Public Administration Degree

The public administration program at California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo prepares students for careers as a budget analyst, city manager, county clerk, legislative support, lobbyist, non-profit manager, policy analyst, and more. The program focuses on serving as management in the executive arm of local, state, and federal government. Program courses include: roles of public administration, the management of public policy, executive-legislative relations, public budgetary processes and financial management, administrative law, professional ethics, and research methods. Get more details below including other California colleges that offer public administration degrees.

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California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo

60 W Olsen Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA

About
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo, is a public, four year institution that was established in 1901. The school was originally a vocational high school, which changed when it came under the stewardship of the state, resulting in it becoming a two year institution in 1933. By 1942 the school had begun offering four year degree, followed by master's degrees in 1949. By 1960 the school's control was transferred to an independent board of trustees that later became the California State University System. The school is one of two polytechnic institutions in the California State University System, the second being California Polytechnic State University Pomona, which was originally an extension of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo founded in 1938.


Academics
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo offers a large number of bachelor and master degree programs, most of which are dedicated to technical and applied science majors. Bachelor degree programs take approximately four years to complete and require the student take a combination of lower and upper division courses related to their major, general education courses, and elective courses that allow students to experience classes and ideas outside of their major. Additionally, students are able to take on a minor degree through additional courses that confer allow for a second area of study.


Master degree programs require students to have earned the appropriate bachelor's degree to be considered for admission. Students will have to take a graduate exam and have a strong academic record to be considered for admission. Individuals will apply to a program rather than the school, and space for a given program is limited each year.


Programs offered include:

• Animal Science
• Civil Engineering
• Chemistry
• Psychology
• Microbiology

Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals wishing to enroll at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo must complete the application for admission,  provide all pertinent transcripts, write the required essays, provide teacher recommendations and any other information the school may ask for. Students will have their application reviewed by the school, and if they meet or exceed the requirements for admission, the student will be admitted to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Any California residents that meet the California State University GPA to SAT/ACT test score scale will be guaranteed admission to a California State University school, though not necessarily the one they have chosen.


Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA), which is the primary source of information for the school's financial aid department when reviewing student need and aid program eligibility when constructing an aid packet. California residents are also eligible for CalGrants, which are offered based on academic success as well as need. Aid must be applied for prior to each academic year, and students should complete the process early to ensure they meet all posted deadlines.


Athletics
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo participates in athletics through the NCAA Division 1. The school's mascot is Musty the Mustang, and the school maintains a rivalry with UC Santa Barbara. Individuals participating in athletics are required to maintain a certain level of academic performance. Individuals will also learn valuable skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and discipline. Interested students should contact the school's athletic department to begin the process of participation, including tryouts and forms.


Athletic programs include:

• Baseball
• Softball
• Basketball
• Golf
• Indoor Track
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Cross Country
• Football
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

Career Options for Graduates

Chief Executives

Description

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, chief executives employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -1.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
  • Total Employment: 570
  • Average Hourly Rate: $94.62
  • Average Annual Salary: $196820

General and Operations Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, general and operations managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 7.1% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
  • Total Employment: 5
  • Average Hourly Rate: $58.21
  • Average Annual Salary: $121080

Legislators

Description

Develop, introduce or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, State, or Federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, legislators employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -0.7% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
  • Total Employment: 70
  • Average Annual Salary: $57720

Transportation Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate the transportation operations within an organization or the activities of organizations that provide transportation services.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, transportation managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
  • Total Employment: 200
  • Average Hourly Rate: $49.72
  • Average Annual Salary: $103430

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).