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Public Administration and Community Development

Are you ready for a career in community or public service? The Public Administration and Community Development (PACD) major is an innovative degree that trains the next generation of community leaders in the public and non-profit sectors.

You will explore the geographic, social, legal and economic foundations that build successful rural and urban communities.

Degree
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Campus
Prince George
Credits
120 credits,  4 Years,
Part-time available
Experiential Learning
Co-op
Honours Option
No
Intakes
Jan,  May,  Sep

Program Details

You will study planning and policy best practices, consensus-building techniques, finance, ethics, and law in the context of the different levels of government, the public sector, and non-profit organizations. 

Apply these principles to real-world issues of sustainability, resource development, budgeting, marketing, health, public finance and more. 

Explore three streams based on your personal interest and career goals: 

1.    Local public administration

2.    Indigenous community development

3.    Planning

Program Website Academic Calendar

Career Paths

  • Community development manager
  • Non-profit organization leader
  • Land and resources manager
  • Journalist
  • Legislative assistant
  • First Nations/Band administration
  • Civic administration
  • Economic development officer
  • Fundraising manager
This degree provides a strong foundation for further studies in disciplines such as education, social work, and law, or for pursuing your master's and PhD.

Why at UNBC

  • Learn from expert faculty who are active in public service and recognized for their groundbreaking research and approach to teaching
  • Participate in exciting internships and other experiential learning opportunities with a focus on northern B.C. and First Nations settings
  • Tailor studies to interdisciplinary or specialization based on interest and career plans
UNBC motto

'En Cha Huná

UNBC’s motto, from the Dakelh (Carrier) Elders, reminds us that all people have a voice and a viewpoint. Interpreted as “respecting all forms of life,” 'En Cha Huná encapsulates the spirit of academic freedom, respect for others, and willingness to recognize different perspectives.

Admission Requirements

High School Requirements (applicable for B.C. and Yukon)

Overall average of 65% minimum in the following:

  • English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
  • Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
  • Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
  • Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
  • Additional Grade 12 Course (Elective or Academic)

Domestic Admission Requirements

View the full list of Approved Academic Grade 12 Courses

More high school admission requirements (including out-of-province, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement)

Transfer Requirements

  • Have attempted at least 15 credit hours of post-secondary transferrable coursework from a recognized institution
  • Be in good academic standing at the transfer institution
  • Have a 2.0 GPA from the most recent 30 credits prior to transfer
  • For the purposes of verifying any outstanding first-year prerequisites, high school transcripts may be requested

Detailed transfer requirements

Tuition and Fees

Approximate Costs per Academic Year

(30 credit hours, 10 courses)

  Domestic International
Tuition* $5,870 $24,770
Student Fees* $1,185 $1,185
Books* $1,700 $1,700

* Tuition, fees and books are subject to change and vary among programs.

Tuition and Fees

Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

View the hundreds of available scholarships, bursaries, and awards.

  • 1 in 4 students receive a UNBC financial award.
  • $3,500,000 in financial awards given each year.
Awards and Financial Aid Information for Indigenous Students

We Are Here to Help

This is your personal guide through every step of the admissions process. We are here for one reason: to support you. We help every part of the admissions process make sense. Just ask us.

Email: futurestudents@unbc.ca
Phone: 250-960-6306

Contact a Student Recruitment Officer