Chair: Theodoros Arapis, Ph.D.
Office Location: Gary Hall, G43
Telephone: 610-519-3934
Website
Villanova's Public Service and Administration (PSA) major prepares students for career advancement in government and in nonprofit organizations. In the Public Service and Administration (PSA) major, students are introduced to ethical, philosophic, theological, historical, social, and political perspectives that influence the leadership and management of government and nonprofit organizations.
This major is offered under the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) in partnership with the Department of Public Administration and is available to CPS students fully online and as a hybrid program. Students gain first-hand knowledge of effective practices in the government and nonprofit sectors as well as experience in networking and professional development.
Courses in the major cover topics such as public budgeting, strategic planning, leadership, public policy, ethics, and organizational development. They are taught by an accomplished faculty of scholars and practitioners - including, for example, managers at the federal, state, and local levels, and executives of non-profit organizations.
Eligible students may seek to enroll in the combined BIS/MPA or BA/MPA program.
Note: The Public Service and Administration major is also offered under the Bachelor of Arts degree in partnership with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students should refer to the specific requirements of that degree/major here.
Major Requirements (30 Credits)
Required Major Courses (7 Courses, 21 Credits)
PA 6100 or PA 6201
Students may take either course to fulfill the Internship requirement.
Public Service Electives
Students must take three electives worth 3cr each from the list below. At least one course must come from section A.
Section A
3 of these 9 credits must be taken in PSA.
Section B
Students are permitted to count six credits from this list of already-approved courses in other departments towards the PSA Major.
Internship Requirement: Student may petition to waive the internship requirement if they have three (3) or more years of professional experience in the non-profit sector. Those approved for this waiver will take an additional Public Service Elective in place of the internship. Interested students should send an updated resume and proof of employment to cpsadvisor@villanova.edu. Students who do not have such experience or want to complete the internship for academic credit will take CPS 3400 Internship Practicum to subsitute for PA 6100.
Public Service Electives Section B: Students may also choose from LDR 2010, 2020, and 2040.
BIS Core Curriculum (39 Credits)
Free Electives (51 Credits)
Degree Credit Summary
- Major Credits: 30 credits
- BIS Core Curriculum: 39 credits
- Free Electives: 51 credits
- Total Required Credits: 120 credits
Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area.