Public Management

Public Management

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Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Management

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Distinctive courses designed to develop practical skills for success in public safety and public service environments.

02

Gain hands-on experience in areas such as crisis management, leadership, public administration, emergency response planning, and organizational decision-making.

03

Innovative coursework, partnerships with public safety organizations, applied learning experiences, and strong professional connections within the field.

04

Ideal for students with AAS degrees in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, EMS, or related areas, supporting advancement into leadership roles.

05

Prepares you to become a leader in public service, equipped to manage emergencies, guide teams, and serve your community effectively in an evolving landscape.

Core
Skills

  • Leadership and team coordination in public safety and emergency response settings
  • Data analysis and information management for public sector decision-making
  • Emergency planning, risk assessment, and crisis coordination skills
  • Professional communication for public service, reporting, and community engagement
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving in high-pressure and rapidly changing environments

Sample
Jobs

  • Emergency Management Director
  • Fire Service Officer (e.g., Lieutenant, Captain, Chief)
  • Law Enforcement Supervisor
  • Public Safety Administrator
  • Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Brag
Points

  • Students with Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees can transfer 60 credit hours including technical credit.

Public Management

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Management

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Begin Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree at an accredited community college.
Complete foundational General Education courses (7–8 courses).
Start technical specialty coursework in your chosen field (e.g., fire science, emergency management, law enforcement, emergency medical services).

2nd Year

Complete remaining General Education requirements. Finish technical specialty coursework (45 technical elective hours). Graduate with Associate of Applied Science degree.

3rd Year

Begin upper-division coursework in the BAS in Business Office Technology program. Take required PCS courses, including Intro to Bachelor of Applied Science and Professional Leadership Strategies. Work with your academic advisor to build a schedule that fits your goals and personal commitments. Continue completing remaining General Education courses as needed. Evaluate Prior Learning Recognition opportunities to potentially shorten your path to graduation.

4th Year

Complete remaining upper-division coursework in professional success strategies, personnel management for public sector, communication and leadership, and administrative management and procedures. Work closely with your advisor to ensure you are on track to meet the 120-credit graduation requirement. Wrap up any outstanding General Education or elective requirements.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Explore part-time jobs or volunteer opportunities in public safety, emergency services, or community-based roles.
Develop technical and operational skills through hands-on training, coursework, or field-based experiences.
Practice professional communication and report writing in class assignments and real-world scenarios.

2nd Year

Apply for internships, co-op programs, or part-time work in public safety agencies, emergency management offices, or community organizations. Build your portfolio by saving high-quality class projects, reports, or training documentation that demonstrate your professional and technical skills. Refine your technical and operational skills and explore relevant certifications or training opportunities in your field, if available.

3rd Year

Engage fully in course-based experiential learning, such as simulations, team projects, and mock interviews.
Apply what you’re learning to your current job, internship, or volunteer work, if applicable.
Start identifying skills you want to strengthen based on course feedback and self-reflection.

4th Year

Use course assignments to build a professional portfolio that showcases your strengths and skills.
Fill in any experience gaps through volunteering, part-time work, or additional training.
Consider participating in employer networking opportunities or informational interviews to explore career options.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Volunteer with local nonprofits, community centers, or school offices to build organizational and interpersonal skills.
Join campus clubs, student government, or honor societies to enhance leadership and teamwork experience.

2nd Year

Seek out leadership roles in student clubs, honor societies, or community service organizations.
Participate in local business networking events, career fairs, or volunteer projects related to administration or customer service.
Mentor first-year students or volunteer for peer-led initiatives on campus.

3rd Year

Join campus or virtual student organizations related to public service, management, or leadership.
Look for opportunities to get involved in community initiatives or professional associations.
Network with peers, faculty, and staff who can support your academic and career journey.

4th Year

Continue engaging with student or professional organizations.
Seek leadership roles in volunteer or service activities related to your field.
Attend campus or virtual events that promote community building and professional connections.

Explore the World

1st Year

Attend campus or local events that explore cultural diversity and global perspectives.
Take electives or Gen Ed courses with an international or cross-cultural focus, such as global studies or world history.
Follow global public service trends through podcasts, news outlets, or student discussion forums.

2nd Year

Explore virtual events, webinars, or community college programs that promote global awareness or public service trends.
If possible, participate in cultural awareness weeks or events to better understand workplace diversity.
 

3rd Year

Take electives or attend campus events that explore access, opportunity, and success in the workplace.
Participate in discussions or assignments that address international trends in public management and leadership.
Explore global or multicultural dimensions of administrative work through research or readings.

4th Year

Apply workplace skills and knowledge to real-world challenges involving global or cross-cultural perspectives.
Take advantage of any study abroad or virtual international experiences if available.
 

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Visit your community college’s career services to explore job shadowing or early résumé building.
Create a basic résumé and start documenting skills and experience.
Identify your career interests and begin exploring how your AAS degree aligns with transfer or advancement options.

2nd Year

Update your résumé with new experience, skills, and accomplishments.
Practice interview skills through mock interviews or workshops offered by your career center.
Begin exploring Mississippi State’s BAS in Public Management program and connect with an MSU advisor to start planning your transfer.

3rd Year

Visit the Career Center to refine your résumé and begin exploring job opportunities or graduate school options.
Attend networking events, job fairs, or industry panels when available.
Connect with MSU alumni working in public service fields to learn more about their career paths.

4th Year

Meet with the Career Center for job search support, interview preparation, and résumé review.
Apply for full-time positions or graduate programs aligned with your goals.
Polish your LinkedIn profile and start applying for positions that match your skills and interests.
Celebrate your accomplishments!

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