2024-25 Academic Catalog

Department of Political Science and Public Administration

Undergraduate Coordinator: Dr. Leslie Baker
Office: 113 Bowen Hall

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration offers a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) for individuals who have an interest in politics and who seek careers in the law, in federal, state, or local government (either administrative or elective), in the diplomatic service, with international organizations, in the business world, or in teaching. The Department also offers a Master of Arts degree in Political Science (M.A.), a Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration Accredited graduate professional degree in Public Administration (M.P.P.A.) and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration which prepare students for careers in the public service. Interested students should consult the undergraduate or graduate coordinator.

Numerous scholarships are available in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. See the department's website for a complete list of available scholarships.

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration is involved in multiple academic and professional associations, ranging from on-campus activities and organizations to national and international associations. These organizations include Pi Alpha Alpha, Pi Sigma Alpha, Stennis Montgomery Association, Mississippi Model Security Council, and Pre-Law Society.

Minor in Political Science
Students not majoring in Political Science may wish to select a minor. A minor consists of a minimum of 18 hours of course work in Political science at least nine of which must be at the 3000 level or above. Interested nonmajors should speak with the undergraduate coordinator to formulate a suitable program of study.

Minor in Pre-Law
Whit Waide, Pre-Law Advisor
199 Bowen Hall
wwaide@pspa.msstate.edu

The interdisciplinary minor in Pre-Law consists of 19 credit hours offered through several departments and programs throughout the university. A complete list of approved courses for the Pre-Law minor can be found in the College of Arts & Sciences minor listing in the catalog or on the PSPA website.

The Pre-Law minor is designed to be a curriculum that is consistent with the best practice in preparing undergraduates for the study of law.  It has an interdisciplinary focus, creates a practicum like common experience, and focuses on analytic skill development. It will assist students in determining whether they desire to attend law school and will provide exposure to what they will encounter should they decide to attend law school.

Accelerated MPPA Program

Leslie Baker
113 Bowen Hall
ljb223@msstate.edu

Students with at least a 3.5 GPA can opt to apply for the Accelerated MPPA program in their senior year. This program allows students to take up to nine (9) credit hours of approved classes for both undergraduate AND graduate credit that can be applied towards their MPPA degree. In essence, students graduate with both a BA and a MPPA degree, Students apply for the graduate program in their senior year and take three approved cross-listed courses in their last semester that contribute to the program.

Core Courses (27 Hours)

PPA 8103 Seminar in Public Administration
PPA 8703 Government Organization and Administrative Theory
PPA 8713 Public Personnel Management
PPA 8723 Public Budgeting and Financial Management
PPA 8733 Public Program Evaluation
PPA 8743 Administrative Law
PPA 8803 Research Methods for Public Affairs
PPA 8903 Public Policy
PPA 8983 Integrative Capstone

Electives (12 Hours)

Each student must complete a 12-hour elective concentration to augment knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired in required courses. These courses are tailored to the student's career objective.

Internship (3 Hours)

Each student completes an internship in a public or nonprofit agency. The internship is waived for students possessing at least one year of relevant work experience.