Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Bachelor of Public Administration Program at Khon Kaen University is fundamentally designed to produce graduates capable of leading public sector organizations towards a more just, efficient, and sustainable future. The program's core philosophy emphasizes the application of administrative knowledge to foster local and national development, with an explicit commitment to achieving sustainable development. This foundational principle ensures a deep and integrated alignment with the UN's 2030 Agenda. The curriculum's primary strength lies in its direct contribution to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Through comprehensive coursework in public policy, organizational management, public finance, and ethics, the program equips future administrators with the tools to build and maintain effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. It directly addresses the need for good governance, anti-corruption measures, and responsive, inclusive decision-making. Furthermore, the program's focus on local governance and urban development provides a strong link to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), preparing graduates to manage the complexities of modern urban and rural environments. By teaching public sector human resource and financial management, it also supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), ensuring the public sector can operate efficiently and ethically. The program fosters a broad understanding of social dynamics and policy impacts, contributing to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). As a university degree, it is an archetype of SDG 4 (Quality Education), while its courses on comparative administration and development cooperation build the foundation for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Best Practices
Bachelor of Public Administration, The College of Local Administration (COLA) at Khon Kaen University (KKU) has driven a critical mission to cultivate "Future Public Affairs Leaders" who not only possess theoretical knowledge but also have the expertise to truly manage problems and create change at the local and national levels.
This curriculum is designed to produce personnel with practical operational skills within the complex environment of modern public administration and public affairs.
The curriculum focuses on Experiential Learning through core course clusters that emphasize the systematic integration of knowledge to solve public problems. Core operational courses offer students the opportunity to experience the real world of work before graduation, which include: Co-operative Education in Public Affairs: Emphasizes full-scale on-site practical work to train problem-solving in real agencies. Research Project in Public Affairs: Develops research skills to find innovative management approaches. Training or Internship Abroad: Expands the worldview of public administration in an international context.
This strategic focus results in the evident outcome of producing graduates who are ready for diverse careers in the public sector, private sector, and non-profit organizations, especially in Local Governance Management, which is a key mechanism for driving the country.
This success leads to a sustainable impact on society by elevating the standards of public affairs administration to be effective, transparent, and truly responsive to the needs of the local population.
The curriculum activity is therefore clearly strategically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on driving SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) in creating strong institutions and promoting access to reliable information, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in continuously building cooperation networks with public and private agencies both domestically and internationally.
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: This program provides high-quality tertiary education focused on public service. It equips students with the essential skills in research, policy analysis, and management needed for effective careers in governance and public sector leadership, promoting lifelong learning and skills for employment.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 155 201 | Research Methodology in Social Sciences | Provides students with advanced technical and research skills highly relevant for employment and evidence-based policymaking in the public sector (Target 4.4). |
| 152 498 | Cooperative Education in Public Administration | Offers an extensive work placement, ensuring students acquire substantial technical and vocational skills for employment and lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3 & 4.4). |
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthAlignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to decent work and economic growth by preparing competent public sector managers. Courses on human resource and financial management ensure that graduates can foster fair employment practices and manage public resources effectively to support sustainable economic policies.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 152 231 | Human Resource Management in the Public Sector | Aligns with promoting decent work by teaching fair and effective employment practices within public institutions (Target 8.5). |
| 152 321 | Public Financial and Budget Management | Contributes to sustainable economic growth by educating on the efficient management of public funds and resource utilization (Target 8.4). |
SDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesAlignment Summary: The program addresses the reduction of inequalities by training public administrators to formulate and implement equitable public policies. Students learn to analyze social issues and develop strategies that promote social inclusion and equal opportunities for all members of society.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 152 201 | Public Policy | Directly supports the goal of reducing inequalities by teaching students how to develop and implement policies that ensure equal opportunity and social inclusion (Target 10.3). |
| 152 452 | Public Administration and Social Justice | Explicitly focuses on ensuring social justice through public administration, which is fundamental to reducing inequalities and promoting the social inclusion of all (Target 10.2). |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesAlignment Summary: This curriculum directly supports the development of sustainable communities through its focus on local governance and urban management. It prepares graduates to plan, manage, and lead public initiatives that make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 152 341 | Local Government | Focuses on the governance of local communities, aligning with the goal of strengthening national and regional development planning for sustainable communities (Target 11.A). |
| 152 443 | Metropolitan and Urban Administration | Directly addresses the management of urban areas, contributing to the development of inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities (Target 11.3). |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: The entire Bachelor of Public Administration program is fundamentally aligned with SDG 16. It is dedicated to educating future public servants on the principles of good governance, ethical conduct, public policy, and institutional management, which are the cornerstones of building peaceful, just, and strong institutions.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 152 101 | Introduction to Public Administration | Provides foundational knowledge of governance, which is essential for developing effective, accountable, and transparent public institutions (Target 16.6). |
| 152 201 | Public Policy | Teaches the process of policy formulation, which is central to ensuring responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making (Target 16.7). |
| 152 453 | Good Governance and Sustainable Development | Directly links the principles of good governance—such as transparency and anti-corruption—with the achievement of sustainable development, embodying the core of SDG 16 (Target 16.5). |
| 152 462 | Public Sector Ethics | Focuses on developing ethical conduct in public service, which is critical to substantially reducing corruption and bribery in all their forms (Target 16.5). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The program fosters the skills needed for effective partnerships by educating students on inter-governmental relations, policy coherence, and collaborative governance. Graduates are prepared to work across different sectors and levels of government to support the achievement of the SDGs.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 152 494 | Seminar in Public Administration | Promotes knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder dialogue on policy issues, enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.16 & 17.17). |
| 152 451 | Development Administration | Studies the administration of development programs, which often involves collaboration between government, NGOs, and international partners, thus supporting partnerships for the goals. |