Public Administration

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for effective leadership and management roles within government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other public sector entities. This program offers a diverse curriculum that integrates principles of political science, public policy, organizational management, and community engagement, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of how public institutions operate and serve the community. Students will explore critical topics such as public budgeting and finance, administrative law, ethics in public service, urban and regional planning, and intergovernmental relations, equipping them with the skills needed to analyze complex societal issues and develop strategic solutions.

Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to engage in real-world learning experiences through internships, collaborative projects, and community service initiatives that are often embedded within the program. These opportunities allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, gain valuable insights into the workings of public administration, and build professional networks. The program emphasizes the development of strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills, which are essential for managing public resources effectively and advocating for community needs. Faculty members are experienced professionals and scholars who are committed to mentorship and guiding students through the multifaceted landscape of public administration.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration at UH Manoa are prepared for a variety of career paths, including policy analysis, city management, non-profit leadership, public affairs, and administrative positions within federal, state, and local government agencies. Many alumni pursue further education in law, public administration, or related fields to enhance their career prospects. The program also fosters a sense of civic responsibility and ethical awareness, encouraging students to contribute positively and effectively to their communities. With its strong focus on practical skills, critical thinking, and community involvement, the Public Administration program at UH Manoa aims to cultivate dedicated public servants who are ready to address the challenges of governance and public policy in a dynamic and increasingly diverse society.

• PUBA 499 Directed Reading and Research in Public Administration (V) Independent research and reading on topics in public administration, public service, and community development. Repeatable one time. Pre: consent.
• PUBA 500 Master's Plan B/C Studies (1) Enrollment for degree completion. Pre: master's Plan B or C candidate and consent.
• PUBA 602 Introduction to Public Administration (3) Develop a comprehension of the history and foundation of public administration. Topics include economic, political, and social dynamics; decision-making and leadership theories, management challenges, human resources, budgeting, program evaluation, policy, and technology. PUBA and PUBA Cert. majors only. Graduate students only. A-F only. (Fall only)
• PUBA 603 Organizations: Theory and Change (3) Explores characteristics and structural, human resources, political, and cultural frames of organizational theory. Focus on organizational change strategies and theories. Discusses how to use these frames and theories in everyday management of public service organizations. PUBA and PUBA Cert. majors only. Graduate students only. A-F only. (Fall only)
• PUBA 604 Leadership and Ethics (3) Applies leadership and ethical theories to public and non-profit sectors, focusing on ethical leadership; emphasizes critical thinking to address value conflicts; and teaches moral reasoning as a practical professional skill. PUBA and PUBA Cert. majors only. Graduate students only. A-F only. (Fall only)
• PUBA 605 Effective Communication in Public Administration (3) Knowledge and skills to effectively communicate in the public sector. Focus on communication foundations and skills, levels and contexts of public sector communication, and handling challenges such as diverse and multi-cultural settings. PUBA and PUBA Cert. majors only. Graduate students only. A-F only. (Spring only)
• PUBA 606 Public Administration Personnel Management (3) Understand the pivotal role that effective human resource management (also known as personnel management) plays in improving organizational effectiveness. Topics include managing diversity, employment law and discrimination, performance appraisal, and labor-management relations. PUBA and PUBA Cert. majors only. Graduate students only. A-F only. (Spring only)
• PUBA 607 Public Administration Research Methods (3) Introduction to research methods for public administrators to understand the principles and methods used to conduct and analyze valid research. Examples are oriented to the field; theory and hands-on practice utilized. PUBA and PUBA Cert. majors only. Graduate students only. A-F only. (Spring only)
• PUBA 608 Public Budgeting (3) Institutions and issues related to public-sector budgeting at federal, state, and local levels. Process of developing public budgets and constraints on public policy reflected in budgets. PUBA majors only. A-F only. (Fall only)
• PUBA 609 Policy Analysis and Implementation (3) Explore contemporary policy issues relating to public administration practice. Develop analytic techniques and models of public policy-making processes, administrative rules, and policy implementation strategies. Learn how social forces, political, and economic pressures influence policy orientation. PUBA majors only. A-F only. (Spring only)
• PUBA 620 Reforming Public Organizations (3) Looks at the challenges and opportunities for changing public organizations so that they may be more successful in meeting their public responsibilities and better places for people to work. Focus is on the creation of positive images of organization and effective change strategies. A-F only. (Cross-listed as CEE 620)
• PUBA 621 The Political Environment of Public Organizations (3) Seminar on the role of public managers in shaping public opinion and public policy. Using evidence from theory and practice presents students with tools for understanding management roles within a political context. Pre: graduate standing or consent.
• PUBA 622 Strategies of Change: Leaders and Leadership (3) Explores the key elements of leadership in public settings by examining what leaders actually do, looking at popular media portrayals of leadership, and talking together with guests about the challenges of leadership, effective followership, and positive change. A-F only.
• PUBA 623 Organizational Communication (3) Communication theory/research applied to formal organizations; assessments of strengths and weaknesses of organizational communications systems.
• PUBA 624 Intercultural Challenges in the Public Sector (3) Seminar on the dimensions of cultural variability and how they affect government operations from macro to micro levels, from international policy transfer to major intercultural task interaction processes such as negotiation, planning, and relationship management. Graduate standing only. A-F only.
• PUBA 625 Law, Economics, and Public Administration (3) Explore U.S. law as applied to public institutions using economic lens. Rationale of property, contract, and tort law; evolution of administrative law, economic efficiency of common law system, effects of legal rules on economic behavior. A-F only.
• PUBA 626 Collaborative Public Management (3) Theories, skills, and tools needed to effectively manage networks in government and nonprofit organizations; explores how to administer, assess performance, and evaluate success in these dynamic new partnerships. Graduate students only or consent. A-F only.
• PUBA 630 Nonprofit Management (3) Fundamental aspects of managing a nonprofit organization: overview of the nonprofit sector; mission and scope of nonprofit organizations; organizational structures and functions; resource and volunteer development; major management issues. A-F only Pre: graduate standing or consent. (Fall only)
• PUBA 631 Nonprofit Management Practices and Tools (3) Skills and tools needed by nonprofit managers. Topics include but are not limited to grantwriting, strategic planning, business practices, program evaluation, and advocacy. A-F only. Pre: 630 or consent. (Spring only)
• PUBA 640 International Perspectives on Public Administration (3) Key dimensions of public administration systems on a global scale; historic and contemporary forces shaping national systems; the dimensions that distinguish them, the opportunities and constraints for comparison and the transfer of knowledge and experience. A-F only. Pre: graduate standing or departmental approval.
• PUBA 667 Special Topics (3) Topics of current interest in the field of public service and public administration, taught by regular and visiting faculty. Repeatable for different topics up to six credit hours. A-F only. Pre: consent.
• PUBA 690 MPA Practicum (3) Placement in public, private, and nonprofit organizations to observe and analyze organizational functions and processes while undertaking projects of use to the host agency. Repeatable one time. PUBA majors only. A-F only. Pre: with a minimum grade of B: 602, 603, and 604.
• PUBA 691 Certificate Practicum (3) Students in the nonprofit management track of the certificate will learn by doing and observing in a nonprofit organization selected in consultation with the student's advisor. PUBA graduate certificate students only. A-F only.
• PUBA 695 Capstone Planning Seminar (3) Develops topics, methods, objectives, and resources to guide work of capstone seminar. A-F only. Pre: 602, 603, 605, 607.
• PUBA 696 Capstone Seminar (3) Culminates public administration core courses by incorporating theoretical, analytical, and practicum observations into examination of public issues of importance to Hawai'i and the region. A-F only. Pre: 695.
• PUBA 699 Directed Reading (V) Repeatable unlimited times.
• PUBA 700 Thesis Research (V) Repeatable unlimited times.

Requirements

1. Application form;
2. One official copy of transcripts directly from the registrar of each institution attended;
3. Official GRE (GEN) scores (required of all doctoral applicants; strongly recommended for M.S. applicants);
4. Official TOEFL score report (Foreign applicants); and
5. Application fee $100
6. Interest statement;
7. 2 letters of recommendation - one letter of recommendation should be academic (from one of your former professors).
8. Resume
9. Writing sample

Scholarships

• Graduate Assistantships
• Achievement Scholarships

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration through its College of Social Sciences. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in public service and nonprofit organizations by providing a comprehensive understanding of governmental operations, public policies, and administrative processes. The curriculum emphasizes the development of skills in policy analysis, organizational management, budgeting, and ethical decision-making. Students engage with courses that cover various aspects of public administration, including local, state, and federal government structures, public finance, Human Resources, and urban planning, among others. The program often incorporates practical experiences such as internships, allowing students to gain real-world insight into public sector environments. Graduates from this program are equipped to enter careers in government agencies, non-profit organizations, community planning, and policy analysis. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and encourages students to develop leadership qualities and a commitment to public service. Additionally, the program may include opportunities for research, community engagement projects, and collaboration with public sector professionals. The Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration aims to produce well-rounded graduates who can effectively address complex societal issues through innovative solutions and ethical practices, contributing positively to community development and public policy implementation at various levels of government and civic organizations.