Online Public Administration Degrees

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Public administration positions involve overseeing public policy implementation, operations, and personnel in government or nonprofit organizations. Public administrators usually value public service and possess advanced skills in policy analysis, implementation, and evaluation.

Public administration degrees often include courses in management, budgeting, ethics, and policy. Many graduates of bachelor's programs in the field pursue a master's in public administration degree. Public administration degree graduates often work in government and nonprofit organizations. Other degree-holders secure positions in compliance-assurance and consulting services. This guide explores the benefits of earning a public administration degree, along with typical curricula and scholarship opportunities.

Questions to Ask About Public Administration Degrees

What Are the Goals of a Public Administration Degree?

Public administration degrees help students cultivate leadership, management, research, and communication skills. Curricula vary by school, program, and concentration. However, most public administration programs feature coursework on public administration management, ethics, research, and public policy. Specialization options may include criminal justice, healthcare, urban development, and homeland security.

Students can pursue a BA or BS in public administration. Bachelor of arts programs typically include more liberal arts coursework. Bachelor of science programs usually feature more focused public administration classes. Learners can also earn a bachelor of business administration with a concentration in public administration.

Why Get a Public Administration Degree?

Earning a public administration degree can lead to various personal and professional advantages. Graduates often qualify for promotions and salary increases, and degree-holders often benefit from the professional connections they make during their studies.

Courses in Public Administration

A bachelor's degree in public administration usually requires about 120 credits. Learners complete major coursework, general education requirements, and electives. Graduates of associate programs in the field often enroll in affordable online bachelor's in public administration programs. Associate degree-holders typically complete 45-60 additional credits and graduate in about two years.

Major coursework usually covers topics including public administration research methods, ethics, and management. During an internship, enrollees gain practical experience at an approved site.

Specialized public administration course topics may include justice administration, nonprofit resource development and management, project management, and nonprofit accountability. The courses below appear in many public administration bachelor's programs.

• Introduction to Public Administration

  This introductory course surveys public policy and government organizations. Enrollees learn about public organizations' financing, employment, and methods for supporting citizens. Degree-seekers examine key issues involving authority, accountability, and discretion in public administration.

• Quantitative Methods for Public Administration

  This core course helps learners develop skills in quantitative analysis, statistics, and data analysis. Students learn about various ways that public organizations use data. This course often serves as a prerequisite for advanced courses, senior seminars, and capstone research projects.

• Managing People in Public Organizations

  This class examines public-sector human resources management. Key topics include recruitment, compensation, diversity management, and personnel reform. Enrollees also explore past, present, and future management challenges. Many programs offer a curriculum concentration in personnel management.

• Diversity and Social Equity in Public Administration

  This course focuses on race, ethnicity, and gender diversity issues in public policy and leadership. Degree-seekers explore historical, sociopolitical, and economic factors that shape perspectives on public policy and democratic participation. Most public administration bachelor's programs require this course.

• Public Service Internship

  Many bachelor's students in the field complete an internship near the end of their studies. Many online bachelor's in public administration programs help enrollees find local internship sites that align with their career goals. Interns can apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom and receive mentorship and guidance from experienced public servants.

Career and Salary Outlook for Public Administration

Graduates of public administration bachelor's degrees often pursue leadership careers in government and nonprofit organizations. Common nonprofit roles include program coordinator, community outreach coordinator, outreach specialist, and social and community services manager. Potential government positions for public administration graduates include policy coordinator, policy analyst, and public administrator. Graduates can also work as public relations, fundraising, and training and development managers.

The table below includes salary data for a few common public administration careers.

• Social and Community Service Managers

  These leaders oversee organizations, staff, and programs that improve community health and well-being. Common duties include planning, administrating, evaluating, and improving programs and services. These managers may also write proposals and manage outreach programs. Social and community service managers typically hold at least a bachelor's degree.

• Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

  These managers design fundraising campaigns, oversee public relations media, and organize events. Fundraising managers often create proposals and communicate with stakeholders and funders. These professionals meet with executives, address media inquiries, and plan outreach and communications. The position also involves public speaking and personnel management. These managers typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree.

• Training and Development Managers

  These professionals create and coordinate educational and training efforts for employees. Training and development managers supervise staff, assess training needs, design programs, and create budgets. They also evaluate programs and instructors and update programming.

Source: BLS

Scholarships for Public Administration Students

Learners pursuing an online bachelor's degree in public administration may qualify for scholarships. Many schools, governments, and nonprofits offer public administration scholarships. Candidates typically qualify based on factors such as financial need, academic excellence, interest in public service careers, and membership in an underrepresented group. The following list highlights scholarships for public administration bachelor's students.

Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Public Administration Programs