Public & Nonprofit Administration

Few people are as passionate about public service and the importance of strong governance like public and nonprofit administration graduates, and with the Department of Political Science’s diverse, challenging, and comprehensive program, students leave with the tools to make them successful advocates, community leaders, government administrators, and policy analysts.

Through seminars and courses on government, nonprofit management, public policy, financial management, and politics, students study real-world applications of theory and practice within the political system. Many public and nonprofit administration students use their bachelor’s degree as a starting point in public, nonprofit, advocacy, charitable, and business organizations.

The career options for public and nonprofit administration graduates vary greatly and include important jobs in nearly every part of federal, tribal, state, and local governments that seek to administer high-quality, efficient, and effective programs. In a similar fashion, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations require workers who understand management, budgeting, fundraising, and human resources. OU’s program aims to produce graduates who are ready for careers that seeks to improve the lives of those around us through public service and good public policy.

A public and nonprofit administration student graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in public and nonprofit administration degree. Students may also apply to participate in accelerated programs that award a Master of Public Administration or Master of Arts in political science after five years of study. Some students graduate with the public and nonprofit administration degree and then move into a graduate program in the OU Department of Political Science, most often the Master of Public Administration or Doctor of Philosophy (with public administration as a field).

Students may also minor in public and nonprofit administration, nonprofit organizational studies, and non-governmental organizations. 

A public and nonprofit administration student graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in public and nonprofit administration degree.

Public and nonprofit administration students typically have interests in:

• Public Policy
• Community Service
• Management
• Public Relations
• Government
• Law

OU has numerous study abroad opportunities for students of all majors. Whether you want to take electives, lower-division courses, or major requirements, be sure to check out what education abroad opportunities are available to you through the College of International Studies. 

OU Political Science Deparment
Phone: (405) 325-2061
Email: kristibrooks@ou.edu
Website: psc.ou.edu