Start your online public administration degree
Gain an understanding of public policy and how it’s implemented in government, nonprofit or public institutions. Our Bachelor of Science in Public Administration degree prepares you for roles in both the public and private sectors and covers everything from civil leadership, business and governmental law to finance and budgeting.
Transfer credits
Earn your bachelor's degree faster and for less with eligible transfer credits.
Courses
Browse courses for your online public administration degree
Education should hold practical value. That’s why our courses meet rigorous academic standards and provide you with skills and knowledge immediately applicable to your career.
Core Courses
3 CREDITS | 3 SKILLS
This course serves as an introduction to the study and practice of public administration. The history of public administration, the issues and theories that confront it, and the political climate and management issues of ethics, staffing, budgeting, and implementing policies are analyzed.
Career-relevant skills that are aligned to this course
3 CREDITS | 3 SKILLS
This course introduces students to the foundations of communication in a public sector setting. Students are exposed to various topics related to interpersonal and group communication within the context of public sector applications. Students will develop skills in various mediums of verbal, nonverbal, and written communication genres. The utilization of social media and technology will be explored along with cross-cultural communications. Upon completing the course, students will have an awareness of various communication styles and genres and be able to identify areas for further exploration of communication as a skill.
Career-relevant skills that are aligned to this course
3 CREDITS | 3 SKILLS
This course explores the dynamic field of public policy development and examines decision-making in the ever-changing political environment. This course will require students to discuss multiple sources of policy input ranging from grassroots to legislative arenas. Current data sources and the application of analytical tools will be presented as a means to best satisfy multiple needs.
Career-relevant skills that are aligned to this course
3 CREDITS | 3 SKILLS
This course provides students with the skills necessary to lead and manage dynamic and diverse civic workforces. Students learn to review resumes, prepare job descriptions, interview candidates, draft performance evaluations, and progressive discipline protocols. Issues such as affirmative action, diversity and labor relations also are discussed.
Career-relevant skills that are aligned to this course
3 CREDITS | 3 SKILLS
This course examines the public sector budgetary process and related financial theories and methods.
Career-relevant skills that are aligned to this course
3 CREDITS | 3 SKILLS
This class examines the relationship and potential of partnerships between local, state, and the federal government as well as nonprofit and private organizations.
Career-relevant skills that are aligned to this course
3 CREDITS | 3 SKILLS
This course analyzes the ethical processes related to the nature, formation, and system of law in the United States, as applied to the public administration environment.
Career-relevant skills that are aligned to this course
3 CREDITS | 3 SKILLS
This course will provide students with the methodology and research techniques used by public administrators. It includes an introduction to public programming, grant writing, statistics, and data collection analysis for public administration issues.
Career-relevant skills that are aligned to this course
3 CREDITS | 3 SKILLS
This course examines the theories and skills needed for public programs and grant writing for public organizations. It also explores the process of analyzing programs including conducting research to improve decision-making in the public administration field.
Career-relevant skills that are aligned to this course
3 CREDITS | 3 SKILLS
This course examines leadership theories and their applicability to public administration entities. Actions resulting in success or failure are examined as are issues of conflict resolution, negotiation, and general leadership skills that provide accountability between the public and the administration.
Career-relevant skills that are aligned to this course
3 CREDITS | 3 SKILLS
This class addresses the importance of planning for future growth along with evolving land use patterns. Issues like urban and suburban sprawl, infill, density, redevelopment, and transportation modalities will be covered. Tools for implementing general plans, zoning, and eminent domain are addressed.
Career-relevant skills that are aligned to this course
3 CREDITS | 3 SKILLS
This course explores crisis management, recovery, mediation skills, problem-solving, collaborative strategies, and strategic thinking that mitigates risk. Students will develop skills to manage, resolve, negotiate and mediate conflict in and out of the organization. Students also will explore issues of cultural values, beliefs and differences related to conflict resolution.
Career-relevant skills that are aligned to this course
3 CREDITS | 3 SKILLS
his class will review major literature in Public Administration and explore challenges and solutions to existing issues in the field.