Public Administration is a process that requires professionals of the field to execute crucial roles in maintaining law and order, managing municipal finances and overseeing civil rights. Public Administrators also see to it that the efficiency of public services such as transport, health services, etc. are functioning as it should. Graduates that have a degree in Public Administration are positioned in sectors such as human resource, communication, media and other areas that involve communicating and management with people.
What is Public Administration?
In a system of governance, there are policies that are brought forth in order to govern an organization. These policies are drafted in order to ensure proper growth and functioning at different levels in an organizational structure such as the socio-economic sector for instance. Public Administration, therefore, is the implementation, execution and supervision of the existing policies in order to meet the requirements of a society or an organization. Public Administration engages in the maintenance and proper functioning of public services, solving issues that concern public health and welfare and contribute towards the socio-economic growth of a state.
Can you get a Public Administration Degree online?
A degree in Public Administration can be obtained online at affordable costs. The online public administration degrees hold the same level of value as the degrees obtained at a university classroom.
Most people with a career often opt for an online degree which is flexible to their work schedules. The objective in taking up an online degree can sometimes be associated with individuals seeking to move up in their career or to get a career from the comforts of their own space.
To find the most apt program for you, have a look at the summary of Public Administration program requirements in the associate, bachelor’s and master’s level of degree.
Types of Public Administration Degrees Available Online
| Program | Duration | General Admission requirements |
| Associates Degree | 2 Years | GED/Meet GPA Requirements |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | HSE/Official High School Transcripts/Minimum Required GPA |
| Master’s Degree | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration |
The Importance of Accreditation
When opting for a college or a university, it is crucial to know whether the institution you are planning to attend has been accredited or not. An accreditation is a process that involves review in which institutions are evaluated in different areas. What an accreditation does for an institution is that – it assures the student of the level of quality they will be receiving in the said college.
Online Public Administration Associates Degree
Taking up an associates degree in Public Administration is a great option to help you build and strengthen the core foundational knowledge required in the public services sector. An associates degree also prepares individuals for further degrees in undergraduate studies and also postgraduate studies.
An associate degree is typically a 2-year program and involves the basics to build the foundation in further undergraduate and graduate programs.
Below is a list of the cheapest online associates degrees in public administration
1. Rio Salado College
Program: Associate of Applied Science – Public Administration
Tuition: $85 per credit hour (Maricopa County Resident); $250 (Non-Resident)
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the HLC (Higher Learning Commission)
Financial Aid: Available, with 71% of students receiving financial aid.
The Associate’s Program in Public Administration teaches students the skills required for a wide range of professional and paraprofessional positions of service in the government. The program has been modeled to provide individuals interested in joining the state, country and municipal government workforce. Individuals will receive transfer opportunities to public administration, public affairs or public policy programs in different institutions.
2. Seminole State College of Florida
Program: Public Administration: Associate in Arts Pathway
Tuition: $104.08 (resident); $381.57 (non-resident)
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC.
Financial Aid: Available, with 77% of students receiving financial aid.
The Public Administration (AA) degree has been designed to meet the individual’s requirements during transfer to an upper-division university or college. This program will focus on helping the student to learn about the basics of community structure and function and the prerequisites to hold positions of public service.
3.Hudson Valley Community College
Program: Associate of Applied Science – Public Administration Studies
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financial Aid: Available, with 81% of students receiving financial aid.
The Public Administration Studies (AAS) degree is designed to meet the needs of both recent high school graduates and individuals that are presently employed in the public sector workforce. Students are taught on the foundational prerequisites necessary to place them in the professional workforce located at different levels of the government.
4. University of Maine at Augusta
Program: Associate of Science – Public Administration
Tuition: $245 per credit hour (Resident); $319 (non-resident)
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Financial Aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
The Associate of Science in Public Administration degree at UMA helps to prepare individuals for careers in administration fields such as the government and organizations that are for non-profit. The program also offers supplementary insight and courses in respective areas of expertise directly from Maine public officials. A graduate degree in Public Administration will position an individual in careers such as – Chief Deputy Secretary of State, Chief of Police and more.
5. Tyler Junior College
Program: Associate of Applied Science – Public Administration
Tuition: $295 per credit hour
Accreditation and ranking: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC; Tyler Junior College ranks #36 in Best Community Colleges in Texas out of 59 Colleges.
Financial Aid: Available, with 78% of students receiving financial aid.
The Public Administration degree helps prepare individuals for opportunities in public service careers such as community agencies, social service organizations and in public sectors in the government. A degree in Public Administration will also help individuals to develop communication and managerial skills in order to help them deal with the media and the public.
Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration
A Public Administration program at the level of a Bachelor’s Degree will give importance to a wider array of concepts that will prepare individuals for positions in different sectors of public administration. The sectors include non-profit organizations, city planning, public health and more.
A bachelor’s degree in Public Administration is typically 4 years and involves a more advanced approach in the area of the program.
Here is a list of affordable online bachelor’s degrees in Public Administration.
1. St. Petersburg College
Program: Bachelor of Science – Public Policy and Administration
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 72% of students receiving financial aid.
The bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Administration offered by St. Petersburg College helps individuals learn about decision-making and influencing different public policies. The program prepares students to become effective leaders when it comes to public policy and analysis in order to allow them to make policies that are influential.
2. Indian River State College
Program: Bachelor of Science – Public Administration
Tuition: $117.10 per credit hour (resident); $400 per credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC.
Financial Aid: Available, with 73% of students receiving financial aid.
A bachelor’s degree in Public Administration prepares students to hold positions in public service sectors such as nonprofit agencies, emergency management, law enforcement and more. The program guides students in subjects of analysis, accountability, public resources, and management of various public agencies.
3. Eastern Oregon University
Program: Politics, Policy and Public Administration (BS/BA)
Tuition: $278 per credit hour (resident); $320 (non-resident)
Accreditation: The university has been regionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Financial Aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
This interdisciplinary degree in Politics, Policy and Public Administration is designed to help individuals understand public administration’s role. The degree also equips students with the required skills and knowledge to respond effectively to issues that affect communities on a global scale.
4.National University
Program: Bachelor of Public Administration
Tuition: $370 cost per quarter unit
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission; National University ranks #33 Best Online Colleges in America
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
Different communities around the world require and depend on agents of public policy that are sensitive to the needs of the public. They are administrators of government policies that help improve the community and tackle issues in it. The Public Administration degree by National University strives to enlighten and prepare individuals of the program with the skills and knowledge needed by the industry.
5. Liberty University
Program: Bachelor of Science: Public Administration
Tuition: $390 per credit hour (full-time per hour rate); $455 per credit hour (part-time per hour rate)
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC; Liberty University ranks #3 in Best Online Colleges in America
Financial Aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
Public Administration is a career that allows individuals to contribute and make positive changes in their community. The bachelor’s degree in Public Administration provides individuals with the tools required to deal with problems, regulate public policy and communicate in all levels of government.
6. Franklin University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Public Administration
Tuition: $398 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission; Franklin University ranks #37 Best Online Colleges in America
Financial Aid: Available, with 25% of students receiving financial aid
The Public Administration (B.S.) program strives to prepare individuals that are interested in working with the communities around them. This program offers guidance and courses required by the student to become field-ready in solving pressing issues and matters of public policy that nonprofit and government organizations may come across.
7. Point Park University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Public Administration
Tuition: $495 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
Point Park’s online degree in Public Administration has been designed to prepare individuals with acquiring the skill set needed in the public administration sector. The program offers courses on public policy, budgeting and also decision analysis. Emphasis is also laid on relevant public policy topics and real-world knowledge needed in the field.
8. Siena Heights University
Program: Bachelor of Arts – Public Services Administration
Tuition: $545 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally Accredited by the HLC.
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
The Public Administration degree by Siena Heights University is designed to be career-oriented. This program focuses on preparing individuals to hone their skills and efficiency as ethical leaders in the field. The program instructors at Siena Heights are active instructors with practical knowledge in specific fields.
9. Northern Arizona University
Program: Bachelor of Applied Science – Public Administration
Tuition: $11,578 per year (online students)
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission; Northern Arizona University ranks #6 Best Colleges in Arizona
Financial Aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
The objective of this Public Administration program provided by the university is to help individuals gain knowledge and skills with regard to organization, management, communication and policy issues. The program also aims to help individuals to broaden their horizons in the field of their specialization.
10. University of Phoenix
Programs: Bachelor of Science – Public Administration
Tuition: $398 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 86% of students receiving financial aid.
The courses offered with the Public Administration degree encompass the understanding of how public policies work and how the implementation is carried out in different organizations across nonprofit, public or government sectors. The program prepares students to be equipped for both public and private sectors covering subjects with regard to business, governmental laws, budgeting and more.
Affordable Online Public Administration Master’s Degree
Taking up a master’s degree in Public Administration will help you to move up the ladder. A master’s degree is equipped with more advanced courses that cover a vast area of topics and issues within and outside the community. It allows students to make better decisions with more complex challenges in the present societal structure while also helping them to upgrade certain skill sets needed in the industry.
A master’s degree in Public Administration is typically 4 years and involves a vast coverage of challenges, analysis of issues and policies, upgrading the skill set to advance further in your career.
Here is a list of affordable online Public Administration Master’s Degrees.
1. National University
Program: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree
Tuition: $442 cost per-quarter unit
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission; National University ranks #33 Best Online Colleges in America
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
NU’s Master of Public Administration program focuses on preparing students to face the complex societal shifts and challenges. Through the curriculum, students will be introduced to branches such as – traditional business skills, effectively utilizing critical thinking and research, analysis and assessment of public policies, evaluation of public administration strategies and to be able to make rational decisions when certain issues arise.
2. Park University
Program: Public Administration – MPA
Tuition: $459 per credit hour (Military Rate); $634 (Standard Rate)
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Financial Aid: Available, with 94% of students receiving financial aid.
A degree in Public Administration provided by Park University offers several areas of focus. The areas under the program that students can specialize in are – Criminal Justice Administration, Disaster and Emergency Management, Project Management, Nonprofit and Community Services Management and more. The program also guide the individual to understand the interrelationships among various activities carried out at all levels of the government, economic systems, and communities.
3. Eastern Oregon University
Program: Online Master of Public Administration
Tuition: $510 credit per hour
Accreditation: The university has been regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Financial Aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
The Public Administration program by EOU provides students with hands-on experience through optional internships and team collaboration. Students with a master’s degree in public administration are positioned in both private and public sectors. A quick glimpse on their courses include – Rural Governance, Political Communication Research Methods of Public Administration and more.
4. St. Cloud State University
Program: Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Tuition: $534 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Financial Aid: Available, with 90% of students receiving financial aid.
The Master of Public Administration degree by St. Cloud State University is an advanced program in understanding public policy, service and management. This program helps individuals to develop the necessary inventory of knowledge, abilities and skills that will be required in different public administrative fields. The program is structured into five areas of public administration – Public Policy, Public Administration Theory, Ethics, Management and Organization Theory.
5. Indiana Wesleyan University
Program: Online Master of Public Administration – Public Management
Tuition: $559 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission; Indiana Wesleyan University ranks #31 Best Colleges for Public Policy in America out of 636
Financial Aid: Available, with 86% of students receiving financial aid.
The online Master of Public Administration is fully equipped to help students to build their management and planning skills and knowledge for a public service oriented career. The course is approximately 18 months long where students will learn how to take up management positions in public and private sectors, to make rational decisions for the needs of a community and implement policies accordingly.
6.Trevecca Nazarene University
Program: Master’s in Public Administration (MPA)
Tuition: $563 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
Trevecca Nazarene University’s Master of Public Administration program helps prepare students to serve, lead and manage in governmental sectors, non-profit organizations and private settings. The degree offers individuals the liberty to specialize in one of eight tracks which include – project management, crisis and emergency management, data analytics, health care, management and leadership, human resources, entrepreneurship and innovation or nonprofit leadership and management.
7.Liberty University
Program: Master of Public Administration – General
Tuition: $565 per credit hour (full-time per hour rate); $615 per credit hour (part-time per hour rate)
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC; Liberty University ranks #3 in Best Online Colleges in America
Financial Aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
The Master of Public Administration degree involves a more advanced course of public service and policy. It allows individuals to analyze public policies, styles of management for different public organizations, strategize the economic structures effectively and also make assessment on the needs of the community. The program helps students to approach decision-making with more rationality and execute public policies accordingly.
8. California Baptist University
Program: Public Administration – Masters Degree
Tuition: $625 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by WSCUC.
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
CBU’s online Public Administration degree helps prepare leaders at different levels in the government, other organizations and businesses. Graduates with a Public Administration degree are prepared on how to lead, analyze, manage and respond to the needs of the community and organizations. The program also helps broaden the horizons of individuals in matters of public policy, political processes, technology, leadership, management and more.
9. Franklin University
Program: Master of Public Administration
Tuition: $670 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission; Franklin University ranks #37 Best Online Colleges in America
Financial Aid: Available with 25% of students receiving financial aid.
A societal structure that undergoes complex changes calls for more skillful and knowledgeable individuals in the public sector. Franklin University’s Public Administration degree helps to train individuals in areas of focus – leadership, service and management. With the right preparation, graduates can get positioned in sectors that involve analyzing, assessing and deciding the needs of a community and the issues it may have.
10. Northern Arizona University
Program: Public Administration – Master of Public Administration
Tuition: $14,458 for the entire program
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Financial Aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
The Master of Public Administration program offers guidance and helps to prepare students to become field-ready. The areas of focus are leadership and management roles in both governmental sectors and nonprofit organizations. The program helps to build in individuals – a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical areas of public service. Students with a public administration degree are positioned in levels such as the county, municipal, state, tribal and federal structures.
What Degree is Required to Work in Public Administration?
The minimum degree requirement to work in a public administration sector varies according to different government organizations, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. But the general rule of thumb is that an associate’s degree is the bare minimum required to get a position in public administration.
Is Public Administration in demand?
As society undergoes complex changes, the need for better leadership, management and service toward the community becomes an ever-growing requirement. Professionals in the field of public administration are able to analyze, assess and decide on certain issues that organizations or communities may face.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is estimated that the overall employment of administrative services is projected to grow 7 percent from the year 2021 leading till 2031. The projected number of employment in the following ten years has been estimated at 255,100.
Highest Paying Jobs for Graduates with a Public Administration Degree
Public services are currently spread across numerous types of industries. There is a need for public administration in both public and private sectors which include high paying jobs such as – financial analysts, urban planners, medical/health service manager, training and development managers, human resources manager, financial managers and chief executive officers.
Here is a list of some of the highest-paying jobs for graduates that have a public administration degree.
| Job Position | Median Salary |
| Financial Managers | $131,710 per year |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 per year |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 per year |
| Executive Directors | $104,690 per year |
| Health Service Managers | $101,340 per year |
| Logisticians | $77,030 per year |
