PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATION


Public service administrators shape policies at every level.  As a public administrator, you may work at the local, state, or federal government to analyze public programs and shape policies to benefit as many people as possible.

There are many public service administration degree programs online to choose from. Earnings for graduates vary: a public works director earns an average of $70,135 per year, while a city manager averages $88,695.  Some possible careers include:
  • City manager
  • Policymaker
  • Public services administrator
  • Public works director
  • Human services director
  • Elected official

Bachelor of Science in Public Administration

Regis University

$49,970.00 Request Information

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration degree online at Regis University. This fully online public administration program was created to give its students the understanding and skills needed to evaluate, plan, and implement public sector programs.

Individuals in this program will learn the process of critically thinking and analyzing the development and implementation of public policy, which will help them to establish a stronger grasp on issues of political dynamics in various communities. This will in turn help them to become an effective public official who has the skills and understanding need to achieve goals through collaboration and consensus-building.

This online public administration Bachelor's degree has been structured to guide students in learning the process and procedures involved in government structure, financing and budgeting for projects, and evoking change in federal, state, county, or city governments. This program opens the door to the field of Public Administration, and helps its students to build the skills and talents needed to be an effective civil servant.

All applicants must have at least a High School Diploma or GED equivalent as highest level of education, as well as 3+ years of professional experience.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Master of Public Administration

Hodges University

$18,000.00 Request Information

The online Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Hodges University is a degree program meant for the general public sector professional, and is intended to prepare its graduates for managerial roles in government and non-profit enterprises.

A graduate of this program will be equipped with the specific knowledge and skills that are required to lead and contribute to organizational success at the executive level. Students will master critical competencies such as, administration, public policy planning, decision-making, environmental scanning, finance, budgeting, and research are included in the online MPA program of study.

Master of Public Administration graduates will be required to successfully complete prescribed course work in the Public Administration Core in their choice of the government track or the non-profit track.

All MPA students must successfully complete the MPA Comprehensive Exam in order to graduate. This degree consists of 30 credit hours (10 courses).

Must have a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution.

Accreditation Agency: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Master of Justice Administration

Norwich University

$22,644.00 Request Information

The Master of Justice Administration degree from Norwich University goes beyond the typical Criminal Justice curriculum, and combines Public Administration topics with those specific to the Criminal Justice system.

This fully online Master's degree gives students more available opportunities by not only enhancing their skills in criminal justice, but students develop the crucial administrative skills they will need to prepare them to assume leadership positions.

Norwich University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and all applicants must have at least a Bachelor's Degree at the time they apply the Master of Justice Administration Degree Program.

Accreditation Agency: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

More: Legal and Criminal Justice > Criminal Justice
More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Master of Arts in Public Policy

New England College

$16,056.00 Request Information

NEC's Master of Arts in Public Policy (MAPP) online program prepares its students for a wide variety of employment opportunities including: government, non-profit, and political organizations.

This completely online program looks at the intersection and friction that exist between abstract policy and real world politics. Students will develop an understanding of the theoretical foundations that are key to public policy discussions, and more importantly will develop an understanding of how the outcomes of these discussions affect changes in the political process.

Also included in this program is the education of students in both analytical and advocacy skills, which are crucial in preparing them for advancement in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

There are four core areas that graduates of the MAPP program will have upon graduation:

  • They will develop an understanding of the origins of American political institutions, which includes an understanding of their foundation in ethics and leadership.
  • A firm grasp on the governmental institutions that make-up and enact public policy in our society, which includes Congress, the Judiciary, the Presidency and state and local governments
  • An in-depth insight of the American political process including: the mechanics of campaigns, elections, campaign finance and the media
  • And, the ability to analyze public policy issues. This will include elements such as, basic economic analysis, the ability to present arguments persuasively and logically, and the ability to communicate in a clear and convincing method in both writing and speech.

All applicants must have a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution.

Accreditation Agency: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Bachelor Degree in Global Business and Public Policy

University of Maryland

$28,180.00 Request Information

This online Bachelor of Science in Global Business and Public Policy from the University of Maryland University College has been created to give its students the necessary skills needed to obtain a career in all economic arenas, such as:

  • Domestic and global business
  • Federal, State, and Local governments
  • International governmental organization
  • Domestic and international nongovernmental or nonprofit sectors.

Upon completion of this degree program graduates will be able to combines the many principles of business marketing, and accounting with an understanding of global business and public policy. This includes the understanding of international and multinational management, public policy and management, and issues related to international law, marketing, finance, and development.

Accreditation Agency: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education

More: Business and MBA > International Business
More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management - Public Administration

Ashford University

$39,012.00 Request Information

Ashford University's Organizational Management program examines the human side of managing organizations, skill development in communication, group behavior, decision-making, human resource management and ethics. One of the best things about Ashford University's Organizational Management program is the student's ability to customize their degree to fit their professional and educational goals. Students with a background in Public Administration can transfer up to 12 credits of Public Administration coursework into their Organizational Management concentration, resulting in a dynamic degree comprised of complementing areas.

Students in the Public Administration concentration will develop many of the skills necessary to be successful in the public sector. These students will combine their Public Administration concentration with organizational skill development in communications, group behavior, decision making, human resource management and ethics, culminating in a well-rounded degree. In addition, Ashford University's transfer policy will allow you to transfer in your Public Administration credits no matter when you took them.

Applicants to this program must have a High school diploma or GED, be age 22 or older, have work experience, preferably full-time work experience and meet the writing proficiency standards of the College of External Studies.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management - Public Safety Administration

Ashford University

$39,012.00 Request Information

Ashford University's Organizational Management program examines the human side of managing organizations, skill development in communication, group behavior, decision-making, human resource management and ethics. One of the best things about Ashford University's Organizational Management program is the student's ability to customize their degree to fit their professional and educational goals. Students with a background in Public Safety Administration can transfer up to 12 credits of Public Safety Administration coursework into their Organizational Management concentration, resulting in a dynamic degree comprised of complementing areas.

Students with a focus in Public Safety Administration will develop many of the skills necessary to be successful in the public sector. These students will combine their Public Safety Administration concentration with organizational skill development in communications, group behavior, decision making, human resource management and ethics, culminating in a well-rounded degree. In addition, Ashford University's transfer policy will allow you to transfer in your Public Safety Administration credits no matter when you took them. The result is a dynamic degree that allows you to keep the credit you have earned while adding courses that will improve your management skills and enhance your opportunity for promotion within your chosen field.

Applicants to this program must have a High school diploma or GED, be age 22 or older, have work experience, preferably full-time work experience and meet the writing proficiency standards of the College of External Studies.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management - Recreation

Ashford University

$39,012.00 Request Information

One of the best things about Ashford University's Organizational Management program is the student's ability to customize their degree to fit their professional and educational goals. Students with a background in Recreation can transfer up to 12 credits of Recreation coursework into their Organizational Management concentration, resulting in a dynamic degree comprised of complementing areas.

Students with a focus in Recreation develop many of the skills necessary to be successful in the public sector. These students will combine their Recreation concentration with organizational skill development in communications, group behavior, decision making, human resource management and ethics, culminating in a well-rounded degree. In addition, Ashford University's transfer policy will allow you to transfer in your Recreation credits no matter when you took them. The result is a dynamic degree that allows you to keep the credit you have earned while adding courses that will improve your management skills and enhance your opportunity for promotion within your chosen field.

Applicants to this program must have a High school diploma or GED, be age 22 or older, have work experience, preferably full-time work experience and meet the writing proficiency standards of the College of External Studies.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Bachelor of Public Administration

Charter Oak State College

$22,985.00 Request Information

The Bachelor degree in Public Administration is a 120-credit degree completion program that can be completed with distance education through online courses. This program is designed for students who already have some experience or college credit. Along with general education requirements, you will also take at least 36 hours of specialized courses to fulfill the concentration in Public Administration.

Online courses for the Public Administration degree at Charter Oak State College are $165 for a CT resident, and just $235 for non-residents. For degree seeking students, a good idea is the 'Comprehensive Matriculation Program' at $2,720 for residents and $3,760 for non-residents, which covers your annual matriculation fee plus 12 hours of credit to be used within a year. Normal matriculation fees are $985 for residents and $1,300 for non-residents (renewable at $450 and $660, respectively).

There is a $75 application fee, a $40 registration fee, and a $185 graduation fee.

Accreditation Agency: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Bachelor of Public Safety Administration

Charter Oak State College

$22,985.00 Request Information

The Bachelor degree in Public Safety Administration is a 120-credit distance education program that can be completed entirely online. Along with the regular courses you would take to graduate, you will also take at least 36 hours of specialized courses to fulfill the concentration in Public Safety Administration.

Online courses for the Public Safety Administration degree at Charter Oak State College are $165 for a CT resident, and just $235 for non-residents. For degree seeking students, a good idea is the 'Comprehensive Matriculation Program' at $2,720 for residents and $3,760 for non-residents, which covers your annual matriculation fee plus 12 hours of credit to be used within a year. Normal matriculation fees are $985 for residents and $1,300 for non-residents (renewable at $450 and $660, respectively).

There is a $75 application fee, a $40 registration fee, and a $185 graduation fee.

Accreditation Agency: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Bachelor of Science in Business/Public Administration

University of Phoenix Online

$59,390.00 Request Information

The B.S. in Business / Public Administration degree from University of Phoenix Online is a 120 credit hour program. Tuition is $494 per credit hour, there is a $45 application fee, and a $65 graduation fee.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

More: Business and MBA > Business
More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Bachelor of Science in Human Services Management

University of Phoenix Online

$59,390.00 Request Information

The B.S. in Human Services Management degree from University of Phoenix Online is a 120 credit hour program. Tuition is $494 per credit hour, there is a $45 application fee, and a $65 graduation fee.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Bachelor of Science in Public Service Administration

Grand Canyon University Online

$46,180.00 Request Information

Grand Canyon University Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Service Adinistration degree that can be completed with 45 credit hours of study (this is a degree completion program). The cost for this program is $360 per credit hour, plus a $100 application fee, and a $100 graduation fee.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Master in Public Administration

Strayer University Online

$20,810.00 Request Information

The Master in Public Administration degree at Strayer University is an online degree that can be completed with a minimum of 54 credit hours. Tuition is $1,730 per 4.5 credit course. There is a $50 application fee.

Accreditation Agency: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Master of Business Administration/Public Administration

University of Phoenix Online

$27,650.00 Request Information

The MBA / Public Administration degree from University of Phoenix Online is a 45 credit hour program. Tuition is $612 per credit hour, there is a $45 application fee, and a $65 graduation fee.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

More: Business and MBA > Online MBA
More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Master of Education - School Counseling

Liberty University

$18,960.00 Request Information

The online Master of Education - School Counseling degree program from Liberty University, the world's largest evangelical university, has been created and shaped to give students the skills needed for becoming effective counselors in Christian, public, and private schools.

Many of the courses in this program have been created to aid individuals looking to gain the skills needed for:

  • Understanding and appreciating the importance of a counselor's professional identity.
  • Assisting classroom teachers and parents of K-12 students in understanding the needs of children and adolescents.
  • Assisting classroom teachers and parents of K-12 students in understanding the needs of children and adolescents.
  • Evaluating counseling information as it applies in a school setting.
  • Integrating Christian faith and values with counseling theories and practice.
  • Appling counseling techniques, skills, and assessment tools in a school setting.

This is an excellent online school counseling degree program for individuals who are seeking to further develop the skills needed to pursue a doctoral program, or who are simply looking to further their current career.

The program is a National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) approved program, and is also state approved for advanced licensure (reciprocity with other states) or endorsements.

All applicants to this program must have a Bachelor's degree from an institution that is accredited by an agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Liberty University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees.

Accreditation Agency: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

More: Education > Counseling / Psychology
More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Master of Education in Technology Education

California University of Pennsylvania

$20,604.00 Request Information

The focus of the Masters of Education in Technology Education degree program at California University of Pennsylvania is to provide continued training for teachers and leaders in the field of technology education who are looking for an opportunity to develop a broader-based of understanding of the field and its direction.

The students looking to develop an in-depth understanding for a specific research a topic in the field may choose to follow the thesis option; however, individuals who do not want to take the thesis option will be required to complete a major project.

Technology education is a vital aspect of education for all students at all levels in Pennsylvania. It promotes the development of technologically literate citizens by studying the broad spectrum of technology. In contrast, educational technology focuses on using computer technology to enhance instruction. This degree is NOT intended for individuals interested in educational technology.

This program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and requires applicants have completed a B.S. or B.A. degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

Accreditation Agency: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education; National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

More: Education > Education Technology

Master of Management/Public Administration

University of Phoenix Online

$27,650.00 Request Information

The Master of Management / Public Administration degree from University of Phoenix Online is a 45 credit hour program. Tuition is $612 per credit hour, there is a $45 application fee, and a $65 graduation fee.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Master of Public Administration

Marist College

$20,850.00 Request Information

The online Master of Public Administration program at Marist College provides its students with the knowledge and skills they will need to be effective public sector and not-for-profit program management.

The curriculum for this online program offers students new to the field the introduction and background they will to begin a successful careers, while also preparing seasoned professionals to assume managerial and administrative positions. Marist's online MPA program can be especially relevant for individuals who are in or want to join the health care, criminal justice, or human service professions, as well as those interested in public sector and not-for-profit administration.

All applicants must complete the graduate admissions application, official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, official GRE score report if applicants has an undergraduate GPA less than 2.5 and less than 10 years work experience

Accreditation Agency: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Master of Public Administration

Norwich University

$22,644.00 Request Information

Norwich University has developed their online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program in a manner that enables its graduates with the tools they will need to excel in leadership positions in public, private, and nonprofit organizations.

This online professional degree has been specifically designed to equip both current and future public service professionals with the skills and techniques that will be required of them to resolve important societal problems. This program is both academically comprehensive and sufficiently flexible, which provides students opportunities to pursue special interests and skills.

The unique coursework focuses the students on learning skills such as:

  • Organizational management
  • Leadership
  • Decision-making
  • Donflict management,
  • Ethical and legal issues
  • Information management and security
  • Human resources, and budgeting and financial processes.

In this online MPA program students not only learn the theoretical principles and concepts related to public administration, but they will also apply them to "real world" situations that actual administrators have face.

All individual applying to this program must have at least a Bachelor's Degree at the time they apply to a Norwich University Master's Degree Program.

Accreditation Agency: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Master of Public Administration

DeVry University Online

$13,500.00 Request Information

DeVry University's online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree has been created to offers its students a program that would aid them in developing the skills and understanding that are needed to be an efficient and effective manager within any organization.

This program also offers students the opportunity to chose a focus within one of three areas of emphasis:

  • Government management
  • Nonprofit management
  • Health care management

Graduates of this online MPA program will have gained the skills that are required of personnel at any level of nonprofit, healthcare and governmental organizations, including:

  • Leadership
  • Human resources
  • Budgeting
  • Accounting
  • Project management
  • Information systems
  • Public policy
  • Marketing

This public administration online degree program will teach its students the theoretical and practical knowledge that is needed to work with government policies, implement statewide initiatives and mandates, enhance viability of social services, and manage care facilities, hospitals, and clinics.

Graduate applicants must hold an undergraduate degree.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Master of Public Administration

Bellevue University

$14,580.00 Request Information

The online Master of Public Administration degree program from Bellevue University was created to enable its students with the skills and understanding that is needed to handle the complex and challenging issues that are related to working within the public sector.

Individuals who complete this fully online degree in Public Administration will have developed a solid understanding of the leadership and managerial skills that are required for obtaining a variety of careers, including:

  • City manager
  • Policymaker
  • Public services administrator
  • Public works director
  • Human services director
  • Elected official

Graduates with Bellevue University's Master of Public Administration degree will understand the intricacies of functioning within the public sector, which includes:

  • Management
  • Organization
  • Financial issues specific to government
  • Non-profit and other public organizations

This online MPA degree consists of 36 credit hours, and offers individuals a cohort style learning experience to aid them as they earn their degree.

All applicants must have an accredited Bachelor's degree.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Keller Graduate School of Management Online

$30,225.00 Request Information

With the Keller Graduate School of Management from DeVry University, students can earn an accredited Master of Public Administration degree after completing 45 hours (15 courses) of coursework. Tuition is $2,015 per online course (3 hours each), and there is no application fee.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Master Public Administration

Walden University

$20,070.00 Request Information

The Master of Public Administration degree at Walden University is a 52 quarter credit program that can be completed in as little as 2 years (this program operates on a quarter system). Tuition is $385 per quarter credit hour, and there is $50 application fee.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration

Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration

Walden University

$36,450.00 Request Information

The Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration degree at Walden University is an online degree that can be completed with 130 quarter credits of course work, a dissertation, and 20 days of residency (two 4-day sessions and two 6-day sessions). This program is delivered on a quarter system, and requires a minimum of 8-9 quarters to complete the work. Tuition is a flat $4050 per quarter, with each 4-day residency costing $800, each 6-day residency costing $1,200, and a $50 application fee.

Accreditation Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

More: Social Science > Public Service Administration