Overview

Students majoring in Public Administration at James Madison University take courses in U.S. politics and policy, public and nonprofit management, economics, and research methodology.

Interested students may apply in their sophomore year to participate in the Fifth-Year Master of Public Administration degree program, which allows qualified students to earn an MPA degree with one additional year of study. The vast network of alumni helps students transition to careers in government, consulting, policy advocacy, communications and the non-profit sector.

Key Features

The major in Public Administration at James Madison University provides students with a general foundation in the nature of public policy, the public workplace and its political, legal and managerial environments.

This major prepares students for professional employment and leadership in government and nonprofit organizations. The program consists of a core of courses offering general knowledge essential for understanding and working in the public arena.

This core provides students with an appreciation of the political culture and economic environment of public work, measurement techniques and a basic understanding of the policy process.

Careers

Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose unrelated careers that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.

Advisor

Airport Manager

Building Code Compliance Officer

Campaign Manager

Chamber of Commerce Director

Child Welfare Administrator

City Manager / City Planner

College Student Services Director

Community Affairs Director

Community Development Advisor

Community Services Director

Comptroller

Consumer Advocate

Cultural Affairs Director

Donor Relations Assistant

Programme Structure

Courses include:

U.S. Government

Macroeconomics

Public Policy

Public Administration

Research Methods in POSC

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Fall deadline for national students: January 15

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Harrisonburg, United States

Disciplines

Public Administration View 198 other Bachelors in Public Administration in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Submitted online application

Official transcripts (complete and original copy, in English)

Proof of English language proficiency (non-native speakers)

One letter of recommendation

Copies of your temporary visa documents

Financial certification form

$70 Application Fee

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

31906 USD / year

≈ 31906 USD / year
Out-of-State

31906 USD / year

≈ 31906 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14300 USD / year

≈ 14300 USD / year

Living costs

Harrisonburg

United States

1050 - 1715 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Public Administration.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Features

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Harrisonburg

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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