Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration

The Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration program at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies offers students a comprehensive education in understanding the structures, functions, and dynamics of organizations within society and the public sector. This interdisciplinary program combines principles from sociology, public administration, management, and political science to equip graduates with the analytical skills necessary to evaluate organizational behavior, policy development, and institutional processes. Students will explore topics such as organizational theory, public sector governance, policy analysis, administrative law, and social research methods, enabling them to critically assess and improve organizational performance and public service delivery.

Throughout the program, students engage in both theoretical studies and practical training, including case studies, internships, and research projects, to develop their problem-solving abilities and gain real-world experience. The curriculum emphasizes contemporary challenges faced by public institutions, such as transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and digital governance, preparing graduates to apply innovative solutions in diverse organizational settings. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for careers in government agencies, local administration, non-governmental organizations, international institutions, and private sector companies that require expertise in organizational analysis and public management.

The program fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and leadership skills, which are vital for successful careers in the public administration sphere. It also encourages students to participate in academic and professional networks, attend conferences, and publish research to stay abreast of current trends and developments. With its thorough curriculum and practical approach, the Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration program at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies aims to develop highly qualified specialists capable of contributing to the efficient functioning of organizations and the betterment of society through innovative public management solutions.

This programme aims to educate highly qualified specialists providing students with the knowledge and skills on how to analyse the performance of organizations and institutions in public, private and non-governmental sectors, how to develop reasonable and sound proposals in order to address problems in the sphere of organizations and public administration.

The programme consists of compulsory courses and elective courses, students are required to elaborate their own research project. The full–time Bachelor’s degree programme covers 3 academic years. The study courses of the 1st year provide general knowledge and skills in Sociological Theory, Research, Management, Philosophy, Social Problems, Community Development, and Sociology of Groups and Organizations. The 2nd year courses focus more specifically on Research Methodologies and Techniques, Regional Development, Rural Sociology, Social Statistics, Social Psychology. In the 3rd year students are offered a number of elective courses including Demography, Social Entrepreneurship, Sociology of Work, Sociology of Family, Social Work, Project Management, Management of Stress and Time. This programme is completed with the elaboration and defense of a Bachelor’s thesis.

• Applicants with completed secondary education are approved for admission to the programme;
• Applicants must be able to present good English knowledge ( minimum - CEFR level B2, IELTS score 5.5, TOEFL score 520, TOEFL-iBT score 68 ); 
• need to pass an online aptitude test in social sciences.

Financing for the Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration master's program at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is primarily provided through a combination of state budget funding, student self-financing, and international scholarship opportunities. The program offers options for both full state-funded places and fee-paying places, allowing students from Latvia and abroad to pursue their studies according to their financial situation and academic interests. State-funded places are allocated based on competition and academic merit, providing opportunities for qualified students to study without tuition fees, with additional support for living expenses in some cases. For students opting for self-financing, the tuition fee covers the full cost of instruction, access to university resources, and participation in academic events. The university also encourages students to seek external funding opportunities, such as scholarships from governmental agencies, international organizations, and private foundations. Such scholarships might cover partial or full tuition, living expenses, or research costs related to their studies. Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies maintains partnerships with various institutions that offer grant programs tailored to international students or those engaged in specific research areas within sociology and public administration. Additionally, students are advised to explore Erasmus+ exchange programs, which can provide financial support and opportunities for international mobility. The university offers guidance and counseling services to help students identify and apply for relevant funding sources, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality education in the field of sociology and public administration. Furthermore, students may have access to work-study options within the university or in collaboration with partner organizations, easing financial burdens while gaining practical experience. Overall, the financing landscape for this master's program is designed to be diverse and inclusive, supporting students throughout their academic journey and encouraging the development of skilled professionals in sociology of organizations and public administration.

Our graduates are specialists having successful careers in a number of professional areas including teaching, research, politics, public administration, municipalities, social and health services, the media, personnel management, NGO and trade unions. Bachelor’s degree entitles graduates to continue studies in a respective Master’s study programme at universities in Latvia or abroad.