St. John's University

What you'll study

The programme combines theoretical foundations in public administration with applied skills in policy analysis, management and research. Courses emphasise real‑world public service challenges and the administrative tools needed to design, implement and evaluate public programmes.

• Introduction to Public Administration: history and theories of public administration, public sector values and comparative administrative systems.
• Public Policy Analysis: policy formulation, stakeholder analysis, tools for evaluating policy options and impact assessment.
• Public Finance and Budgeting: government budgeting processes, fiscal policy, revenue systems and financial management in the public sector.
• Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources: leadership in public organisations, personnel management, labour relations and change management.
• Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis: statistics, programme evaluation methods, survey design and data interpretation for public decision‑making.
• Ethics, Law and Accountability: public ethics, administrative law, transparency and accountability mechanisms.
• Urban Policy and Community Development: city governance, housing, urban planning and community engagement—reflecting the programme’s metropolitan context.
• Nonprofit Management and Public‑Private Partnership: governance of NGOs, fundraising, grant writing and collaboration across sectors.
• Internship / Capstone Project: supervised practical placement or research project that integrates classroom learning with applied public service experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised secondary school leaving qualification. Admission decisions take a holistic view of academic achievement, personal statement and recommendations. Typical considerations include:

• A completed secondary school diploma or equivalent, with satisfactory grades in core subjects.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating readiness for undergraduate study; specific GPA expectations vary by applicant pool.
• A personal statement outlining interest in public service, community involvement or related experience.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can attest to academic ability and suitability for the field.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or prior education in English.
• Mature applicants and those with relevant work or volunteer experience are encouraged to apply; additional documentation may be requested.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for entry‑level and mid‑level roles across the public, nonprofit and private sectors where understanding public systems is essential. Common career paths include:

• Local and municipal government positions such as programme coordinator, policy analyst or administrative officer.
• State and federal public service roles in areas like budgeting, regulatory compliance and public information.
• Nonprofit sector roles including programme management, development and grant administration.
• Advocacy, community organising and public affairs positions with interest groups and NGOs.
• Consultancy and project management in firms working with government clients.
• Graduates often pursue further study—such as a master’s in public administration (MPA), public policy or related fields—when aiming for senior leadership or specialised policy roles.

Why study at St. John's University

St. John’s offers the advantages of a university located in a major metropolitan area, providing strong connections to municipal agencies, nonprofits and civic organisations for internships and practical experience. The programme benefits from faculty with public service and research backgrounds, opportunities for community‑based learning, and access to the university’s career services and alumni network.

Students can combine classroom theory with experiential placements in New York and beyond, developing the professional skills and local knowledge that employers in the public sector value. The university’s commitment to service and ethical leadership complements the programme’s emphasis on accountable, community‑oriented administration.