Program Summary
Public Administration is an interdisciplinary major based in the Political Science Department and the Brock School of Business. It combines the strengths of a liberal arts major and a pre-professional program of study. Public administration majors are required to take at least one internship course for credit, and must take policy-related courses in the Political Science Department and a mixture of economic, legal and business courses in the Business School. In this way, students finish the major with internship experience and specific policy and business knowledge. Just as important, the major provides them with a rigorous liberal arts classroom experience.
Objectives & Goals
A graduate of this program will benefit from the combination of a broad liberal arts program of study and significant pre-professional preparation. The emphasis on policy and business will prepare the graduate for a wide variety of career options. Classes such as Introduction to American Politics and Accounting Concepts will provide important specific knowledge, and the Internship class will give the opportunity for valuable professional experience.
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Is This Program for Me?
This program is meant for students who are focused on practical, pre-professional concerns and also on experiencing a broad-based liberal arts education. It will similarly cater to students who want to know about both the world of politics and the world of business and economics.
What Makes Us Different?
This program draws on the unique strengths of Samford: as a University that provides personal, small-scale experiences in the classroom, and that also provides the resources of a larger institution. All the classes that this course offers will provide a seminar-like atmosphere, through which students can get to know professors. At the same time, this program draws on the considerable resources of both the Department of Political Science and the Brock School of Business.
Career Preparation
This course offers courses in both politics and business, from day one preparing students for the professional world. It requires that students take an internship for credit, and allows them to do it twice for credit toward the major. Students get to know professors early in their academic career, and can count on these professors to serve as their advocates and mentors as they near graduation. Those majoring in Public Administration can take part in the Political Science Department's career activities on campus and in Washington, and can also take advantage of the Business School's considerable career development resources.
Career Opportunities
- Government service
- Law
- NGOs, social justice and activism
- Accounting
- Management
- Marketing
- Economic Analysis
Internships
- Numerous legal offices
- Numerous businesses
- Numerous political offices
Alumni Careers
- Government service
- Law
- NGOs, social justice and activism
- Accounting
- Management
- Marketing
- Economic Analysis
Notable Alumni
Notable Faculty
