Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Public Administration

Study.com aims to find the best-value academically and fiscally for students with our unique ranking scale. With many specializations for students to choose from, we created this list of the top online public administration bachelor's degree programs, which are diverse enough to fit the diverse career goals of students. Generous transfer policies, experiential learning, and opportunities for additional certifications are some of the factors that set these 13 programs apart, making all of them a fantastic option for students seeking online bachelor's degrees in public administration.

1. University of Hawaii-West Oahu

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,584	84%	28%	73%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The online Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Hawaii - West Oahu tops our list due to its wide variety of specialization options. This program offers students six concentrations to choose from: general public administration, community health, long-term, care, disaster preparedness and emergency management, health care administration, and justice administration. The health care administration and disaster preparedness tracks are the only of their kind in the state! Online students are able to complete a capstone course that can be a practicum or a project where they get experience solving real world problems. This program also serves as a great launchpad for students to continue to graduate studies.

2. Eastern Oregon University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,084	98%	27%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration offered online from Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, OR, helps students become analytical thinkers and policymakers. Students learn about local, national, and state policies in the curriculum, and they can choose their electives to fit their career aspirations. In this program, students are taught by nationally respected experts in the field, as well as develop on-the-job training from the internship and practicum opportunities.

3. National University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13,320	89%	29%	33%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

National University's campus is in San Diego, CA, but their Bachelor of Public Administration program is offered 100% online - an excellent option for working professionals seeking to advance their careers. This program has monthly start dates and four-week courses, allowing students to focus on one topic at a time while fast-tracking their degree. Online public administration students will focus on public management and nonprofit operations by researching current issues in the field and preparing for mid-level government positions, as well as for working in teaching or the nonprofit sector.

4. California Baptist University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$34,902	78%	63%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The amazing online Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from California Baptist University in Riverside, CA, aims to have students embrace a spiritual transformation as well as professional improvement. Instructors have a wealth of experience in the public sector, as they lead courses on executive leadership, policy, and personnel management - all catered toward the current public administration landscape. This degree completion program provides students a foundation steeped in Christian ethics for their public sector career, as well as the opportunity to earn their degree and begin a graduate degree in as little as 16 months.

5. Point Park University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$32,750	73%	60%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA, offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Public Administration that focuses on giving working adults a real-world education that can translate to their career. This program offers concentrations in general public administration, fire service administration, emergency medical services, and law enforcement administration. The program is also the first in the state, and one of a select few nationwide, to be recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration for its emergency medical services administration and fire service administration concentrations.

6. Franklin University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,577	No Available Data (2019-2020)	28%	96%	No	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The fantastic Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Franklin University in Columbus, OH, is a highly customizable online program with an emphasis on developing leadership and management skills. Students can choose from more than 20 areas of interest for their elective courses, and can utilize simulations to learn real world management techniques. This program is taught by amazing faculty who have experience working in the field of public administration.

7. Liberty University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$16,118	51%	47%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Liberty University's main campus is in Lynchburg, VA, but its Bachelor of Science in Public Administration is offered online with no set log-in times required. This program will inspire students to take action and develop ethical principles, leveraging their public administration education for Christian service. The curriculum of this program was designed using advanced research methods and the dedicated faculty offer their expertise in public administration to foster an online community full of networking opportunities.

8. Columbia College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10,912	97%	28%	89%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The online Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Columbia College in Columbia, MO, is an interdisciplinary program covers management, psychology, and political science along with public administration topics. The program culminates with a senior seminar course in political science or public administration. Students can also take advantage of internships, career services, and a great transfer credit policy - up to 90 credits are accepted.

9. Northern Arizona University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,142	85%	57%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ, has an analytically focused online Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration program that aims to graduate students who are ethical and successful public service managers. Students take classes that focus on experimental learning and preparing them to solve real world problems so they can jumpstart their career in the nonprofit, private or public sector fields - or continue to a graduate degree at the university. Additional program benefits for online students include full access of the library, advising and technical support, and online tutoring.

10. Central Michigan University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12,833	70%	61%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The Bachelor of Science in Public and Nonprofit Administration from Central Michigan University's Global Campus in Mount Pleasant is offered 100% online to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals. This program also leads to the Certified Nonprofit Professional certification so students can graduate with even more credentials! Students are also required to complete an internship if they do not have experience in government or politics, ensuring graduates have the hands-on learning they need to be successful in this field. Online students also have the chance to connect and network with other students and professionals by joining organizations like the Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance or the Refugee Outreach Collective.

11. Park University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,399	No Available Data (2019-2020)	62%	93%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Park University in Parkville, MO, has been a leader in online education for more than 25 years developing flexible, adaptable programs for adult students - and the online Bachelor of Public Administration program is one not to miss! The program has emphasis options in business relations, criminal justice, fire service management, homeland security, and public service - all with uniquely focused curriculums. Online PA students will gain a foundation in public administration for their career, advanced status in the Master of Public Affairs graduate program, or for professional development.

12. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,335	67%	52%	82%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The University of Colorado - Denver's online Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration has three concentration options for students looking for a degree tailored to their career goals. The emergency management, environmental policy and management, and nonprofit management tracks all cater to students wanting to make a difference in their communities. Students are taught courses in a 16-week format by award-winning faculty and can even earn their Certified Nonprofit Professional credential.

13. Hawaii Pacific University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$27,500	75%	45%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

Our last, but not least, program is the Bachelor of Public Administration from Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu, which is geared towards helping non-traditional students prepare for executive management careers in public service. This flexible, online program can be completed in two years, based on the student's transfer credits. Students can also take their degree to another level by adding a double-major or minor in human resource development or by enrolling in the Master of Public Administration concurrent program.

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).

Online Associate Degrees in Public Administration

An online associate degree in public administration prepares students with skills needed for entry-level clerical and support positions within the field of public administration. Degrees can be an Associate in Applied Science in Public Administration Studies or an Associate of Arts in Public Administration. It typically consists of 60 credits and takes two years to complete. Some people choose to pursue an associate degree before transferring to a larger institution.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Public Administration

Online bachelor's in public administration degrees can be either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree or a Bachelor of Science (BS). A Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration typically focuses on liberal arts courses while a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration contains more math and science classes. Depending on what a student is looking for in a program determines whether they should pursue a BA or a BS degree. Both of these degrees, however, prepare students to implement public policy and programs that serve the community. They are trained in quantitative policy and economic analysis in the public sector. These types of programs prepare students for careers in public administration, nonprofit management, and politics, and traditionally take four years to complete.

Online Master's Degrees in Public Administration

Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees typically take two years to complete and build on skills and training from their bachelor's degree. Some programs focus primarily on building leaders within the field of public administration while others work to help grow individuals as public administrators through management, communication, and analysis. These degrees can help further a person's career. There are a number of fully online programs available.

Online Doctoral Degrees in Public Administration

There are a few different types of doctoral degrees in public administration. Some online programs offer a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) while others offer a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration and Policy (Ph.D.). Both of these degrees can be used to further current careers or allow individuals to work in higher education as an administrator or professor.

Online Certificates in Public Administration

There are a number of fully online graduate certificate programs. These programs are for people who do not want or need a master's degree but still wish to further their career possibilities. They are also for people who have already earned a master's degree in a different field and wish to add more to their resume. Typically, online certificates in public administration take less than a year to complete. It does depend, however, on the program. These programs can often be completed on a student's own time with no set log-in times allowing for greater flexibility for those currently in the workforce.

Most schools do not offer specializations or concentrations within public administration degrees. Some schools offer public administration as a concentration under a business administration degree.

There are a number of courses in public administration that are offered from a number of different institutions. Some of those courses include:

• American Politics
• Public Fiscal Management
• Policy Analysis
• Public Policy

An online bachelor's degree in public administration can be completed within four years, or 120 credit hours, as a full-time student. If they are a part-time student, it may take longer to complete, depending on how many classes are taken a semester. If a student is transferring after completing their associate degree, it may take as little as two years, depending on whether or not the institution they are transferring to accepts all of their credits. If a student plans to transfer, it is important to make sure the programs are compatible.

The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is the leader in public service education and is the global accreditor of master's degree programs in the fields of public administration, public policy, public affairs, and other related fields. For master's programs, a school that is accredited appeals to employers.

There are accrediting agencies that are regional, national, and career-based, such as the NASPAA. Accreditation is important because it holds institutions up to specific standards. Regional accreditation is important to students because without it, the students are unable to receive financial aid. Employers also may be deterred if a school is not accredited.

Public administrators aren't required to become certified. There are, however, steps to take to become a certified public administrator. The National Certified Public Manager® Consortium (NCPMC) has a program that provides certification. The Certified Public Manager Program is designed to help participants by offering networking, showcasing talents to prospective employers, as well as providing education.

There are many different careers available for those who study public administration. These careers typically involve serving the community and working to better those communities in cost-effective ways. Specific job titles can include the following:

• City Manager
• Director of Operations
• Grant Writer
• Foreign Aid Worker
• Director of Community Engagement
• Budget Analyst

How to Become a City Manager

There are numerous paths one can take to become a city manager. A bachelor's degree similar to public administration and prior experience in a related field is required for the position. Master's degrees are preferred. They typically are appointed to their position by city council members and oversee a staff of administrative and deputy city managers. They are in charge of coordinating multiple government departments, city programs, the city's social media relations, city policies, and budgeting. In order to gain experience before taking on the role of city manager, many work for a specific city department before becoming an assistant or deputy city manager. It is from this job that they can then go on to be a city manager and oversee their own team. On average, according to PayScale.com, city managers made $93,769 in 2020.

How to Become a Professional Fundraiser

Some people who study public administration choose to become a professional fundraiser. Typically, they work for nonprofits, political campaigns, religious organizations, or educational institutions and organize events and campaigns to raise money for their organization. Professional fundraisers need strong communication and organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, and must be detail-oriented. To become a professional fundraiser, internships or experience working on fundraisers are required. Some states require a professional fundraiser to register with a state authority. On average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2019 median pay for a professional fundraiser, was $57,970 per year and is projected to grow by 14% by 2029.

Before each semester begins, students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This provides students with federal grants, work-study, and loans. Students will then receive a report about the types of aid a college is offering and the amount of aid the student received. If the student has been accepted to multiple schools, they may receive different amounts of aid from each school. The school then applies the aid to the amount owed to the school and the student will receive the rest to spend on other school costs.

There are a few different types of financial aid available. Grants and scholarships are types of financial aid that do not have to be paid back. Grants are often based on financial need. Scholarships are typically given when students meet a specific criterion or have applied for the scholarship. There are scholarships depending on regions, major, and a number of other requirements. Work-study jobs allow students to work part-time and use the money to pay for college. Loans are borrowed money and must be paid back in full, including any interest that accrues.

For those who wish to pursue a career in public administration, a degree in public administration is a perfect fit. However, there are a number of different versions at different schools of this degree. Here are a couple of suggestions to make the choice between schools and programs easier.

A Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration degree focuses primarily on liberal art classes. These can include classes in English, writing, speech, history, and political science. A Bachelor of Science in Public Administration focuses on science and math-based classes. When looking into programs, considering the differences in these program types may help students to consider what school to attend. Many who pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree will go into grant writing, speech writing, or professional fundraising. Those who pursue a Bachelor of Science degree may wish to go on to be a budget analyst, city manager, or policy analyst.

Consider reaching out to current students in the program. Students know the ins and outs of the program and, often, give prospective students a more in-depth look at the program. They know what teachers to take, which classes are most helpful, and the overall positives and negatives of the program.

There are a number of organizations for those who studied public administration that can help further a person's career, provide further education, and serve as a networking tool. Organizations include the:

• American Society for Public Administration
• National Academy of Public Administration
• Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
• Alliance for Nonprofit Management
• National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA)
• Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
• Public Management Research Association (PMRA)