2023 Best Online Public Administration Degrees

National University (NU) is a private university offering an online Bachelor of Public Administration that requires 180 quarter units. In general, students can complete similar programs in four years while studying full time. NU accepts 55% of its applicants, with 34% of students earning degrees.

At NU, students use the Brightspace learning management system (LMS) to access their core courses. They can complete the entire degree online through a flexible schedule. The curriculum for NU's public administration program teaches students a variety of necessary skills concerning how to join the public sector, such as writing grant proposals, public speaking, policy development, and team leadership. Overall, 54 quarter units are devoted to major courses, which include Urban Environments, Government Relations, and Management Science. A Waterworks Management concentration is also available. Prior to graduating, students must complete a research project on a relevant topic of their choice. Graduates may earn career opportunities as county administrators, department heads, and grant administrators.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a public university with an online Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration requiring the completion of 120 credit hours. In general, students graduate from this bachelor's program in four years while studying full time. UMGC accepts all applicants that apply, with 28% of students obtaining degrees.

All online courses at UMGC are delivered through the Canvas LMS. This allows students to study fully online, with optional hybrid courses, and at their own pace. This degree covers both the foundational and unique aspects of public administration work, including risk management, ethical decision-making, and leadership skills. Among the major requirements are Contemporary Public Safety Practices, Finance for the Nonfinancial Manager, and Public Safety Leadership. Graduates are often prepared to join law enforcement agencies, security companies, and emergency management organizations.

Upper Iowa University (UIU) is a private university with an online Bachelor of Science in Public Administration requiring the completion of 120 credit hours. Typically, students graduate in four years while studying full time. UIU accepts 65% of applicants — with half of all students reaching graduation.

All online courses at UIU are delivered through the Brightspace LMS. This degree focuses on the social and political functions of public administration, with available concentrations in Emergency Management, Fire Science, Law Enforcement, and Policy and Politics. Among the core requirements are courses in Grant Writing, State and Local Government, and Public Budgeting. Additionally, students must complete a three-credit senior project. Alumni are often prepared to join fields such as program analysis, public utilities, and public relations.

The University of Phoenix (UOPX) is a private university with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration requiring 120 credit hours. Full-time students are likely to complete this online degree in four years if they maintain that pace. Each course lasts five weeks, and only one may be taken at a time. UOPX accepts all of its applicants, while 27% of students graduate.

UPOX uses Blackboard to deliver online coursework. This LMS software allows students to finish their degrees completely online. During the core curriculum of this public administration program, students learn new skills in budgeting, management, problem-solving, and how to use data in order to drive their decision-making. Required classes include Public Sector Communications, The Public Policy Environment, and Program Implementation And Evaluation. Career options may include nonprofit managers, community outreach coordinators, and program managers.

Indian River State College (IRSC) is a public university that offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration. This online degree requires 120 credit hours, which students can finish in four years while studying full time. IRSC accepts 100% of its applicants, while 39% of undergraduates earn their degrees.

Blackboard is the main LMS used by IRSC students, which allows them to complete coursework entirely online. The core of this program looks at the computer applications used in public service organizations, the principles of economics, and the functions of the government as a whole. The majority of required credits are devoted to the two available concentrations: (1) Emergency Planning and Management or (2) Public Policy and Leadership. Both concentrations include classes such as Intro to Public Administration; Public Budgeting and Finance; and Values, Ethics, and Conflict Resolution. Students must complete at least one proctored exam for each online course. Additional credits are required for the capstone project. Jobs for graduates may include operations managers, transportation directors, and regulatory affairs managers.