Community Development: Public Administration

Major

Why study community development and public administration at CMU?

Dedicate your career to making sure government agencies and funds serve the community. You'll start by learning how communities work through courses in sociology, social work and public policy. Then, you'll choose one of three concentrations:  

• Public Administration: If you're into government, human resources, economics and policy-making, this area will help you lead organizations that provide public services and manage community laws.
  
• Community Services: Interested in helping individuals and families, the core of every community? Learn how to develop, create and run essential family services.
• Health Services: Help people live healthier lives through community programming. Learn how to reduce substance use, protect the elderly and educate a community on healthy lifestyles. 

You'll also have your choice of online or on campus format. No matter which path you choose, you'll get the leadership and communication skills needed to be an effective leader. 

You may even be able to apply up to 12 credits to the Master of Science in Administration program — that's one-third of the credits needed to graduate! Speak to your advisor in your junior year to apply for this accelerated program. 

Public administration concentration - a closer look

This concentration prepares you to manage public organizations at the local, state or federal level. You'll learn how to assess community needs and put effective policies into place.  

Your courses will include economics, geography, politics, legal systems and budgeting. You'll also work on real-world issues like planning city budgets. After graduation, you'll be ready for careers in government offices, nonprofits or education—leading organizations and serving the public.

Highlights of the community development degree and public administration program

As a community development student, you'll benefit from:

• Online or on campus class options: Earn your degree on your terms, while working or taking care of a family.
• Easy transfer process: Have credits from a previous college or university? Transfer them to CMU to save time and money.
• Accredited programs: You'll earn your degree from a regionally-accredited program by the Higher Learning Commission – which sets national standards for academic quality.
• Credit for prior learning: You could earn academic credit for what you already know with prior learning credit or certification-to-credit pathways. You could earn up to 60 credits toward your degree! 
• Path to an accelerated Master's program: You may be able to apply up to 12 credits from this bachelor's degree toward a Master's in Science Administration, saving you time and money!