Department of Public Policy & Administration

The Department of Public Policy and Administration at CSU Bakersfield will foster and enhance critical thinking, communication, management, a public service perspective, and engagement in the policy process among present and future managers in government, nonprofit, and health care organizations within the San Joaquin Valley. The critical skills learned from this curriculum will ensure that managers in the government, nonprofit, and health care sectors exercise governance in an inclusive and socially responsible manner.

The purpose of the PPA programs is to prepare competent, ethical and effective public, nonprofit, and health care managers and leaders to advance the public service. Consistent with established university academic and professional standards, students must develop and demonstrate integrity in all activities to inspire public confidence and trust in public service. Students and applicants found by formal review of the department, to be lacking in academic integrity or in professional ethical standards of behavior may be denied admission, placed on probation, suspension or dismissed from the programs. Such departmental actions are, of course, subject to university review and appeal.

Our alumni serve in a variety of prestigious capacities, both locally and nationally. They include past and present county administrative officers (CAO’s); chief executive officers (CEO’s) of hospitals, retirement centers, mass transit systems, and special economic development zones; CEO’s of nonprofit organizations; policy specialists for elected officials at the national and local levels; presidents of private industry; presidents of state-wide professional associations; as well as elected public servants at the local and state levels. Other alumni enjoy professional careers in city management, special districts, social work organizations, criminal justice organizations (law enforcement and prison management), fire and public safety, and in the rapidly growing health care professions.

Public Service Values

Accountability (Ethical and democratic values)
Effectiveness (Professional value)
Honesty (Ethical value)
Lawfulness (Democratic value)
Social justice (Human value)

Mission Statement

Strategic Goals

The purpose of the PPA programs is to prepare competent, ethical and effective public, nonprofit, and health care managers and leaders to advance the public service.
Consistent with, and in addition to, established university academic performance and student conduct standards for undergraduates, those admitted, retained, and awarded degrees must possess and demonstrate academic and professional integrity in all activities to inspire public confidence and trust in public service. Students and applicants who violate academic integrity or professional ethical standards of behavior will be subject to the academic integrity procedures of the university. Such actions are, of course, subject to university review and appeal.
Undergraduate students without experience in public service or administration are required to complete a service-learning requirement.

About Our Alumni

Public Administration majors must obtain advice before registering for classes. For information or an appointment with the Undergraduate Program Advisor, please contact Professor R. Steven Daniels [(661) 654-2318](tel:(661) 654-2318) (BDC 116A) or BPA Student Services [(661) 654-2326](tel:(661) 654-2326) (BDC 123A).

American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)

ASPA is a national organization for students and individuals who are working as a professional within the field of public administration. For more information, visit the ASPA website.

The Maddy Institute

Each year, the Maddy Institute selects 40 students from regional universities as Legislative Scholar Interns, who are placed on assignment in government offices throughout the Valley, as well as in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit the Maddy Institute website.