B.A. in Political Science : Public Affairs and Administration

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science with a concentration in Public Affairs and Administration at California State University - East Bay provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of public policy and administrative practices. This program is designed for those interested in shaping public policy, managing public resources, and understanding the complexities of governance and administration. It prepares students for careers in public service, non-profit management, and governmental affairs, equipping them with the skills to navigate and influence public administration effectively.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Public Affairs and Administration includes a blend of core political science courses and specialized classes focused on public administration. Students start with foundational courses in American Government, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory. The concentration offers specialized courses such as Public Administration, Public Policy Analysis, Non-Profit Management, and Budgeting and Finance. This structure ensures that students gain both a broad understanding of political systems and in-depth knowledge of public administration practices.

Research Focus: Students in this program are encouraged to engage in research that examines various aspects of public administration and policy. Research opportunities include studying public policy development, analyzing administrative processes, and evaluating the effectiveness of public programs. Students may work on projects related to public management, policy evaluation, and governance challenges. Faculty members, who are experts in political science and public administration, often involve students in research initiatives, providing mentorship and support to help them develop critical analytical skills.

Industry Engagement: California State University - East Bay emphasizes practical experience through industry engagement, offering students opportunities to connect with professionals in public administration and related fields. The program provides access to internships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and public policy institutions. These internships allow students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, gain valuable hands-on experience, and build professional networks. Additionally, students benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and seminars hosted by industry experts.

Global Perspective: The B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Public Affairs and Administration incorporates a global perspective by addressing international public administration practices and global governance issues. Students explore how different countries manage public affairs and address global challenges such as sustainability, human rights, and international development. The program also supports study abroad opportunities and international research collaborations, enabling students to gain a broader understanding of global public administration practices and perspectives.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $70

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.

California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to international students to help them pursue their academic goals. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic achievement, leadership, and contributions to the university community. 

International Student Scholarship: CSUEB offers partial tuition scholarships to international undergraduate and graduate students based on academic merit. These scholarships are competitive and are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance.

CSUEB Foundation Scholarships: The CSUEB Foundation offers a range of scholarships to both domestic and international students. These scholarships cover a wide array of academic disciplines and criteria, including leadership, community involvement, and financial need.

External Scholarships: CSUEB encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, including those offered by government agencies, foundations, and private organizations. These scholarships may be available for specific fields of study or nationalities.

Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments within CSUEB may offer scholarships or grants to international students pursuing degrees in their respective fields. These scholarships can vary in eligibility criteria and award amounts.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science with a concentration in Public Affairs and Administration from California State University - East Bay are well-prepared to enter a diverse range of careers in public service, non-profit management, and governmental affairs. The program’s focus on public administration, policy analysis, and organizational management provides a strong foundation for several professional paths.

Public Administrator: Graduates can pursue careers as public administrators, managing and overseeing public agencies and programs. They may work in various government departments, handling responsibilities such as budget management, policy implementation, and public resource allocation.

Policy Analyst: Equipped with skills in public policy analysis, graduates can work as policy analysts, researching and evaluating public policies and their impacts. They provide data-driven recommendations to inform policy decisions and improve public programs. This role often involves working for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations.

City Planner: With a background in public administration and policy, graduates can become city planners, involved in developing and implementing plans for urban development, zoning, and community development. They work on projects that aim to improve the livability and functionality of urban areas.

Non-Profit Manager: The program’s focus on non-profit management prepares graduates for roles in the non-profit sector. They can work as program managers, development directors, or executive directors, managing non-profit organizations and leading initiatives that address social issues and community needs.

Government Relations Specialist: Graduates can work as government relations specialists, liaising between organizations and government entities. They manage communications, advocate for policies, and ensure that their organization’s interests are represented in the legislative and regulatory processes.

Public Affairs Consultant: With expertise in public affairs and administration, graduates can become consultants who advise organizations on public relations, government relations, and policy strategies. They help clients navigate complex political and regulatory environments to achieve their goals.

Legislative Assistant: For those interested in working directly with legislators, a role as a legislative assistant is a viable option. Graduates assist lawmakers with research, drafting legislation, and managing constituent communications, contributing to the legislative process.

Program Coordinator: Graduates can work as program coordinators in various sectors, including government and non-profit organizations. They plan, implement, and oversee programs and initiatives, ensuring they meet organizational objectives and serve community needs effectively.

Public Relations Specialist: The skills gained in public administration can be applied to public relations roles, where graduates manage the image and communication strategies of organizations, craft press releases, and handle media relations to promote their organization’s goals and initiatives.