Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA)

Polytechnic University of the Philippines, on its journey to become a National Polytechnic University, supports the advocacy of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for the implementation of blended learning. This supports a transition from an instruction-centered paradigm to a learner-centered framework for an industry-responsive curriculum.

The Bachelor of Public Administration degree emphasizes social responsibility and civic participation, making it an ideal field of study for those who appreciate working with people. This program also emphasizes ethical decision-making and ethical behavior, preparing students to face the issues and challenges that our diverse communities face. This program prepares students for careers in public administration and government for public services and interests, as well as for leading and managing advocacy and service delivery initiatives for the general welfare.

Program Description

The BPA program aims to develop public servants, leaders, and change agents with the required competencies, 21st-century skills, and values to serve as professionals in government, civil society, and international organizations.

BPA prepares its graduates for technical and administrative positions in government, including the foreign service and civil society. It is also a good preparation for those interested in taking up law and graduate studies. Graduates of the program can be employed as technical assistants, researchers, and managers with the aim of becoming executives and decision-makers in the future.

Public Administration is an allied field of management and the social sciences.

Program Learning Outcomes

As postulated in CMO 15, S 2019, the BPA program leads to an advanced research qualification and devoted to advanced study and original research. Its graduates are expected to demonstrate the following:

1. Display knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the study and practice of public administration and good governance;

2. Manifest high appreciation for the imperatives and challenges of public service in the context of Philippine and global realities;

3. Practice ethical values for public service and adherence to the principles of accountability, responsiveness, nationalism and democracy;

4. Practice strong sense of duty to promote and protect public interest especially for the depressed and the marginalized communities;

5. Show basic skills in management including planning, implementation, monitoring and human, material and resource management for government and civil society organizations;

6. Engage in basic scientific policy, planning, and implementation research vital for local or national decision-making; and

7. Display responsiveness and resiliency through required life skills and multiple intelligences toward lifelong learning.

Job Targets

BPA prepares its graduates for technical and administrative positions in the government, civil society and international (development) organizations. It is also a good preparation for those interested in taking up Law or Foreign Service. Graduates can look forward to executive and policy-making positions in government, civil society and international development organizations.

Entry-level job

• Technical assistants in government and international organizations.

• Researchers and trainers in government, civil society and academic institutions

• Administrative Staff in Executive and LGU Offices

• Legislative Staff in the Congress

• Development or project officers of small and medium-sized voluntary sector or civil society and international development organizations

• Elective Position in Local Government Units

Advanced Office Positions

• Executives in national and local government institutions including government-owned, controlled corporations

• Elective positions in local and national government

• Faculty members and administrators in academic institutions

• Executives in national, regional and international organizations

• Development or program managers of large voluntary sector or civil society organizations