Program Overview
Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration (AB-PA) is a four-year degree program designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling of government operations. The AB-PA program also teaches students how to run organizations, oversee policy development and administration and the proper utilization of human and material resources. It also tackles issues, trends, and innovations in public administration.
Recommended Senior High School Strand
Students who want to pursue a degree in Public Administration are encouraged to take the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand under the Academic track. The curriculum focuses on human behavior, literature, education, politics, liberal arts, and society. The HUMSS strand will cover relevant topics that may be further discussed in their college lectures.
Subjects and Curriculum
- Introduction to Public Administration
- Ethics and Accountability in the Public Service
- Philippine Administrative Thought and Institutions
- Governance and Development
- Research Methods in Public Administration
- Local and Regional Governance
- Leadership and Decision Making
- Public Personnel Administration
- Administrative Law
- Public Accounting and Budgeting
Admission Requirements
Qualifications
- The student must be a high school graduate.
However, if they were not able to graduate high school, they may opt to take the Alternative Learning System (ALS)
and pass the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) to qualify for college; the availability of courses for PEPT passers depend on the university.
- The students must pass the College Admissions Test of the university.
Basic Requirements
- Form 138 - High School Report Card (Original and Photocopy)
- Recommendation letter from High school principal and guidance counselor
- Most recent medical and dental health record
- Copy of NSO Certified birth certificate
- Certificate of Good moral character
- Copy of honorable dismissal
- Copy of high school diploma
- (1) Latest 2”x2” ID Picture
Program Outcome
Graduates of Public Administration are expected to be able to:
- Discuss major concepts in the discipline
- Conduct research initiatives through quantitative and qualitative methods
- Apply theories and principles of the discipline on specific issues and problems
- Critique current issues and problems on a historical and contemporary understanding of the national and global context
On-The-Job Training/Internship
During the fourth year of the program, students are required to attend an On the Job Training (OJT) in local government units, non-profit agencies, policy and research organizations, private businesses, contracting and consulting firms.
Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an actual work setting. Usually, universities require them to submit a written report on their tasks, learning experiences, and hours rendered. Their work performance will also be evaluated by their immediate managers and will be submitted to their respective OJT coordinator. The number of hours required may differ in each university.
Board Exam
The AB in Public Administration does not have a board examination. However, graduates may opt to take the Civil Service Examination (CSE) conducted by the Philippine Civil Service Commission (PCSC) to qualify in working in government offices. Some graduates opt to take a Master’s degree followed by a Doctorate degree to gain expertise in the industry.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of AB in Public Administration may pursue a career path in the government, municipal agencies, and various organizations. They may apply for roles such as academic researchers, administrative staff, or an executive in national and local government units.
