The Bachelor of Science in Public Administration (BSPA) is a four-year degree program designed to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in public sector management, policy development, and labor relations. It equips students with the fundamentals of good governance and policy analysis. The BSPA program also centers on teaching topics like human capital management, fiscal administration, government budgeting, and accounting, and program development. Its aim is to show students how to plan, implement and monitor human, material and resource management for government and civil society organizations.

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
• Philippine Administrative Thought and Institutions
• Ethics and Accountability in the Public Service
• Governance and Development
• Knowledge Management and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for Public Administration
• Research Methods in Public Administration
• Leadership and Decision Making
• Local and Regional Governance
• Public Fiscal Administration
• Public Accounting and Budgeting
• Organization and Management
• Public Policy and Program Administration
• Administrative Law

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 BS 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 BS in Public Administration may pursue a career path in the public sector and in private corporations. They may apply as academic researchers, administrative staff, or an executive in national and local government units.