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The Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Management is tailored to prepare students for administrative and leadership careers in fire science, law and public safety, emergency management, and public administration. Designed with working adults in mind, this program offers a flexible and comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of public management, focusing on applied learning across various disciplines, from policy analysis to organizational leadership.

How It Works

This degree caters to students with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), enabling them to efficiently apply their technical credits toward earning a bachelor’s degree. Eligible degrees include an Associate of Applied Science from accredited community colleges in fields such as Emergency Management, Fire Science, Law and Public Safety, Public Management Technology, or related disciplines. Students can transfer up to 60 credit hours to MSU, including 15 hours of general education core and 45 hours of technical credit.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $419.00
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are well-prepared for leadership and managerial roles within emergency services, law enforcement, fire services, and other public sector agencies. The program equips first responders with the strategic management and leadership skills necessary to ascend to supervisory and executive positions, such as emergency services manager, public safety director, or emergency preparedness coordinator.

Flexible Delivery Options

Focused on crucial skills like crisis management, public policy, ethical leadership, and emergency response planning, the program offers flexible scheduling and online courses for working professionals. It aims to empower first responders to effectively lead and manage in demanding environments, thereby improving public safety and community welfare.

Efficient Timeframe

The time to complete an applied science major varies depending on the specific program and whether the student is attending full-time or part-time. Typically, a full-time student would take two years (4 semesters) to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science.

Entrance Requirement

Students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science or Technology can enroll in this degree program. It does not matter when you earned the degree, but it must be confirmed as completed on an official transcript.

 

What are some potential careers?

 

Degree Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Management, students must complete the following:

  • Completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours.
    • Up to 60 credit hours from an accredited community college may be transferred, with a maximum of 45 hours allowed for technical credit. Approval is required for technical credit to count toward the degree.
    • At least 60 credit hours must be completed at an accredited four-year university.
    • A minimum of 30 credit hours must be taken at MSU.
    • 30 credit hours must be upper-level (courses numbered 3000 and above) major core coursework.
  • Students must maintain a 2.00 MSU GPA and a 2.0 overall GPA to graduate.

Transfer Credit

  • Up to 60 credit hours may be transferred from an accredited community college, with a maximum of 45 hours allowed for technical credit.
  • Students may transfer up to 86 credit hours from an accredited four-year university.
  • For students with a combination of credits from both types of institutions, MSU will accept up to 86 hours in total, but only 60 community college hours will be counted.
  • Half of the program's total credit hours (60 hours) must be completed at an accredited four-year university.
  • Upon admission to the university, the Registrar’s Office will assess and evaluate transfer credits to determine their applicability to MSU's requirements.

Program Structure

To graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Management, students must complete a minimum of 120 hours.

30 Hours of General Education
+36 Hours of Major Core
+9 Hours of University Electives
+45 Hours of General Electives (may include approved technical credit in discipline)
= 120 Hours to Graduation

Admissions Process

Admissions

If you have never attended Mississippi State University, please complete the online Undergraduate Admissions Application.

  • You will choose Applied Science (BAS) in Public Management as your major and Online Education as your campus.
  • Request that official ACT or SAT scores be sent to MSU.
  • Request that your high school send your official transcript. Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
  • Submit a separate official final transcript from each college or university attended; faxed transcripts will not be accepted. An applicant may not ignore previous college attendance and must list all colleges attended on the application for admission. You must be in good standing at the last college or university attended.
  • If you are able to submit official transcripts and other documentation electronically, you may send them to admit@msstate.edu.
  • If you are unable to submit official transcripts and other documentation electronically, you may send them via U.S. Postal Service to:
    Office of Admissions & Scholarships
    P.O. Box 6334
    Mississippi State, MS
    39762
  • All new admits will pay non-refundable application fee online.

Academic Advising

Advising Guidelines:

  • Upon university admission, reach out to your advisor to determine the appropriate courses.
  • Your advisor will email course recommendations to your MSU email account two months before the upcoming semester.
  • Mississippi State University relies on email as its official means of communication for all MSU students.
  • Check your MSU email daily for important updates. Find instructions for setting up your MSU online on the student services website.

Program Reminders

  • Ensure to consult with your advisor if you intend to deviate from the program.
  • If you opt for courses outside your recommended program of study, there is a risk that the classes will not count toward the degree.
  • A student may not receive a BAS degree if the student already has a bachelor’s degree.

Contact Information

Headshot of Kali Dunlap

Dr. Kali Dunlap

Online Education

  • BAS Public Management Faculty & Advisor
662-325-8029
Headshot of Lily Hudson

Lily Hudson

Online Education

  • BAS Public Management Outreach Coordinator
662-325-1559