The department offers a special curriculum in preparation for careers in public administration. It is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide broad training on such topics as public budgeting, personnel administration, policy analysis, and intergovernmental relations. Courses are primarily in political science but also include courses in economics, management and geography. Generally students concentrating in public administration are expected to participate in the department's public affairs internship program. Credit may be earned by students on projects of their own choice.
Students work on a personal basis with faculty members specializing in their area of interest.
Independent research or directed readings provide a valuable supplement to the regularly scheduled offerings of the department. Public Affairs Internships. The department offers qualified students the opportunity to receive credit for work as interns with selected attorneys and numerous national, state and local public agencies. Internships are available, for example, with the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate. The amount of credit earned depends on the time and duration of the internship.