2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Public Administration, BS


Banner Code:  LA-BS-PUAD

Web: pia.gmu.edu

This program of study is offered by the Department of Public and International Affairs .

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Degree Requirements


In addition to satisfying university general education requirements and the requirements for a bachelor of science degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, students majoring in public administration must complete the coursework below.

Students must earn a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course applied to the major, including GOVT courses as well as the supporting courses in other disciplines used to fulfill the requirements below. Up to 3 credits of GOVT 480 may be substituted for a major requirement with prior approval of the internship coordinator. STAT 250, GOVT 343, GOVT 358, and GOVT 464 may be applied to only one major requirement. With careful planning, some courses required for the major may also fulfill university general education requirements. See an advisor before registering.

Two required advanced government courses (6 credits)


Four elective advanced government courses (12 credits) chosen from:


  • 3 credits from GOVT 320s or 420s
  • 3 credits from GOVT 360s or 460s
  • 3 credits of upper-level GOVT taken outside of GOVT 350s and 450s (may include GOVT 480 or 496)

One senior seminar (3 credits) chosen from:


Three courses (9 credits) in economics and finance


Two courses (6 credits) in introductory economics


One upper-level course (3 credits) chosen from:


  • courses in economics (ECON)
  • courses in finance (FNAN)

One course (3-4 credits) in accounting or finance chosen from:


  • courses in accounting (ACCT)

9 credits of coursework in either information technology or foreign language


Information technology:


  • courses in computer science (CS)
  • courses in information systems (INFS)
  • courses in information technology (IT)
  • courses in management information systems (MIS)

Foreign language:


  • Completion of one modern foreign language through the intermediate level. At Mason this is equivalent to successful completion of a foreign language course numbered 210.

Total: 70-73 credits


Writing-Intensive Requirement


The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors. Students majoring in public administration may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing GOVT 490 or GOVT 491 in their major programs.