Essentials of Public Service is the most accessible, student-friendly introductory Public Administration text on the market. The book prepares students for careers in today’s public service, whether in government or nonprofits. Each chapter teaches the public service context, essential public service skills, and what it takes to do the job, whether managing or providing direct service.

The book is written for both today’s and tomorrow’s public service. In addition to standard chapters on leading, organizing, budgeting, and staffing, this book offers chapters on contracting, financial management in government as well as nonprofits, legal issues, digital democracy, and public integrity, all within a constitutional frame of reference. In our interconnected system of government, nonprofits, and public/private partnerships, students will learn how all the parts fit together.