Public Service & Administration Major (BA)

Chair: Catherine E. Wilson, Ph.D.
Chair Elect: Theodoros Arapis, Ph.D. (beginning January 2024)
Office Location: 100 Gary Hall
Telephone: 610-519-3934
Website

The major in Public Service and Administration (PSA) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) provides undergraduate students with an interdisciplinary course of study to: (1) reflect on the long tradition of public service both in the United States and abroad; (2) engage critically with the scholarly literature in the field; (3) examine historical and modern-day examples of public service leadership; and (4) equip them with the relevant competencies and skills to lead and serve as ethical, intelligent, inclusive, and creative leaders in public service organizations, from nonprofit organizations, to local, state, and federal government, to the private sector.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Required Major Courses (30 Credits)

All students majoring in PSA would be required to take the seven (7) courses listed below and at least one (1) elective PSA course.

Program Notes:

  • This major is the BA in CLAS. For the BIS see degree page entitled: 'Public Service & Administration Major (BIS)'. 
  • Students would be permitted to count six (6) credits from already-approved courses in other departments towards the PSA major
  • CPS students currently enrolled in the PSA major will complete the existing curriculum, but new CPS students enrolled in Fall 2022 will complete the new curriculum.
  • CLAS students completing the PSA major will not be permitted to enroll in Fast Forward sections offered by CPS (unless they have been given special permission), but the CLAS students may take online PSA summer courses offered by CPS.
  • Students are required to take a research methods-style course. PA 5000 meets that requirement.
Course
Title
Credits
Additional PSA Elective Options  +
0
Sub-Total Credits
30

Core Curriculum Requirements (44 credits)

Course
Title
Credits
Mathematics or Statistics (1 course)  +
3
Natural Science (2 courses with laboratory)  +
8
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Social Sciences (2 courses)  +
6
Fine Arts (1 course)  +
3
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement (Proficiency)  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
44

Free Elective Requirement (48 credits)

Students with a Public Service & Administration (BA) primary major have forty-eight (48) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 30 credits
  • Core Credits: 44 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 48 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 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. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Public Service & Administration (BA) as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements. 

Total Credits:
74

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Fall 2023 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived handbook available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Arts

Curriculum Guide

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