Department of Public Administration
The Department of Public Administration offers a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Policy degree which provides the opportunity for the comprehensive study of public administration, a Minor in Civic Engagement, a Minor in Public Administration and Policy, and a Minor in Nonprofit Management. Students completing the Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Policy degree may pursue professional careers in government, the nonprofit sector, or the private sector, as well as apply for admission to law or graduate schools.
The mission of the Department of Public Administration is to prepare students for careers and leadership roles in public and nonprofit organizations and to nurture their commitment to ethical public service in a diverse society.
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration and Policy
- Accelerated Master of Public Administration
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration and Policy
A Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Policy degree is designed to prepare students for employment in the public and nonprofit sector by giving them a broad background in the basics of administration, combined with a contemporary focus on urban management, the nonprofit sector, tools of analysis, and the role of ethics.
The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the degree, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level.
All required and prescribed (elective) public administration (PAD) courses must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better.
All candidates seeking this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.
Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)
Students seeking the Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Policy must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements. If courses are taken to satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements, then students may need to take additional courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.
For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)
All students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AIS 1203 | Academic Introduction and Strategies (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1213 | AIS: Architecture, Construction, and Planning (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1223 | AIS: Arts and Humanities (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1233 | AIS: Business (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1243 | AIS: Engineering, Mathematics, and Sciences (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1253 | AIS: Interdisciplinary Education (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1263 | AIS: Life and Health Sciences (core component area 090) | 3 |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy (core component area 090) | 3 |
Communication (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (TCCN: ENGL 1301) | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (TCCN: ENGL 1302) | 3 |
Mathematics (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CS 1173 | Data Analysis and Visualization | 3 |
| MAT 1023 | College Algebra with Applications (TCCN: MATH 1314) | 3 |
| MAT 1043 | Quantitative Reasoning (TCCN: MATH 1332) | 3 |
| MAT 1053 | Mathematics for Business (TCCN: MATH 1324) | 3 |
| MAT 1073 | Algebra for Scientists and Engineers (TCCN: MATH 1314) | 3 |
| MAT 1093 | Precalculus (TCCN: MATH 2312) | 3 |
| MAT 1133 | Calculus for Business (TCCN: MATH 1325) | 3 |
| MAT 1193 | Calculus for the Biosciences (TCCN: MATH 2313) | 3 |
| MAT 1213 | Calculus I (TCCN: MATH 2313) | 3 |
| STA 1053 | Basic Statistics (TCCN: MATH 1342) | 3 |
Life and Physical Sciences (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANT 2033 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2301) | 3 |
| AST 1013 | Introduction to Astronomy (TCCN: ASTR 1303) | 3 |
| AST 1033 | Exploration of the Solar System (TCCN: ASTR 1304) | 3 |
| BIO 1203 | Biosciences I for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1306) | 3 |
| BIO 1223 | Biosciences II for Science Majors (TCCN: BIOL 1307) | 3 |
| BIO 1233 | Contemporary Biology I (TCCN: BIOL 1308) | 3 |
| BIO 1243 | Contemporary Biology II (TCCN: BIOL 1309) | 3 |
| CHE 1083 | Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter | 3 |
| CHE 1093 | Introduction to Molecular Transformations | 3 |
| ES 1113 | Environmental Botany (TCCN: BIOL 1311) | 3 |
| ES 1123 | Environmental Zoology (TCCN: BIOL 1313) | 3 |
| ES 1213 | Environmental Geology (TCCN: GEOL 1305) | 3 |
| ES 2013 | Introduction to Environmental Science I (TCCN: ENVR 1301) | 3 |
| ES 2023 | Introduction to Environmental Science II (TCCN: ENVR 1302) | 3 |
| GEO 1013 | The Third Planet (TCCN: GEOL 1301) | 3 |
| GEO 1033 | Geology of North American National Parks (TCCN: GEOL 1302) | 3 |
| GEO 1123 | Life Through Time (TCCN: GEOL 1304) | 3 |
| GES 2613 | Intro to Physical Geography (TCCN: GEOG 1301) | 3 |
| NDT 2043 | Introduction to Nutritional Sciences | 3 |
| PHY 1943 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (TCCN: PHYS 2325) | 3 |
| PHY 1963 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (TCCN: PHYS 2326) | 3 |
Language, Philosophy and Culture (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AAS 2013 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
| AAS 2113 | African American Culture, Leadership and Social Issues | 3 |
| ANT 2063 | Language, Thought, and Culture | 3 |
| ARC 1113 | Introduction to the Built Environment (TCCN: ARCH 1311) | 3 |
| ARC 2423 | History of Architecture II (TCCN: ARCH 1302) | 3 |
| CHN 1014 | Elementary Chinese I (TCCN: CHIN 1411) | 4 |
| CLA 2013 | Introduction to Ancient Greece | 3 |
| CLA 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Rome | 3 |
| CLA 2323 | Classical Mythology | 3 |
| COM 2313 | Introduction to Media Studies | 3 |
| CSH 1103 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture I (TCCN: ENGL 2332) | 3 |
| CSH 1113 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture II (TCCN: ENGL 2333) | 3 |
| CSH 1213 | Topics in World Cultures (TCCN: HUMA 2323) | 3 |
| CSH 2113 | The Foreign Film | 3 |
| ENG 2013 | Introduction to Literature (TCCN: ENGL 2341) | 3 |
| ENG 2023 | Literature and Film | 3 |
| ENG 2213 | Literary Criticism and Analysis | 3 |
| ENG 2383 | Multiethnic Literatures of the United States | 3 |
| ENG 2423 | Literature of Texas and the Southwest | 3 |
| ENG 2443 | Persuasion and Rhetoric | 3 |
| FRN 1014 | Elementary French I (TCCN: FREN 1411) | 4 |
| FRN 2333 | French Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GER 1014 | Elementary German I (TCCN: GERM 1411) | 4 |
| GER 2333 | German Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GES 1023 | World Regions & Global Change (TCCN: GEOG 1303) | 3 |
| GLA 1013 | US in Global Context | 3 |
| GRK 1114 | Introductory Classical Greek I | 4 |
| HIS 2123 | Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2321) | 3 |
| HIS 2133 | Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century (TCCN: HIST 2322) | 3 |
| HIS 2533 | Introduction to Latin American Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2543 | Introduction to Islamic Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2553 | Introduction to East Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2573 | Introduction to African Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2583 | Introduction to South Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HUM 2093 | World Religions (TCCN: PHIL 1304) | 3 |
| ITL 1014 | Elementary Italian I (TCCN: ITAL 1411) | 4 |
| ITL 2333 | Italian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| JPN 1014 | Elementary Japanese I (TCCN: JAPN 1411) | 4 |
| LAT 1114 | Introductory Latin I (TCCN: LATI 1411) | 4 |
| MAS 2013 | Introduction to Chicana/x/o Studies (TCCN: HUMA 1305) | 3 |
| PHI 1043 | Critical Thinking (TCCN: PHIL 2303) | 3 |
| PHI 2013 | Basic Philosophical Problems (TCCN: PHIL 1301) | 3 |
| PHI 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Philosophy (TCCN: PHIL 2316) | 3 |
| PHI 2033 | Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 2093 | Philosophy of The Americas | 3 |
| PHI 2123 | Contemporary Moral Issues | 3 |
| RUS 1014 | Elementary Russian I (TCCN: RUSS 1411) | 4 |
| RUS 2333 | Russian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| SPN 1014 | Elementary Spanish I (TCCN: SPAN 1411) | 4 |
| SPN 2333 | Hispanic Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| WGSS 2013 | Introduction to Women’s Studies | 3 |
| WGSS 2023 | Introduction to LGBTQ Studies | 3 |
Creative Arts (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AHC 1113 | Art History: Prehistory-1350 (TCCN: ARTS 1303) | 3 |
| AHC 1123 | Art History: 1350-Present (TCCN: ARTS 1304) | 3 |
| ARC 1513 | Great Buildings and Cities of the World | 3 |
| ARC 2413 | History of Architecture I (TCCN: ARCH 1301) | 3 |
| ART 1103 | Introduction to Visual Arts (TCCN: ARTS 1301) | 3 |
| ART 1113 | Image Culture | 3 |
| BBL 2023 | Latino Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311) | 3 |
| CLA 2033 | Introduction to Classical Literature | 3 |
| DAN 2003 | Introduction to Dance (TCCN: DANC 2303) | 3 |
| HUM 2023 | Introduction to the Humanities I (TCCN: HUMA 1301) | 3 |
| HUM 2033 | Introduction to the Humanities II (TCCN: HUMA 1302) | 3 |
| HUM 2053 | History of Film (TCCN: HUMA 1315) | 3 |
| MAS 2023 | Latina/x/o Cultural Expressions (TCCN: HUMA 1311) | 3 |
| MUS 2243 | World Music in Society | 3 |
| MUS 2633 | American Roots Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2653 | Music in Culture | 3 |
| MUS 2663 | History and Styles of Jazz (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2673 | History and Styles of Popular Music (TCCN: MUSI 1310) | 3 |
| MUS 2683 | History and Styles of Western Art Music (TCCN: MUSI 1306) | 3 |
| MUS 2713 | History of Recorded Music | 3 |
| MUS 2733 | History of the American Musical Theater | 3 |
| MUS 2743 | Music and Film | 3 |
| PHI 2073 | Philosophy of Art | 3 |
American History (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (TCCN: HIST 1301) | 3 |
| HIS 1053 | United States History: Civil War Era to Present (TCCN: HIST 1302) | 3 |
| HIS 2053 | Texas History (TCCN: HIST 2301) | 3 |
Government-Political Science (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (TCCN: GOVT 2305) | 3 |
| and one of the following two courses: | ||
| POL 1133 | Texas Politics and Society (TCCN: GOVT 2306) | 3 |
| POL 1213 | Civil Rights in Texas and America (TCCN: GOVT 2306) | 3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AMS 2043 | Approaches to American Culture | 3 |
| ANT 1013 | Introduction to Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2346) | 3 |
| ANT 2043 | Introduction to Archaeology (TCCN: ANTH 2302) | 3 |
| ANT 2053 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| BBL 2003 | Language, Culture, and Society (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| BBL 2243 | Bilingual Families, Communities, and Schools: National and Transnational Experiences (TCCN: ANTH 2351) | 3 |
| CRJ 1113 | The American Criminal Justice System (TCCN: CRIJ 1301) | 3 |
| ECO 2003 | Economic Principles and Issues (TCCN: ECON 1301) | 3 |
| ECO 2023 | Introductory Microeconomics (TCCN: ECON 2302) | 3 |
| EGR 1343 | The Impact of Modern Technologies on Society | 3 |
| ES 1003 | Survey Topics in Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GES 1013 | Fundamentals of Geography | 3 |
| GES 2623 | Human Geography: People, Place, Culture (TCCN: GEOG 1302) | 3 |
| HTH 2413 | Introduction to Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 2513 | Personal Health (TCCN: PHED 1304) | 3 |
| IDS 2113 | Society and Social Issues | 3 |
| KIN 2123 | Exercise as Medicine (TCCN: KINE 1338) | 3 |
| NDRB 1033 | Drugs and Society (TCCN: PHED 1346) | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology (TCCN: PSYC 2301) | 3 |
| REGS 2003 | Intersectional Approaches to Social Justice | 3 |
| SOC 1013 | Introduction to Sociology (TCCN: SOCI 1301) | 3 |
| SOC 2013 | Social Problems (TCCN: SOCI 1306) | 3 |
| SOC 2023 | Social Context of Drug Use (TCCN: SOCI 2340) | 3 |
| SWK 1013 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COM 2113 | Public Speaking (core component area 091, TCCN: SPCH 1315) | 3 |
| EGR 1403 | Technical Communication (core component area 091) | 3 |
| ENG 2413 | Technical Writing (core component area 091, TCCN: ENGL 2311) | 3 |
| PAD 1113 | Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core component area 097) | 3 |
| PHI 2043 | Introductory Logic (core component area 092, TCCN: PHIL 2303) | 3 |
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
| First Year Experience Requirement | 3 | |
| Communication | 6 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Life and Physical Sciences | 6 | |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture | 3 | |
| Creative Arts | 3 | |
| American History | 6 | |
| Government-Political Science | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Component Area Option | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |
Gateway Course
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Policy degree must successfully complete the following Gateway course with a grade of “C-” or better in no more than two attempts. A student who is unable to successfully complete this course within two attempts, including dropping the course with a grade of “W” or taking an equivalent course at another institution, will be required to change their major.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PAD 1113 | Public Administration and Policy in American Society |
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Core Public Administration & Policy coursework | ||
| 18 semester credit hours of core Public Administration & Policy coursework: | 18 | |
| Public Administration and Policy in American Society | ||
| Introduction to Public Policy | ||
| Foundations of Civic Engagement | ||
| Quantitative Analysis for Public Administration and Policy | ||
| Essential Skills for a Career in Public Service (Research Capstone) | ||
| Social Demography and Public Policy | ||
| B. Prescribed courses | ||
| 18 semester credit hours selected from the courses listed below: | 18 | |
| Geographic Information Systems for Population Analysis and Policy | ||
| Advanced Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Introductory Macroeconomics | ||
| Fundraising in Nonprofit Agencies | ||
| Introduction to Urban Management and Policy | ||
| Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies | ||
| Public and Nonprofit Financial Management | ||
| Urban Economic Development | ||
| Public Sector Economics | ||
| Civic Leadership Seminar | ||
| Project Management for the Public Sector | ||
| Managing Nonprofit Organizations | ||
| Politics and Policies of San Antonio and South Texas | ||
| Administrative Law and Policy | ||
| Sustainable Community Development | ||
| Introduction to Community and Regional Planning and Urban Design | ||
| Urban Planning and Public Health | ||
| Study Abroad: International Public Administration | ||
| Managing Human Resources | ||
| Independent Study (prior approval required) | ||
| Independent Study (prior approval required) | ||
| Internship in Public Administration (prior approval required) | ||
| Internship in Public Administration (prior approval required) | ||
| Special Topics in Public Administration | ||
| Honors Thesis (prior approval required) | ||
| Introduction to Public Service Leadership and Management (Prerequisite: Undergraduate students must be enrolled in the accelerated MPA program to take this course.) | ||
| Ethics and Leadership (Prerequisite: Undergraduate students must be enrolled in the accelerated MPA program to take this course.) | ||
| Public Policy Process (Prerequisite: Undergraduate students must be enrolled in the accelerated MPA program to take this course.) | ||
| C. Upper-division support work | ||
| 18 semester credit hours of upper-division support work, chosen in consultation with an academic advisor | 18 | |
| D. Free electives | ||
| 24 semester hours of free electives (some may need to be upper division in order to meet the 39 hour University requirement) | 24 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 78 | |
Course Sequence Guide for Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Policy Degree
This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate Public Administration and Policy degree requirements. This is merely a guide, and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.
Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Policy – Recommended Four-Year Academic Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy | 3 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| PAD 1113 | Public Administration and Policy in American Society | 3 |
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (core) | 3 |
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (core) | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| PAD 2073 | Foundations of Civic Engagement | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (core) | 3 |
| Mathematics (core) | 3 | |
| Creative Arts (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PAD 3163 | Quantitative Analysis for Public Administration and Policy | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy & Culture (core) | 3 | |
| Life & Physical Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PAD 2013 | Introduction to Public Policy | 3 |
| POL 1133 or POL 1213 | Texas Politics and Society (core) or Civil Rights in Texas and America | 3 |
| Life & Physical Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Prescribed course (see degree requirement B) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Component Area Option (core) | 3 | |
| Prescribed course (see degree requirement B) | 3 | |
| Prescribed course (see degree requirement B) | 3 | |
| Prescribed course (see degree requirement B) | 3 | |
| Upper-division support work | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Prescribed course (see degree requirement B) | 3 | |
| Upper-division support work | 3 | |
| Upper-division support work | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Prescribed course (see degree requirement B) | 3 | |
| Upper-division support work | 3 | |
| Upper-division support work | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PAD 4853 | Essential Skills for a Career in Public Service (Research Capstone) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Prescribed course (see degree requirement B) | 3 | |
| Upper-division support work | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Accelerated Master of Public Administration
The Accelerated Master of Public Administration (AMPA) Program is an alternate path to the MPA degree. It allows students who successfully complete MPA courses in the Public Administration Department as undergraduates to earn the MPA degree with 30 credit hours instead of the normal 39 credit hours.
In order to apply, and be considered for admission to the AMPA upon completion of the undergraduate degree, current UTSA undergraduate students must first be accepted as an AMPA candidate. This requires the submission of a packet to the UTSA Public Administration Department Chair that includes:
- A letter of intent to the Public Administration Department Chair, stating why you are interested in this pathway to the AMPA program. This must include your name, major, expected graduation date, and Banner ID.
- A letter of support for your candidacy from a UTSA professor with whom you have taken an upper-division class in any Department.
To be eligible for consideration as a candidate, students must meet the following criteria:
- Completed 60-90 hours of undergraduate coursework at the time the packet is submitted.
- GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Candidacy status is open to all UTSA majors, but students are responsible for ensuring that the MPA courses taken as an undergraduate will be accepted into their undergraduate program of study. For Bachelor of Public Administration and Policy students, the three MPA courses will count in section B., Prescribed Courses, of the degree requirements.
If accepted as a candidate, the student will enroll in these three MPA courses during their final year in their undergraduate program: PAD 5003, PAD 5303, and PAD 5323.
If those courses are successfully completed with a grade of B or better, students may then apply to the AMPA program, per the instructions in the UTSA Graduate Catalog.
Minor in Civic Engagement
Through the Minor in Civic Engagement students learn about community challenges and prepare to play a leadership role in effecting social change. In the required courses students actively participate in the local community through service learning projects. The elective courses allow students to explore the diversity of our communities and the systems that affect communities. This interdisciplinary minor is open to all majors in the University.
All students seeking the Minor in Civic Engagement must complete 18 semester credit hours.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Required courses: | 6 | |
| Foundations of Civic Engagement | ||
| Civic Leadership Seminar | ||
| B. Electives: | ||
| Students must complete 12 hours of electives. | 12 | |
| Students may choose from the list below or take any service-learning designated course. | ||
| Black Communities and Culture | ||
| Doing Black Studies Research | ||
| Civil Rights Movement and African American Education | ||
| African Americans in Higher Education | ||
| Studies in Race and Ethnicity | ||
| Studies in Gender and Sexuality | ||
| Anthropology and the Environment | ||
| Sex, Gender, and Culture | ||
| Political and Legal Anthropology | ||
| Applied Anthropology | ||
| Food, Culture, and Society | ||
| Environmental Systems | ||
| Air Force Leadership and Communication Studies I | ||
| Air Force Leadership and Communication Studies II | ||
| Mexican Americans in the Southwest | ||
| Mexican American Culture | ||
| Ecology | ||
| Plants and Society | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Wildlife Ecology | ||
| Water and Wastewater Treatment | ||
| Introduction to Health Communication | ||
| Global Health Communication | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Health Communication Campaigns | ||
| Health Communication Practicum | ||
| Managing Criminal Justice Organizations | ||
| Community Corrections | ||
| Juvenile Justice | ||
| Restorative Justice | ||
| Race, Ethnicity, and Criminal Justice | ||
| Social Demography and Public Policy | ||
| Health Economics and Policy | ||
| Economics of Public and Social Issues | ||
| Development Economics | ||
| Environmental Remediation | ||
| Watershed Processes | ||
| Environmental Law | ||
| Wildflower Identification | ||
| Natural Resource Policy and Administration | ||
| Introduction to Sustainability | ||
| Renewable Energy | ||
| Restoration Ecology | ||
| Wildlife Management | ||
| Geography of Texas | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Population Geography | ||
| Urban Geography | ||
| Geography of Local Economic Activity | ||
| Conservation of Resources | ||
| Political Geography | ||
| Gender and Cities: An Introduction to Feminist Geography | ||
| Climate Change | ||
| History of San Antonio | ||
| History of the Civil Rights Movement | ||
| Honors Service | ||
| Honors Seminar in Arts & Humanities | ||
| Honors Professional Development | ||
| Honors Cultural Exploration | ||
| Honors Cultural Exploration | ||
| Citymester: City Sites | ||
| Survey of Drugs and Health | ||
| Theories of Health Behavior | ||
| Community Health | ||
| Diversity, Equity, and the Social Sciences | ||
| Chicana/x Queer Communities, Identities and Theories | ||
| Mexican Americans in the Southwest | ||
| Training Management and the Warfighting Functions | ||
| Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations | ||
| Introduction to Public Policy | ||
| Fundraising in Nonprofit Agencies | ||
| Introduction to Urban Management and Policy | ||
| Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies | ||
| Urban Economic Development | ||
| Managing Nonprofit Organizations | ||
| Politics and Policies of San Antonio and South Texas | ||
| Archer: Policy-Making Process | ||
| Archer: Politics of National Memory | ||
| Archer: Advocacy and Politics | ||
| Essential Skills for a Career in Public Service (Research Capstone) | ||
| Internship in Public Administration | ||
| Internship in Public Administration | ||
| Minorities and the Law | ||
| Issues in Law and Society | ||
| Women in Politics | ||
| Political Movements | ||
| Urban Development: Politics Planning, and Power | ||
| Multicultural Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology of Prejudice | ||
| Social Stratification | ||
| Race and Ethnic Relations | ||
| Social Change and Development | ||
| Religion and Society | ||
| Families in Society | ||
| Gerontology | ||
| Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques | ||
| Latinas in U.S. Society | ||
| Sociology of Gender | ||
| Sociology of the Mexican American Community | ||
| Culture and Society | ||
| Health Disparities | ||
| Introduction to Community and Regional Planning and Urban Design | ||
| Comparative Urban and Regional Development | ||
| Sustainable Community Development | ||
| Urban Planning and Public Health | ||
| Feminist Theories | ||
| Transnational Feminisms | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
To declare a Minor in Civic Engagement, obtain advice, obtain lists of relevant courses, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult with their academic advisor.
Minor in Nonprofit Management
The Minor in Nonprofit Management is open to students in any discipline. The Minor in Nonprofit Management provides the opportunity for students to learn the characteristics of the nonprofit sector, the purpose of the nonprofit sector in American society, and basic management and fundraising techniques. Students will be provided the opportunity to prepare themselves for leadership positions in social service, youth, environmental, health, arts, senior, and other nonprofit organizations.
All required and prescribed (elective) public administration (PAD) courses must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better.
All students seeking the Minor in Nonprofit Management must complete 18 semester credit hours.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Required courses: | 6 | |
| Fundraising in Nonprofit Agencies | ||
| Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies | ||
| B. 12 semester credit hours selected from the courses listed below: | 12 | |
| Introduction to Public Policy | ||
| Foundations of Civic Engagement | ||
| Introduction to Organization Theory, Behavior, and Management | ||
| Introduction to Urban Management and Policy | ||
| Public and Nonprofit Financial Management | ||
| Urban Economic Development | ||
| Project Management for the Public Sector | ||
| Civic Leadership Seminar | ||
| Politics and Policies of San Antonio and South Texas | ||
| Administrative Law and Policy | ||
| Managing Human Resources | ||
| Tools and Objectives of the Social Enterprise | ||
| Health Disparities | ||
| Study Abroad: International Public Administration | ||
| Internship in Public Administration (prior approval required) | ||
| Internship in Public Administration (prior approval required) | ||
| Special Topics in Public Administration | ||
| Essential Skills for a Career in Public Service (Research Capstone) | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Students should not take PAD 4933 Internship in Public Administration or PAD 4936 Internship in Public Administration until they have completed 9 hours in the minor. To declare a Minor in Nonprofit Management, obtain advice, obtain lists of relevant courses, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult with their academic advisor.
Minor in Public Administration and Policy
The Minor in Public Administration and Policy is open to students in any discipline. The minor provides undergraduate students with foundational knowledge of the public sector. This includes fundamentals of public leadership and management, the meaning of public service in a diverse society, ethical decision-making, and the practice of policy formation and implementation. All students seeking the Minor in Public Administration and Policy must complete 18 semester credit hours.
All required and prescribed (elective) public administration (PAD) courses must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Required courses: | 9 | |
| Public Administration and Policy in American Society | ||
| Introduction to Public Policy | ||
| Foundations of Civic Engagement | ||
| B. 9 upper-division semester credit hours selected from the courses listed below: | 9 | |
| Fundraising in Nonprofit Agencies | ||
| Introduction to Urban Management and Policy | ||
| Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies | ||
| Public and Nonprofit Financial Management | ||
| Urban Economic Development | ||
| Public Sector Economics | ||
| Civic Leadership Seminar | ||
| Project Management for the Public Sector | ||
| Managing Nonprofit Organizations | ||
| Politics and Policies of San Antonio and South Texas | ||
| Administrative Law and Policy | ||
| Quantitative Analysis for Public Administration and Policy | ||
| Archer: Policy-Making Process | ||
| Archer: Advocacy and Politics | ||
| Study Abroad: International Public Administration | ||
| Independent Study (prior approval required) | ||
| Independent Study (prior approval required) | ||
| Internship in Public Administration (prior approval required) | ||
| Internship in Public Administration (prior approval required) | ||
| Special Topics in Public Administration | ||
| Honors Thesis (prior approval required) | ||
| Social Demography and Public Policy | ||
| Essential Skills for a Career in Public Service (Research Capstone) | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
To declare a Minor in Public Administration and Policy, obtain advice, obtain lists of relevant courses, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult with their academic advisor.
Certificate in Public Policy and Data Analysis
This certificate program prepares students to address policy challenges and to lead in data-driven decision-making in the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Sound public policy requires a thorough analysis of the root causes of problems and the drivers of meaningful change. Students in this certificate program will learn to use data to define, understand, and solve problems in our community. Students will be able to effectively communicate and influence decision-making using evidence-based policy proposals. By learning evaluation techniques, students will be better equipped to improve program and service delivery.
This is an interdisciplinary program administered by the Department of Public Administration. The certificate includes courses currently offered in Public Administration, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Demography, Political Science, Public Health, and Sociology.
This certificate program is open to all majors in the University. Courses taken in the certificate program may be applied to a B.S. or B.A. degree, depending on program requirements and with approval of the undergraduate advisor of record of the degree program. Students not currently enrolled in any UTSA degree program can apply as a non-degree-seeking special student at the undergraduate level to pursue this certificate.
Students pursuing the Certificate in Public Policy and Data Analysis must complete 15 semester credit hours as follows:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Required courses: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Public Policy | ||
| Quantitative Analysis for Public Administration and Policy 1 | ||
| B. Public Policy courses: | 3 | |
| Select one course from the following list: | ||
| Introduction to Urban Management and Policy | ||
| Politics and Policies of San Antonio and South Texas | ||
| Administrative Law and Policy | ||
| Justice and Social Policy | ||
| The Legislative Process | ||
| Archer: Policy-Making Process | ||
| Archer: Advocacy and Politics | ||
| C. Data Analysis courses: | 6 | |
| Select two courses from the following list: | ||
| Geographic Information Systems for Population Analysis and Policy | ||
| Social Demography and Public Policy | ||
| Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Advanced Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Database Management in Community and Public Health | ||
| Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
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Advising Note: Students may substitute an upper-division Quantitative Research Methods course from their degree program for PAD 3163.
Public Administration (PAD) Courses
PAD 1113. Public Administration and Policy in American Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This functions as the general introductory course in public administration. The management of government bureaucracies including organization, human resources, career systems, and financing is discussed. There is a discussion of the role of bureaucracies in modern society in the formulation and implementation of public policy. May be applied toward Core Curriculum requirement in the Component Area Option. (Formerly Public Administration in American Society.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRC1 $12; LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PAD 2013. Introduction to Public Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
The course introduces students to the different aspects of public policy in the U.S. political context. Topics may include agenda setting, policy formulation, implementation, analysis, and evaluation. (Formerly PAD 3013. Credit cannot be earned for both PAD 3013 and PAD 2013.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: STHC $18; DL01 $75; LRHC $10.
PAD 2073. Foundations of Civic Engagement. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This foundational course provides students with an understanding of civic participation, civic literacy and the necessary skill set for completion of the minor. It is designed to guide students in making links between their major area of study and the communities in which they work and live in order to help prepare students for a lifetime of responsible citizenship and civic engagement. Course Fee: STHC $18; DL01 $75; LRHC $10.
PAD 3003. Fundraising in Nonprofit Agencies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Examines methods, techniques, and directed experience in fundraising for nonprofit agencies. Explores relationships with umbrella organizations, government funding, grantsmanship, budget control, and accountability. (Formerly NPO 3003. Credit cannot be earned for both PAD 3003 and NPO 3003.) Course Fee: STHC $18; DL01 $75; LRHC $10.
PAD 3023. Introduction to Urban Management and Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of the management of urban municipalities. Topics to be covered may include leadership in urban settings; organizational structure and change; delivery of urban services, particularly in a diverse urban environment; and policy issues in urban settings. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: STHC $18; DL01 $75; LRHC $10.
PAD 3033. Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This survey course introduces the nonprofit sector and core competencies required by nonprofit leaders. The role of nonprofit organizations in civil society frames the course, in particular, how the nonprofit sector is different from the public and private sectors. The state of the sector, and fundamental principles and practices required by nonprofit managers are explored, including creating a nonprofit, basics of fundraising, marketing, volunteer management, program development, and evaluation. Group and individual projects, service learning, research conducted for specific nonprofit agencies, oral presentations, networking, and construction of a portfolio of nonprofit work experiences and deliverables may be utilized. (Same as NPO 3013. Credit cannot be earned for both PAD 3033 and NPO 3013.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: STHC $18; DL01 $75; LRHC $10.
PAD 3043. Public and Nonprofit Financial Management. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course introduces students to the principles of financial management for public and nonprofit organizations. The public financial management component of the course will cover issues at the federal, state, and local levels of government. Topics will include budgeting, financial reporting, revenue streams, tax equity, stakeholder relations, and accountability. Generally offered: Spring. Course Fee: STHC $18; DL01 $75; LRHC $10.
PAD 3053. Urban Economic Development. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course examines the factors contributing to the economic growth or decline of U.S. cities or regions and the role of local government in shaping economic development policies and economic change. Students will analyze the social impact of economic development, including quality of life for residents and community well-being. It reviews the impact of public sector incentives and the outcomes of collaborative efforts between government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations through case studies of a variety of urban areas. Course Fee: STHC $18; DL01 $75; LRHC $10.
PAD 3063. Public Sector Economics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course examines the role that government plays in the economy and its effects on the welfare of its citizens. The efficiency and equity of government expenditures and tax policies are examined by looking at their impact on individual behavior and the distribution of income. Among the topics covered are public goods, externalities, social security, health care reform, public assistance programs, and taxation. Course fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PAD 3073. Civic Leadership Seminar. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PAD 2073.
This course is the capstone course for the Minor in Civic Engagement. It will engage students, actively in the San Antonio community through a service-learning experience. Course Fee: STHC $18; DL01 $75; LRHC $10.
PAD 3083. Project Management for the Public Sector. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course will introduce key concepts of project management from the perspective of public agencies and institutions that contract with those agencies. This course will cover project management methodology and tools to successfully manage large-scale projects. Students will learn how to meet project goals on time and within the allocated budget. The course will cover how to effectively engage stakeholders to maximize project success. Topics may also include risk management, oversight, problem-solving, and government procurement and contracting. Students will learn about the role of a project manager and related public service careers. Course fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PAD 3113. Managing Nonprofit Organizations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course focuses on leading nonprofit organizations. Students will consider organizational performance and client/community engagement in order to maximize the public value of nonprofit organizations. In light of efforts to foster inclusion and representation, students will learn about recruiting staff and volunteers and strategically composing board memberships. Topics will include organizational goal setting, program management/evaluation, community awareness/advocacy, and decision-making through collaborative models. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PAD 3133. Politics and Policies of San Antonio and South Texas. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
The San Antonio area has been shaped and built by an array of decisions, public and private. This course will examine the history and development of the area and the political, social, and economic forces that have defined the local policymaking process by city, county, and special purpose governments. Topics may include fiscal policy, public investment policies, urban revitalization, and transportation. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PAD 3153. Administrative Law and Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
This course covers the legal framework for creating and implementing public policy, at all governmental levels. It includes an overview of the authority of legislative bodies to formulate laws and policies, as well as the rules that govern the implementation of these laws and policies by administrative bodies. The course will also cover the authority of courts to review and/or overturn laws and policies. (Formerly titled Introduction to Public Law.) Course Fee: STHC $18; DL01 $75; LRHC $10.
PAD 3163. Quantitative Analysis for Public Administration and Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Any 3-semester-credit-hour Mathematics core course.
This course will introduce students to the nature and practice of evaluation in the public and nonprofit sectors, and to the basic skills necessary to understand and conduct such evaluations. This course covers collecting, organizing, analyzing, and presenting information. (Formerly PAD 2153. Credit cannot be earned for both PAD 3163 and PAD 2153.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fee: STHC $18; DL01 $75; LRHC $10.
PAD 3513. Archer: Policy-Making Process. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the UT System Archer Fellows Program. This course will focus on the role of Congress and the President in the policy-making process. The course will use a variety of sources (academic texts, newspaper and journal articles, Web sites, blogs, and advocacy papers) to compare textbook and "real world" versions of how policy is made in Washington, D.C. Formerly HON 3513. Credit cannot be earned for both HON 3513 and PAD 3513. Generally offered: Fall, Spring.
PAD 3523. Archer: Politics of National Memory. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the UT System Archer Fellows Program. This course is designed to help students understand power in our nation's capital and, especially, power that lies outside Congress and the White House. Students will study Washington, D.C., by making visits to local sites as they examine complex issues, such as the use of DDT to combat malaria, the relationship between democracy and war, and the future of the Internet. (Formerly HON 3523. Credit cannot be earned for both HON 3523 and PAD 3523.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring.
PAD 3533. Archer: Advocacy and Politics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the UT System Archer Fellows Program. This course will provide an introduction to the issues individuals face when placed in the role of being advocates for an issue, idea, or even themselves. The goal of the course is for students to learn about advocacy in ways they can apply to their internship settings. Formerly HON 3533. Credit cannot be earned for both HON 3533 and PAD 3533. Generally offered: Fall, Spring.
PAD 4843. Study Abroad: International Public Administration. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
A lecture/seminar course associated with a study abroad program related to the study and practice of comparative governance. Involves international travel and field trips. May be repeated for credit when the destination country varies. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PAD 4853. Essential Skills for a Career in Public Service (Research Capstone). (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Should be taken in the senior year or with consent of instructor.
The course provides an opportunity for students to develop essential skills for careers in public service. Students consider their career and educational plans after graduation, and gain tools to prepare them for a successful job search. Students then strengthen the following skills: research, writing, critical analysis of contemporary policy issues, and communicating research findings. This is the capstone course for the Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Policy degree but is also open to students in other majors. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: STHC $18; DL01 $75; LRHC $10.
PAD 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisite: Prior approval required, Independent Study Course Form (available in the department or college advising center) signed by the instructor, the student’s undergraduate advisor, Department Chair, and Dean of the College for Health, Community and Policy.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated once for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor's degree. Course Fee: LHRC $10; STHC $6.
PAD 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Prior approval required; Independent Study Course Form (available in the department or college advising center) signed by the instructor, the student’s undergraduate advisor, Department Chair, and Dean of the College for Health, Community and Policy.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated once for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PAD 4933. Internship in Public Administration. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PAD 1113 and PAD 2013; Students must secure an internship placement and seek approval of the Internship Coordinator prior to registering for this course; Contact the Internship Coordinator for support with placements. Supervised experience in an administrative setting that provides the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in public or nonprofit-related agencies. May be repeated for credit in a subsequent semester, but not more than 6 semester credit hours will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fee: STHC $18.
PAD 4936. Internship in Public Administration. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PAD 1113 and PAD 2013; students must secure an internship placement and seek approval of the Internship Coordinator prior to registering for this course; contact the Internship Coordinator for support with placements. Supervised experience in an administrative setting that provides the opportunity to integrate theory and practice in public or nonprofit-related agencies. No more than 6 semester credit hours will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fee: STHC $36.
PAD 4963. Special Topics in Public Administration. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of regular course offerings. Special Topics may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. (Formerly titled "Special Topics in Urban Management Policy.") Course Fee: STHC $18.
PAD 4993. Honors Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Enrollment limited to candidates for Honors in Public Administration during the last two semesters; completion of honors examination and approval by the honors program coordinator.
Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated once with advisor’s approval. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.