions: Students attend off-campus class sessions to learn firsthand how public service departments and organizations are structured and the impact they have on their community and beyond. Classes have been held at Newark City Hall, Broadway House for Continuing Care, Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Hillside Community FoodBank of New Jersey, and others. 
• Practitioner Panel Discussions: Meet-and-greets and discussion events with public service practitioners are regularly held where mayors, township business administrators, elected officials, executives, and others from various service industries talk to students about their roles and responsibilities, their impact on society, how students can get involved with their organizations, and more.
• Extracurricular Activities: The Rutgers University–Newark Debate Team is deeply rooted in the tradition of public advocacy, providing students with the opportunity to enhance critical thinking, research, and advocacy abilities while promoting professional development and community service.

Quick Facts

• Modality: On Campus / Online
• Credits: 35 (out of the 120 required for an undergraduate degree)
• Watch: BA Information Session
• Application Deadline: Fall: Dec. 1 / Spring: Oct. 1
• Program Director: Michael Dillard, EdD