Bachelor of Science in Public Administration

An Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Justice Studies from an Accredited Institution Plus Approximately 60 Credit Hours

The public administration degree provides an excellent education for police work and many related criminal justice agencies and functions.  It combines the knowledge gained in a criminal justice, justice studies or paralegal program with the administrative skills and perspective needed for career advancement.  The combination can elevate candidates for promotion above individuals who have a more limited preparation in criminal justice alone.  Indeed, it is arguably the best undergraduate educational preparation for advancement in careers associated with the criminal justice system.  Program graduates have served in top level positions in Maine state and local government, including Chief of the Maine State Police, County Sheriff and local Police Chief.

Beyond that, this degree program gives graduates considerable flexibility in career planning, and offers many opportunities for later career change without additional education.  The public administration degree opens up a world of possibilities beyond the boundaries of criminal justice.

The public administration curriculum is comprehensive, covering public sector institutions, the central functional areas of modern administration, and a range of valuable and relevant analytical skills.  It is designed to produce managers with an understanding of modern organizations, a sensitivity to political realities, a grasp of management methods, and a knowledge of the analytical tools needed to illuminate substantive issues.  See the checksheet for a list of the course and degree requirements. Students who already have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or justice studies can add this administrative component, and gain a second bachelor’s degree in public administration, with just 30 credit hours of additional coursework.  See the Postbaccalaureate page for details.

Examples of Positions for which Graduates Might Qualify: 

Law Enforcement Positions

Police Officer through Police Chief
Deputy Sheriff through High Sheriff
State Trooper through State Police Chief
Special Agent of the FBI through several subsequent command positions
Secret Service Agent through several subsequent supervisory positions
Members of the Border Patrol
Officials of the U.S. Immigration Service
U.S. Customs officers
U.S. Drug Enforcement Officers
Officers of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Agency

General Government Positions

Town Manager
Assistant City Manager or City Manager
County Administrator
Municipal or State Budget/Finance Officer
Municipal or State Treasurer
Commissioner of Public Safety
Executive Administrative Assistant
Auditor
Program Review Officer
School Finance and Administration Officer
Officials in not-for-profit organizations
Court Administrator
University Administrative Services Director
Member of Legislative Staff
Equal Opportunity Administrator
Human Resource Administrator
Public Affairs Officer
Officials in a District Attorney’s Office who do not require a law degree
Analyst for Legislative Committee
Manager in a Regulatory Agency
Maine Assistant Secretary of State
Local Airport Manager

For additional information, contact:
David Leach, Program Coordinator
david.leach@maine.edu

Ms. Terry Lawson
207.621.3288