Public Management

Bachelor of Applied Science
Public Management

Transform your public service passion into leadership success with our Public Management program, offered both on our Starkville campus and online. Begin your journey to excellence today.

About the Program

KEY INFORMATION: We are excited to announce the introduction of a new major within the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program at Mississippi State University that started in January 2024. This innovative major replaces the previous emphasis area in Public Management emphasis area.

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Management is tailored to meet the needs of experienced professionals with an associate degree in public safety majors, such as fire science, law enforcement, or emergency medical services. Many municipalities and public safety departments now require a bachelor's degree for higher-level designations, such as manager or chief. This program equips students with essential knowledge and skills for leadership positions in public safety and is available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats.

Salary and Career Information

BAS in Public Management Salary and Career Information

 

Emergency Management Directors

Number of Jobs: 10,600

Median Pay: $76,730/year

Predicted Employment Change: +900

% Projected Outlook: 2% (2024)

Outlook: MODERATE

Fire Officer

Number of Jobs: 82,800

Median Pay: $78,230/year

Predicted Employment Change: +6,500

% Projected Outlook: 6% (2024)

Outlook: GOOD

Police Captain

Number of Jobs: 189,300

Median Pay: $76,624/year

Predicted Employment Change: +10,000

% Projected Outlook: 5% (2024)

Outlook: GOOD

At a Glance

Program Snapshot

 

Program Format: Face-to-Face and Online

Number of Credit Hours: 120 Total Hours

Entry Term: Fall, Spring, Summer

Time to Complete: 4-5 semesters

Major Map

Degree Map

 

Ensure a smooth journey to graduation with our tailored degree pathway, organizing your courses semester by semester, year by year, for optimal progression in your transfer major.

Degree Map Image

Public Management
Courses

The courses below are the most common course selections from the Public Management BAS major.

PCS 2111 Introduction to the Bachelor of Applied Science

Time 1 HOUR  |  Location  Online

PCS 3003 Workplace Communication and Collaboration for Professionals

Time 3 HOURS  |  Location   Starkville, Online

PCS 3103 Professional Leadership Strategies

Time 3 HOURS  |  Location  Online

PCS 4003 Personnel Management for the Public Sector

Time 3 HOURS  |  Location  Online

CO 3803 Principles of Public Relations

Time 3 HOURS  |  Location   Online

CO 4043 Communication and Leadership

Time 3 HOURS  |  Location  Starkville, Online

MGT 3113 Principles of Management

Time 3 HOURS  |  Location   Starkville, Online

MGT 3823 Socially Responsible Leadership

Time 3 HOURS  |  Location  Starkville, Online

PS 3193 Intergovernmental Relations

Time 3 HOURS  |  Location   Starkville, Online

PS 4703 Principles of Public Administration

Time 3 HOURS  |  Location   Starkville, Online

TECH 3133 Administrative Management and Procedures

Time 3 HOURS  |  Location   Starkville, Online

TECH 4263 Diversity in Work and Educational Environments

Time 3 HOURS  |  Location   Starkville, Online

PCS 4112 Professional Success Strategies in Applied Fields

Time 2 HOURS  |  Location   Starkville, Online

Benefits

Built for Working Adults Ready to Finish Strong

 
  • Designed for Your Career Path – Choose a major that aligns with where you want to go, not where you started.
  • Transfer Friendly – Bring in prior college or technical credits and apply them toward your degree.

  • Real-World Learning – Courses are built around practical skills you can use immediately on the job.
  • Faculty with Industry Experience – Learn from professionals who understand today’s workforce.
  • Multiple Career Pathways – Graduate prepared for advancement, leadership roles, or graduate study.

Explore Career-Focused Degree Options

Explore Career-Focused Degree Options

 

Choose a program designed to move you forward. Each major is built to help you advance in your field, transition careers, or step into leadership roles.

These programs are offered through Mississippi State University’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree pathway.

Public Management
Start Your Journey Today

Apply your experience to earn an advanced degree.

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