Public Administration Bachelor's Degrees
A bachelor's degree is an important step to becoming a public service professional. Not only will a bachelor's degree in public administration prepare students to join the workforce, but it will also provide them with a good base should they ever decide to pursue a master's or doctoral degree. Students can expect to develop strong communication skills, in-depth knowledge of public policy, and an understanding of the administrative process.
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Public Administration
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rutgers University-Newark | $14826 | 72% | 69% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | James Madison University | $12206 | 77% | 84% | 62% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 3 | George Mason University | $12564 | 87% | 71% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 4 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | $7470 | 41% | 52% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | California State University-Dominguez Hills | $6946 | 77% | 44% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $9335 | 67% | 52% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | San Diego State University | $7510 | 34% | 73% | 60% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 8 | Florida International University | $6565 | 58% | 63% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | California State University-Fullerton | $6924 | 53% | 69% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | University of Kansas | $11166 | 93% | 67% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | Florida Atlantic University | $4879 | 63% | 50% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $9063 | 80% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | University of Oregon | $12720 | 82% | 74% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | $11084 | 54% | 86% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 15 | University of Arizona | $12379 | 85% | 65% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 16 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $9127 | 73% | 69% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | Miami University-Oxford | $15193 | 80% | 81% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 18 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $7873 | 85% | 53% | 84% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | University of Northern Iowa | $8938 | 79% | 67% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 20 | California State University-Chico | $7806 | 72% | 67% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | Auburn University | $11492 | 81% | 79% | 72% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | California State University-Bakersfield | $7419 | 81% | 43% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | The University of Texas at San Antonio | $8262 | 77% | 42% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | Indiana University-Kokomo | $7527 | 74% | 38% | 88% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | University of Central Florida | $6368 | 44% | 72% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | University of California-Riverside | $13853 | 57% | 76% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $13264 | 79% | 72% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | Kean University | $12595 | 69% | 47% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | Grand Valley State University | $13180 | 83% | 67% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | University of La Verne | $44550 | 55% | 73% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | Texas State University | $10581 | 81% | 54% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | Barry University | $30014 | 51% | 35% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | Winona State University | $9666 | 68% | 59% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 34 | Upper Iowa University | $31685 | 51% | 48% | 99% | No | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 35 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $7695 | 79% | 62% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 36 | Southern New Hampshire University | $31136 | 88% | 44% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 37 | University of Missouri-St Louis | $11079 | 73% | 52% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 38 | California Baptist University | $34902 | 78% | 63% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 39 | Tarleton State University | $7851 | 56% | 49% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | Samford University | $32850 | 83% | 76% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 41 | Rhode Island College | $9578 | 78% | 49% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 42 | Hawaii Pacific University | $27500 | 75% | 45% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | $14358 | 75% | 59% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 44 | Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | $10950 | 90% | 54% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What Kinds of Public Administration Degrees are There?
Students can earn an associate's, bachelor's, master's, and even a doctoral degree in public administration. Each degree will cover the same general information, but the higher the degree level the more in-depth the education will be. A higher-level degree such as a master's degree or doctorate can present students with better job opportunities than an associate or bachelor's degree. There are also certificates in public administration available.
Associate Degrees in Public Administration
An associate degree in public administration can be ideal for those who are already working professionals or who are looking to later transfer into a four-year bachelor's program. These degrees typically can be completed in two years after completing around 60 credits. Students will have to take a number of general electives and around 15 core courses to earn this degree.
Generally, associate-level public administration programs offer foundational learning in administration, finances, ethics, and supervising in the public sector. Students enrolled in an associate degree program for public administration have the potential to gain essential organizational, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills for several entry-level careers in the public sector and nonprofits.
Typically, an associate degree in public administration is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or an Associate of Science (AS); however, some programs may culminate in an Associate of Arts (AA).
Bachelor's Degrees in Public Administration
Students can expect a more in-depth education in the field of public administration with a bachelor's degree. Totaling around 120 credits, a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration will prepare students for a career in areas such as federal agencies, nonprofits organizations, and local or state government. These degrees are widely available at colleges and universities across the country without strict prerequisites. In some cases, colleges and universities will also offer online courses for enrolled students. Most schools will require a high school diploma or GED equivalent as well as a transcript and entrance essay.
Master's Degrees in Public Administration
Those looking to take on more serious managerial roles such as medical and health services manager, should consider furthering their education past a bachelor's degree and explore getting their master's. This will qualify professionals for roles that take on more responsibility, but, in turn, have higher earning potentials.
Master's degrees in public administration are generally for those who wish to pursue a leadership position within the field of public administration. A master's degree in public administration will usually require 36-48 credits to complete over two years along with an internship and capstone projects. A degree at this level may sometimes be referred to as a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or a Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA).
Doctoral Degrees in Public Administration
The highest level of degree one can earn in public administration is a doctorate and these programs have strict prerequisites for those who wish to pursue one. Most programs will require a master's degree from an accredited college, a qualifying exam and some require GRE test scores. Once accepted, students can expect a rigorous course load that will be largely research-focused and consist of several comprehensive exams as well as a dissertation written over the four years it generally takes to complete this degree.
Doctorates in public administration are usually comprised 45-60 credits, although some schools require more credits to earn a degree. Students typically earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Administration or a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA), often leading to careers in research, post-secondary education, as well as research and leadership roles in private, public, and quasi-public organizations.
Certificates in Public Administration
Certificates in public administration and related niche subject areas can be earned at the undergraduate or graduate levels. Students may choose to enroll in certificate programs to enhance their field expertise, gain new skills, improve skill sets, or seek career advancement.
Typically, certificate programs include 12-18 credits of core public administration topics and take about a year to complete; although, credit requirements may vary by school.
Depending on which area of the field one chooses to study or which concentration one chooses when pursuing a degree, there are various certificates students can pursue. Examples of certificate titles obtainable at colleges and universities may include Municipal Management, Public Safety, Advanced Feminist Studies, and Health Services Administration. Many bachelor's degree programs will offer opportunities for students to earn these certificates while studying for their degree.
Public Administration Degree Concentrations
While a general public administration degree will qualify students for many jobs in the field, students who have an idea of which career they want to pursue may choose to add concentration or specialization to their degree. In terms of public administration, students can specialize in areas such as education policy, public and nonprofit management, science, technology and society, and healthcare management and policy. These concentrations can be helpful in cases where students know they want to start a specific career, like healthcare management.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration
Students will cover a broad range of topics ranging from government and healthcare to policy and finances while completing their bachelor's degree in public administration. Specific electives and core courses may differ depending on whether a student is studying for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). Some common courses students can expect to take while earning this degree are listed below:
- Organizational Theory
- Local Government Management
- Public Administration
- Project Management
- American Government
- Public Service Leadership
- Statistics
- Public Policy
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Public Administration?
Typically, it will take four years to complete a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university, and students will need to complete around 120 credits of the core curriculum, electives, and concentration-specific courses for a total of about 40 courses. Some colleges and universities may accept transfer credits from previously attended schools which can shorten the time needed to earn this degree. While other schools may offer accelerated programs that will allow for students to work on their own time in a hybrid online and on-campus model and complete their degree in as little as two years.
How to Choose a Public Administration School & Program
Students will want to factor in several considerations when choosing a public administration school and program. For starters, students should determine if they plan to attend college full-time or part-time, which could ultimately affect program durations and costs. Furthermore, the decision to attend school in-person, online, or with a combination of in-person and online courses could also affect the time it takes to graduate, as well as tuition and other campus-related expenses.
With regards to public administration curriculums specifically, students should consider how they may want to leverage their degree in the public sector and whether or not course offerings will best enable them to gain the skills and expertise they need to be successful.
Other considerations students may want to take into account while choosing a program or school are:
- Whether a program offers study tracks in public administration for the students to concentrate on
- Internships or other practical training that would provide real-life experience in the field to enhance their employment prospects upon graduating
- Whether there is a capstone project or thesis requirement to culminate their studies
Additionally, students should ensure that the schools they are thinking about attending are accredited by nationally recognized accrediting organizations.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Public Administration Degrees
It is vital for students to make sure the school they choose to attend is accredited, especially if students intend to apply for federal or state financial aid, scholarships, or grants to help pay for their education. Additionally, employers may only hire prospective job candidates that earned their degree at an accredited college or university. There are a number of accrediting agencies in the United States, and their seal of approval can usually be found on either the homepage or about page of a school's website.
Some accrediting agencies provide accreditation to specialized degree programs. For example, public administration programs may receive accreditation by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), a global organization that accredits schools in the field of public service. Other schools may be accredited by a regional entity such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Students who would like additional information regarding accreditation of a particular school or program may search the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).
Public Administration Licensure and Certification
There is no official license required to become a professional in the field of public administration. However, there are various certifications one can earn to bolster their resume and enhance their knowledge.
For example, to become a certified public administrator, graduates with degrees in public administration may decide to acquire the Certified Public Manager (CPM) credential, which can be earned from any training program accredited by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium. This certification is widely respected and can give job candidates an advantage over those who haven't completed the training and certification program.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration?
Public administration professionals can vary in job title and responsibility so those who earn a degree in the field will have a number of options for professional careers to choose from. Some students who earn a certificate while in school may look for a career that is specific to their certificate; however, not all jobs require a certificate. Just because a student has earned a specific certificate does not mean they have to pursue a career in that specific area of public administration. Some professionals may work in the government, some may work for a nonprofit, and others will work in the private sector. Jobs available to those with a public administration degree include, but are not limited to:
- Compliance officers
- Nonprofit grant writer
- Government programs eligibility interviewers
- Construction and building inspectors
- Urban and Regional Planners
- Civil Engineer
- Social and community managers
- Medical and health services manager
- Court, municipal, and license clerks
- Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents
- Legislators
- Financial examiners
How to Become a Nonprofit Grant Writer
This is one career that will require students to earn a bachelor's degree in public administration or a related field before becoming a professional. While earning a bachelor's degree in public administration students should explore their options for certification as grant writing certifications are available and will help students be prepared for the field. Students who pursue a career in nonprofit grant writing need to be skilled in the areas of writing and grammar. Nonprofit organizations will rely on grant writers to secure funding with their writing ability, set organizational goals, and write proposals for future funding. According to Payscale, the median salary for all grant writers is $48,857.
How to Become a Medical and Health Services Manager
To become a medical and health services manager, a bachelor's degree will be required in public administration or a related medical field, but many employers will prefer job candidates that have completed a master's degree. According to the BLS, most positions will require a few years of experience in the medical field as a registered nurse, administrative assistant or medical records and health information technician. Some positions in healthcare management require certifications, but that is dependent on the position and state the job is located in. This career path is for those who are detail-oriented, have strong communication skills, and aren't afraid of a position of leadership. Healthcare services manager positions require years of education and professional experience but yield a median salary of $100,980 per year according to the BLS.
Professional Organizations in Public Administration
Upon completion of a bachelor's or another level degree in public administration, professionals may want to join an organization that can provide resources for those working in the field. One such professional organization is the National Certified Public Manager Consortium. The organization works to support certified public managers (CPM), accredit CPM programs, and create awareness for the validity of CPM credentials. Another organization is the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). ASPA is an organization committed to facilitating networking within the field of public administration and growing the value of the professional field. They provide professional development assistance through annual conferences and even offer 'E-Learning' events. Full details on membership requirements and benefits can be found on their website.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Public Administration Degrees
Students looking for financial aid while earning a college degree should always apply for federal aid from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is federal aid from the government that is available to all U.S. residents with a valid social security number who are enrolled in a college program. Other scholarships may be offered from independent organizations such as The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation which awards 55 to 65 scholarships of $30,000 to students studying for degrees in public service. Those wishing to apply for this scholarship must be U.S. citizens and have high school experience in student government, community service, or a government internship. States may also offer unique scholarships for public administration majors.
