Grand Canyon University offers relevant degrees in public administration and criminal justice, specifically that of a Bachelor of Arts in Government with an Emphasis in Public Administration. Through this degree path, students are taught to more fully understand the inner workings of local and state government by way of classes in both state and federal constitutions, political behavior, international politics, government affairs and public administration, each of which can help prepare the student-learner for a career in either field. Through these classes, they can acquire a wealth of information on the inner workings of federal, state and local government, as well as the critical role that public administrators play in the realm of criminal justice and among its members. This baseline of fundamental knowledge is established through regular discussion and debate, further augmented by building upon skills of research and informational analysis and synthetization.
Armed with a comprehensive understanding of government dynamics, students at GCU can be poised for a future in public administration, and equipped to confront public administration issues and the pressing challenges of maintaining fair and equitable law and order.
To accomplish this, students will be tasked with meeting competences important to their prospective field. Delving into the intricacies of public organization, needs assessment and strategic planning, as well as conflict resolution and decision-making, they will face the challenge of molding the learned information into an effective mindset, one which can serve as a stable foundation with which they will build upon throughout their careers.
Through active communication with their professors and regular collaboration with their in-class colleagues, students may find themselves in a position to enter into professions in which they may be able to build public trust necessary to foster a new and enduring measure of community engagement. There is no replacement for a well-functioning public administration; one that positively influences the responsiveness and effectiveness of criminal justice initiatives, and GCU Public Administration graduates are primed to lead the way.
