Programs

Choose from one of over 50 programs at your convenience, online or on-site at an extended campus.

Public Service (minor)

Degree: Minor Cost: $285 per credit hour *
College of Business and Public Administration: Department of Urban Studies and Public Administration Required: 12 credit hours
Course Delivery Modes: Online asynchronousAccess course material online from any location and complete coursework at your own pace. Locations: 1
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The Public Service minor provides students with a solid theoretical foundation in the study and practice of public service, preparing students for citizenship, leadership, and careers in governmental and non-profit agencies and encouraging a spirit of volunteerism. In addition to preparation for public service careers, this minor will provide a foundation for students headed into graduate studies in public administration and public affairs.

Specific goals of the Public Service minor are to help students prepare to:

  • deliver and manage public programs,
  • address critical issues in social programs,
  • provide public safety,
  • preserve natural resources,
  • improve the quality of life,
  • build and bridge communities,
  • strengthen democratic governance,
  • address public service ethics,
  • enter graduate level study in public affairs,
  • lead change in public policy, and
  • embrace civic responsibility.

Courses in the Public Service minor have no pre-requisites.

NEXT: Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Admission to ODU as a degree-seeking student.

NEXT: Careers

This minor may be beneficial for anyone working in the public sector, including city managers, policy analysts, nurses, firefighters, teachers, and employees in nonprofit organizations.

NEXT: Cost

Undergraduate Distance Learning Tuition Rates

Tuition Classification Cost per credit hour
Virginia residents (with Virginia domicile) $285
Students living outside of Virginia $285
* In Virginia but without Virginia domicile $807


Rates are subject to change. Please visit the Office of Finance web site for complete tuition details.

* For questions about domicile or “in-state” status as it applies to tuition rates, please visit the University Registrar web site.

NEXT: Curriculum

There are a total of 12 credit hours required. There are no prerequisites.

Core courses (six credit hours total):

  • PAS 300  Foundations of Public Service
  • PAS 301  Accountability, Governance, and Ethics

PAS elective (three credit hours total):

  • PAS 410 Public and Non-Profit Organization, or 
  • PAS 411 Multi-Sector Partnerships for Public Service, or
  • PAS 395 Special Topics

Other elective (three credit hours total):

  • PAS 368 Internship
  • PAS 497 Independent Study 
  • POLS 300 Introduction to Public Policy 
  • POLS 309 Race, Culture, and Public Policy 
  • PHIL 301 Social and Political Philosophy 
  • SOC 300 Social Problems 
  • SOC 325 Social Welfare 
  • CRJS 444 Community Justice 
  • HMSV 441 Non-Profit Fund-Raising in Human Services

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