About the School
Letter from the Dean
Hello to all prospective and current students! As Dean of the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education, I want to welcome you to explore our range of exciting undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate program offerings.
From our Criminal Justice, Child Studies, and Psychology programs to our Education, Public Administration, and Counseling & Human Services programs, we offer a focus on the helping professions and skills needed to become a leader and agent of change. And, to meet the various needs of a diverse student body, we offer courses both on campus and online.
In addition to courses offering an engaging and enlightening experience, our instructors have experience in the subject matter. They are well prepared to help you dive deep into the course content and make it personal as you find your path toward success!
Outside of the classroom, the Burke School of Public Service and Education works hard to provide you with a rich array of learning opportunities, as well. Students in most of our programs can take advantage of field placements and internships to get real-world experience as they earn college credits that may lead to quality networking and open professional doors.
Additionally, several faculty members serve as advisors to student-led organizations such as the Emergency Management & Homeland Security Club, the Legal Studies Club, and the Criminal Justice Club, providing even more extracurricular options for you to connect, learn, and engage.
Please reach out if you need more information. It would be my honor to support you on your academic journey!
Onward and upward,
James R. Whitley, J.D.
Dean of the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education
About the School
Since our roots as the Mattoon Shorthand School back in 1890, Post University has been focused on providing educational opportunities in support of the industries of central Connecticut.
Over time, that little school on Bank Street in downtown Waterbury, CT, evolved to begin offering career-focused programs outside the field of business, including in areas of public service, human services, education, and more. And we continue to explore ways to meet the needs of a growing student body, including innovations such as accelerated degree programs or online learning—a space we have been in since 1990.
Today, Post is able to serve the state of Connecticut—and beyond—with college-level educational programs from four distinct schools, including the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education.
In 2012, with great appreciation for his commitment to community service and standout career as a public servant, Post named the School of Public Service and Education after John P. Burke. Our school’s ongoing work and degree offerings focus on advocacy, social justice, equity, capacity-building, diversity, community engagement, and other crucial areas which align with the values and legacy of John P. Burke.
Our Mission
The John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education empowers students to accomplish their academic and career goals by preparing them to anticipate and address society’s most challenging issues while emphasizing an ethical and enduring commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Faculty
Post University is proud to provide the industry experienced faculty our professionally minded students need to improve patient outcomes, advance careers, and achieve more.
For the current list of the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education faculty visit Post’s Faculty Directory and search the school name.
Accreditation & Rankings
Post University is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
In addition, the Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education and the Bachelor of Science in Child Studies programs within the John. P. Burke Schools of Public Service hold programmatic accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
More Information On Institutional & Programatic Accreditation >>
Defining the Man and the School
At the John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education, we seek to make the values and principles illustrated throughout our namesakes career a very real part of our organization and curriculum. We are proud to continuously strive to embody the following:
- Activism
- Advocacy
- Beneficence
- Community Engagement
- Community Leadership
- Diversity
- Empowerment
- Equity
- Inclusion
- Public Service
- Social Justice
- Social Responsibility