Public Administration
Minor (M)
Undergraduate Minor
Allendale • Face to face • 21 Credits
Public and nonprofit administration prepares students for leadership and management roles in the public and nonprofit sectors.
Overview
Grand Valley's Public and Nonprofit Administration minor prepares students for careers in public service and nonprofit management. The curriculum emphasizes ethical judgment, critical thinking, and core management skills, supported by dedicated faculty.
The curriculum is designed to equip students with essential skills in public service and nonprofit management. It covers a broad range of topics, including strategic planning, ethical decision-making, financial management, and policy analysis. The program emphasizes practical application through internships, ensuring students gain hands-on experience and are well-prepared for leadership roles in their communities and various professional settings.
A minor in public administration is useful for a wide variety of majors and can open the door to exciting careers in public service.
School of Community Leadership and Development
[email protected]
288C DeVos Center
(616) 331-6575
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 38,103.60 | 10% |
| $ 41,910.92 | 25% |
| $ 49,297.78 | 50% |
| $ 61,063.45 | 75% |
| $ 66,506.27 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Top skills- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 49,976.69 | 10% |
| $ 63,267.73 | 25% |
| $ 81,155.08 | 50% |
| $ 96,542.71 | 75% |
| $119,915.05 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 75,676.08 | 10% |
| $ 91,009.38 | 25% |
| $114,354.20 | 50% |
| $159,180.87 | 75% |
| $196,247.54 | 90% |
Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.
Top skills- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 36,465.67 | 10% |
| $ 41,008.49 | 25% |
| $ 47,118.36 | 50% |
| $ 60,503.73 | 75% |
| $ 77,122.57 | 90% |
Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
Top skills- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 36,768.16 | 10% |
| $ 45,978.79 | 25% |
| $ 61,159.97 | 50% |
| $ 83,095.64 | 75% |
| $112,557.80 | 90% |
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
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Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Students Leaving a Mark (SLAM)
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Students Leaving A Mark (SLAM) is a student organization of Grand Valley State University that is dedicated to providing its members with academic, cultural, and social opportunities to enrich the students’ professional leadership potential in the field of nonprofit management, leadership, and social entrepreneurship.
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
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