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Public Administration

Public affairs is about serving communities and making a difference. A public service and administration degree paves the way for a career in local, state or federal government or with non-governmental organizations and nonprofits.

The Kean public service and administration program takes a practical approach, using case studies, hands-on experience and simulations to take students from theory to decisive action.

Kean public service and administration graduates find their passion in public service, managing government and nonprofit agencies and offices, solving societal problems, steering public policy, and serving in elected office. 

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Kean public administration student Jazmine Torres

Jazmine Torres and other public service and administration students are prepared for careers in public service.

What You Learn

You develop administrative and leadership skills to be prepared for a management career in public service:

  • Create and implement plans to address and solve challenges for communities and individuals
  • Explore a practical approach found in case studies, hands-on learning experiences and simulations
  • Learn to direct and manage all levels of government and nonprofit organizations
  • Sharpen your ability to think critically, write well and speak with confidence

Kean also offers a five-year B.A./MPA honors program to begin your graduate work as an undergraduate and reduce the amount of time required to complete a master’s degree. Choose from three B.A./MPA options — general management, health services management or nonprofit management

You can also choose to minor in public service and administration to complement your studies in another area.

Faculty

Carey Brown, Lecturer
Ngoc Dao, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Craig Donovan, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Bok Gyo Jeong, Assistant Professor
Ruthann Russo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Jung Ah Yun, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Program Information

Program Options:

B.A. in Public Service and Administration

B.A./MPA Honors Program

Minor in Public Service and Administration

Curriculum Sheets and 4-Year Plans

Also available

Other programs you might be interested in

Clock tower through view of flowers

I want to work in higher education and see my public administration degree as a way to develop that career. After getting my bachelor’s, I plan to continue for a master’s degree in public administration at Kean.

Jazmine Torres

Cougars Climb Higher

At Kean, we believe learning extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms and labs. That's why we encourage you to get involved in clubs and organizations, study abroad at our campus in China or elsewhere and pursue internships that will advance your career. Find out more.

Best Colleges ranking

Ranked Among the Best in the Nation

Kean's Public Administration program is ranked No. 22 in the nation by Grad Reports.
Kean students gain real-world experience through internships. (Medical Technology)

Internships and Jobs

At Kean, we believe in helping all of our students find internships and jobs that support their career goals. Career services staff provide professional services and offer job fairs and networking events year-round.
Public Administration

Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society

The award-winning chapter of the global honor society in public administration fosters integrity, academic excellence and professionalism, while offering opportunities to network at professional events, seminars and workshops.

$74,000

The national median annual salary for social and community service managers with a bachelor's degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$76,900

Average public administration salary in New Jersey according to ZipRecruiter.com

$101,340

The national median annual salary for medical and health services managers with a bachelor's degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

8th

New Jersey ranks eighth among states in the U.S. for average public administration salaries, according to ZipRecruiter.com

Careers

Kean graduates have successful careers in government, nonprofits, law, health care, higher education and more. Possible careers include:

  • Government Administrator
  • City Manager
  • Elected Official
  • Hospital and Healthcare Manager
  • Urban and Regional Planner
  • Director of Development
  • Nonprofit Manager
  • Program Director

18%

Projected job growth by 2026 for social and community service managers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

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