Deidra Kelly (Director)

In collaboration with Whitworth's College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Continuing Studies offers a B.A. in public service administration. This interdisciplinary degree builds on the strength of a liberal arts core curriculum, providing the adult student with a balanced and coherent study of the arts, humanities, and natural and social sciences. Whitworth is dedicated to providing an academically excellent liberal arts education that will equip each student with the skills necessary to respond creatively to the personal and professional challenges of life.

Learning outcomes of this major are as follows:

• With regard to knowledge, public service administration graduates will articulate the various functions of public service organizations; understand the broader context in which those organizations operate; and identify the role of public service in society as a whole.
• With regard to skills, public service administration graduates will demonstrate competence in professional writing and public speaking; articulate a style of leading and contributing positively to teams; and develop critical thinking skills required to maintain a sustainable organization.
• With regard to faith and values, public service administration graduates will appreciate civil and global responsibility and respect for the common good; identify and analyze ethical issues specific to the field of public service; and explore their own vocation as it pertains to a career in public service administration.