Political Science or Public Administration? It is a question that often confuses students interested in studying politics at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In this article, we will explore the difference between these two courses, their nature, and objectives, and help you decide which suits your career requirements best.

Political Science and Public Administration are two closely related yet different courses. Both are integral to social studies and impart knowledge that complements each other. However, their nature and objectives are distinct from each other. Political Science focuses on creating a framework for government machinery, while Public Administration works within that framework. In other words, Political Science deals with the government's input, while Public Administration deals with its output. So, students should carefully evaluate their career requirements before deciding which course to pursue.

Political Science Vs Public Administration

To make a wise choice, it is important to understand the purpose of Political Science and Public Administration and the course material. To assist you in choosing the right option, let's take a quick look at both disciplines.

What is Political Science? 

Political science may be the perfect field of study for you if you want to learn how governments function domestically and internationally. According to Aristotle, Political Science is a practical science that aims to achieve the happiness of citizens. It is a specialization of Social Science that involves critical analysis of previous political events and policies to conclude the current ones concerning the betterment of people. Political Science is not just about politics; it requires the inclusion of other social science branches such as Sociology, Economics, History, Public Policy, and others.

Political Science covers a vast scope of study that can be divided into five subdivisions: Political Theory, Public Administration, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Public Laws. Each subdivision covers modern Politics and Economy and would help students understand global politics better. For instance, Political Theory studies political systems' philosophical and moral basis. Public Administration, on the other hand, focuses on implementing government policies and programs. Comparative politics entails researching various political structures and how they operate. The field of international relations includes studying how nations interact, their foreign policy, and the world order. Public laws control how the government works and how that affects society.

In today's changing society, it has become essential for political scientists to have extensive knowledge of everything to conclude. As the field requires the study of Political Behaviour, Political Systems, and their applications, the scope of Political Science is vast. Students pursuing a UG or PG degree in Political Science would be studying a blend of all these subdivisions in their course curriculum. This would help them understand the political scenario comprehensively and provide them with a better experience of the political world.

In sum, political science is an important field that contributes significantly to understanding how the state and government function. To judge current political events and policies for improving people needs critical analysis of earlier political events and policies. Political science has a broad range and may be broken down into five subfields, each examining a different facet of contemporary politics. So, political science is the appropriate topic of study for you if you're interested in learning about politics and improving your awareness of global politics.

What is Public Administration?

Public Administration is a field that deals with the practical application of the laws, regulations and policies set by the government. It focuses on how the government functions and aims to ensure the effective execution of its policies, programmes and schemes for the benefit of the public.

The study of Public Administration involves the examination of various government functions, such as finance, human resource management, policy analysis, public budgeting, and strategic planning. The main aim is to teach students how to implement policies and manage resources efficiently.

PA is a constantly evolving field, so it is essential to keep up with the latest technological advancements and trends to ensure that government policies are carried out smoothly. In the current digital age, technology in governance, also known as E-governance, has become a vital aspect of Public Administration.

The field also places a lot of emphasis on ethics and the importance of public service. PA practitioners are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in their roles, as they are responsible for ensuring that the government serves the public interest.

In conclusion, Public Administration is a discipline essential for any government's functioning. It is a field that requires a thorough understanding of various aspects of governance, including policy-making, resource management, and public service. By pursuing a degree in Public Administration, students can acquire the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage government policies and programmes and serve the public interest.

Political Science v/s Public Administration - Comparison Table

Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between Political Science and Public Administration: