Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration
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An online bachelor’s program in public administration trains students for fulfilling careers in public service, business, and the nonprofit sector.
Public administration majors work in urban development, homeland security, social services, and communications. By combining a focus on government with administrative training, the degree builds strong decision-making, analytical, and leadership skills. Earning a bachelor’s in public administration online may appeal to busy students and working professionals seeking career advancement.
This page ranks the best bachelor’s in public administration online programs for 2021. Prospective students can use this ranking to find the right fit for their interests, budget, and career goals. This article also introduces public administration degree concentrations and graduation requirements, as well as the different career paths graduates can pursue.
The Best Online Public Administration Programs
Florida International University
Miami, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,711
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,018
- Out-of-state$16,613
- In-State$10,305
- Out-of-state$19,522
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled30,733
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
California Baptist University
- Riverside, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,942
- Out-of-state$32,942
- In-State$12,830
- Out-of-state$12,830
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled11,045
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
National University
- La Jolla, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,480
- Out-of-state$15,480
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled16,670
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Park University
- Parkville, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,999
- Out-of-state$7,999
- In-State$6,012
- Out-of-state$6,012
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,415
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Columbia College
- Columbia, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,912
- Out-of-state$10,912
- In-State$8,602
- Out-of-state$8,602
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled9,913
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
University of La Verne
- La Verne, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$43,440
- Out-of-state$43,440
- In-State$14,256
- Out-of-state$14,256
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled7,396
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Point Park University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,180
- Out-of-state$31,180
- In-State$15,858
- Out-of-state$15,858
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled3,929
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Franklin University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,552
- Out-of-state$9,552
- In-State$16,080
- Out-of-state$16,080
- Retention Rate47%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,031
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
University of Hawaii - West Oahu
- Kapolei, HI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,344
- Out-of-state$20,304
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled3,049
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Upper Iowa University
- Fayette, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,810
- Out-of-state$30,810
- In-State$21,060
- Out-of-state$21,060
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled4,279
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
St. Petersburg College
- Clearwater, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,943
- Out-of-state$7,774
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled28,853
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Indian River State College
- Fort Pierce, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,496
- Out-of-state$9,360
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled16,942
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maine at Augusta
- Augusta, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,170
- Out-of-state$17,340
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,361
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Barry University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,700
- Out-of-state$29,700
- In-State$17,820
- Out-of-state$17,820
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled7,401
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Bachelors
Public Administration
2023
Online Public Administration Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyFeatured Online Public Administration Programs
What Is an Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree?
Online bachelor’s programs in public administration prepare majors for entry-level careers in the government, nonprofit, and private sectors. During a public administration degree, enrollees explore the policymaking process and local, state, and federal government agencies.
Public administration majors also learn about the nonprofit sector and gain valuable skills for careers in public relations, communications, regulatory analysis, or financial management. Many colleges offer specializations such as nonprofit management, emergency management, and public policy analysis to prepare graduates for specific career paths.
In addition to major coursework, undergraduates can choose electives, a minor, and internships. The blend of project-based assignments, research projects, and experiential learning prepares students for the workforce. Graduates interested in continuing their education can enroll in master’s in public administration programs or doctoral programs in public administration.
Skills Taught to Public Administration Majors
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Organization
- Interpersonal skills
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
Hard Skills
- Public policy analysis
- Program evaluation
- Project management
- Team management
- Program implementation
What’s the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Public Administration?
Some colleges offer bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) degrees in public administration. Both majors introduce undergraduates to core topics in government and public service administration. With either degree, graduates can pursue civil service and nonprofit careers or continue on to master’s degrees in public administration.
However, BA and BS degrees typically have different graduation requirements. In a BA program, majors take more humanities and foreign language courses. A BS program includes more social science and natural science classes.
What to Expect From a Public Administration Major
Public administration majors study government, public policy, program evaluation, and policy implementation. Enrollees build strong organizational management and leadership skills. Each degree-seeker selects a specialization or electives to customize their degrees. Many programs also incorporate internships to add an experiential learning component.
Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Concentrations
During a bachelor’s in public administration online degree, each enrollee selects a concentration. These specializations prepare graduates for career paths in government, business, and the nonprofit sector.
Public Administration Curriculum
During a bachelor’s in public administration online, undergrads take classes in public fiscal management, policy analysis, and policy implementation. Common courses for public administration majors include:
- Political theory
- Policy development and implementation
- Public fiscal management
- Public policy analysis
- Executive leadership in the public sector
Choosing an Online Program
Prospective students considering a bachelor’s in public administration online should evaluate factors such as cost, program length, delivery method, and specialization options to find a program that suits their unique needs. Other factors like internship options, alumni networks, and career goals can also help students narrow their choices.
Applicants should always choose accredited online colleges. The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration grants accreditation to public administration programs.
Public Administration Careers
A public administration degree prepares graduates for government, nonprofit, and private sector employment. Undergraduates often complete internships to develop practical experience. As a versatile degree that strengthens leadership, decision-making, and analytical skills, public administration majors can pursue careers in human resources, public relations, nonprofit management, and community services.
Earning potential for public administration careers varies depending on the role and the candidate’s experience. However, many roles in public administration pay above-average salaries, as demonstrated by the following information.
| Career | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $131,280 |
| Human Resources Managers | $130,000 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $125,620 |
| Top Executives | $100,090 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $104,830 |
| Administrative Service Managers | $101,870 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $99,940 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,240 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $67,440 |
| Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | $59,230 |
Common Questions About Bachelor’s Degrees in Public Administration Online
Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University. After earning her doctorate in early modern European history, Carlton worked as an assistant professor of history at the University of Louisville, where she developed new courses on the history of science, Renaissance Italy, and the witch trials. Carlton has published five peer-reviewed articles in top presses and a monograph with the University of Chicago Press. She also earned tenure with a unanimous vote before relocating to Seattle. Learn more about Carlton’s work at genevievecarlton.com.
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