What are the qualifications for the BAAS degree?

1. To qualify for the BAAS degree, you must work or have worked for a public, government, nonprofit or military agency or other agencies related to public administration.
2. Eligibility for credits is based on documented training hours verified by an official licensing authority such as TCOLE, State Fire Training, US Military training or other documented training related to public service (work experience or years of service cannot be used to receive credit).
   • Full 33 Credits: Requires 496 documented training hours.
   • Partial Credit (12 to 32 Credits): Requires a minimum of 180 documented training hours.
3. Firefighter Tuition and Fee Waiver Information: Firefighters employed or volunteer with a political subdivision of the State of Texas qualify for a tuition waiver for all courses as outlined by Texas Education Code 54.353. This tuition waiver applies to any firefighter who meets the program requirements for a volunteer firefighter or works for a fire department, public safety agency, or other emergency response organizations and does so within a political subdivision in the state of Texas. To read this legislation, please visit the link: College For All Texans: Firefighters Enrolled in Fire Science Courses  

Steps and qualifications:

1. To receive the Tuition waiver, the applicant must be certified as a Firefighter or Volunteer by a responsible official in the department/agency they serve. (Volunteer firefighters have additional requirements).
2. It is suggested to have the tuition waiver submitted in April for the Fall term and in November for the Spring term for timely approval. The summer sessions (when offered) will be submitted 30 days prior to the course’s start date.
3. Eligibility for tuition waivers will be certified by the Public Administration Faculty and Financial Aid Staff.
4. Tuition waivers, when approved, will be transmitted to the Registrar’s Office for processing.
5. Approved applicants are responsible for paying university fees not covered by the tuition waiver. The waiver does not cover courses outside of the degree plan. Thus, only coursework tied to the Major is part of the waiver process.
6. After establishing the degree plan, please download the waiver form below. Please submit one email to financial aid at  [email protected]. Please make sure the form you submit is legible and clear. This form and all documents MUST be submitted each semester that a student enrolls in one or more courses.
   1. Fill out and submit the form below along with other noted documents (see Tarleton Firefighter Exemption Application).
   2. Selective service eligibility through sss.gov (all male students)
   3. A letter from the Fire Chief or Human Resources director that states you are a full-time firefighter or Volunteer Firefighter. This must be on agency letterhead.

Course Highlights

Class	Number	Class Name
PUAD	3301	Principles of PA
PUAD	3302	Intergovernmental Relations
PUAD	3303	Intro to Public Policy
PUAD	3305	Intro to Public Budgeting
PUAD	4304	Organizational Behavior in PA
PUAD	4305	HR Management in PA
PUAD	4317	Capstone in PA
PUAD	4318	PA Ethics
PUAD	4319	Professional Writings in PA (WI)

Accreditations

• Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

How Do You Get Started on Your Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration?

Take the next step toward earning your bachelor’s degree in public administration. We have the resources to help you get started. Speak with faculty from public administration by emailing [email protected].

1. Submit Tarleton State’s Admission Application. 
2. Please visit the Tarleton State University Admissions page

Plan Your Future