Online Degrees in Public Administration
Listed below are colleges and universities that offer online degrees or certificates in Public Administration and a detailed list of the programs that are offered.
With a degree in Public Administration, graduates will be prepared to implement the goals and resources to affect policy change for the greater good, by learning skills such as planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and control. Many organizations need professionals to coordinate and direct their services.
If you are interested in earning a Public Administration degree, click here to request more information.
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with Public Administration programs
Ashford University

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BA/Organizational Management - Public Administration
Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management degree online from Ashford University, and examine the human side of managing organizations. Learn to facilitate better communication, group behavior, decision-making, and human resources management while observing a code of ethics. Improve your understanding of how organizations function and develop effective skills in management and leadership. Define and understand strategic planning, financial management, law and marketing and other areas in which an organizational leader must be knowledgeable in order to be effective. Use previous education or work experience to enhance and personalize your Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management degree when you pair it with a transfer concentration.
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BA/Organizational Management - Public Safety Administration
Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management degree online from Ashford University, and examine the human side of managing organizations. Learn to facilitate better communication, group behavior, decision-making, and human resources management while observing a code of ethics. Improve your understanding of how organizations function and develop effective skills in management and leadership. Define and understand strategic planning, financial management, law and marketing and other areas in which an organizational leader must be knowledgeable in order to be effective. Use previous education or work experience to enhance and personalize your Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management degree when you pair it with a transfer concentration.
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BA/Public Administration
Take the lead in public service by earning your Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration online from Ashford University. Form a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in the public sector. A Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration degree from Ashford University is a great fit if you are seeking entry into federal, state, and local government jobs, as well as careers in non-profit management. This degree demonstrates your proficiency as a professional in public service. You will complete coursework in urban management, budgeting and finance, political science and intergovernmental issues, and public policy development. This degree also offers you a full complement of courses in the social sciences.
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MA/Organizational Management - Public Administration
Develop professional competence in a world of rapid change with a Master of Arts in Organizational Management degree online from Ashford University. Study organizational change, marketing, decision-making, strategic thinking, and innovation while learning to build an organizational culture that embraces quality and diversity. Explore your choices when you choose the standard Master of Arts advanced program emphasizing the human side of leadership or add one of several dynamic specializations to enhance your degree. Each specialization focuses on a unique element within the scope of Organizational Management that will further enhance your skills and prepare you for a larger range of responsibility. Your Master of Arts in Organizational Management degree is the first step to becoming an effective leader with global vision and awareness.
Strayer University

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Master of Business Administration: Public Administration Concentration
The MBA program offers a broad set of business management tools while also allowing students a choice of concentration in order to tailor their degrees to fit their careers and learning goals. The program curriculum prepares working professionals to become effective decision makers and managers in a world increasingly affected by globalization, technology, and ethical challenges. It is designed for working professionals from a wide range of backgrounds who wish to advance or enhance their business careers.
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Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the professional degree for people who want to enter public service at the management level. The academic focus is on developing analytical, conceptual and practical competencies that are common to Strayer University�??s Master of Business Administration degree, but emphasizing the �??public�?? perspective of administration. Public Administration degrees prepare students to manage and direct public organizations and governmental offices. According to the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), public administration graduates work for local, state and federal governments, non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, trade associations, political parties and consulting firms.
Walden University

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Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
Across the public sector spectrum, career opportunities are predicted to expand rapidly over the next five years. At every level-federal, state, and local-this growth trend in employment will fuel a demand for qualified managers who can lead public agencies or direct public policy organizations.* Prepare to advance your career and to meet this increasing need for public sector professionals as you gain the skills to translate public policies into effective programs and projects. International themes and concepts incorporated throughout your coursework will broaden your perspective of public service. Walden's M.P.A. program can be completed in less than two years, depending on individual progress and credits transferred.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries, 2008-2009 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/c9/cgs041.htm and http://www.bls.gov/oco/c9/cgs042.htm.
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Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Mixed-Model - Nonprofit Management and Leadership
The Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program prepares you to meet the challenges of governance and effective service delivery as government and nonprofit institutions increasingly become intertwined. You'll integrate scholarly research with your professional experience, gaining the knowledge, confidence, and expertise to create effective solutions. Earn your degree in two ways:
Course-based
This option is a structured program of study comprised of online courses. As a student, you will follow a specific plan for completion and may be eligible to graduate in three years.*
Mixed-model
This option is a more flexible program of study that includes online courses and Walden's signature Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). Study independently and work closely with a faculty mentor to apply your research to an area in which you are passionate.
Specializations
- General Program
- Criminal Justice
- Emergency Management
- Health Policy
- Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
- Interdisciplinary Policy Studies
- International Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Law and Public Policy
- Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities
- Nonprofit Management and Leadership
- Policy Analysis
- Public Management and Leadership
- Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace
*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred.
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Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Course-Based - Criminal Justice
The Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program prepares you to meet the challenges of governance and effective service delivery as government and nonprofit institutions increasingly become intertwined. You'll integrate scholarly research with your professional experience, gaining the knowledge, confidence, and expertise to create effective solutions. Earn your degree in two ways:
Course-based
This option is a structured program of study comprised of online courses. As a student, you will follow a specific plan for completion and may be eligible to graduate in three years.*
Mixed-model
This option is a more flexible program of study that includes online courses and Walden's signature Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). Study independently and work closely with a faculty mentor to apply your research to an area in which you are passionate.
Specializations
- General Program
- Criminal Justice
- Emergency Management
- Health Policy
- Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
- Interdisciplinary Policy Studies
- International Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Law and Public Policy
- Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities
- Nonprofit Management and Leadership
- Policy Analysis
- Public Management and Leadership
- Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace
*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred.
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Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) Public Management & Leadership
Across the public sector spectrum, career opportunities are predicted to expand rapidly over the next five years. At every level-federal, state, and local-this growth trend in employment will fuel a demand for qualified managers who can lead public agencies or direct public policy organizations.* Prepare to advance your career and to meet this increasing need for public sector professionals as you gain the skills to translate public policies into effective programs and projects. International themes and concepts incorporated throughout your coursework will broaden your perspective of public service. Walden's M.P.A. program can be completed in less than two years, depending on individual progress and credits transferred.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries, 2008-2009 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/c9/cgs041.htm and http://www.bls.gov/oco/c9/cgs042.htm.
Kaplan University
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Master of Public Administration
Kaplan University's Master of Public Administration is designed to help practicing and aspiring administrators develop the skills and techniques to provide leadership in a variety of public service fields. The core curriculum teaches you how to evaluate, implement, and manage policy and spans diverse topics including public administration and management, ethics and leadership, budgeting and the administration of public funds, strategic planning, and applied research. Additionally, the program offers you the flexibility to pursue a general Master of Public Administration or to focus on an intensive study area in health care management, governmental management, or criminal justice.
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BS in Public Administration and Policy
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MPA - Criminal Justice
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MPA - Fire and Emergency Services
Grand Canyon University

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B.S. in Public Safety Administration
Grand Canyon University's Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration program is an undergraduate degree program that provides a theoretical and applied approach to the professional education of students, while ensuring relevance to the homeland security and protection industry. The program highlights the application of research methodology; the utilization of communication skills at the personal, professional, and public level; and the development of professional skills and knowledge in the field of public safety. Prospective students should have some previous college experience.
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Master of Public Administration: Government and Policy
The Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Government and Policy prepares students for careers in the public sector.The program is targeted at individuals working or desirous of finding employment in all levels of government. The core coursework gives students the opportunity to apply administrative skills in the areas of economics, leadership, human capital development, and governance within the public sector environment. Emphasis courses will challenge students to identify and provide solutions for the unique issues facing public sector organizations in the areas of financial management, inter-agency cooperation, policy and law.Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
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Master of Public Administration: Health Care Management
The Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Health Care Management prepares students for careers in the public sector, specifically in the healthcare industry.The program is targeted at individuals who desire to have an impact in the area of healthcare delivery and management at the federal, state and local level. Â The core coursework gives students the opportunity to apply administrative skills in the areas of economics, leadership, human capital development, and governance within the healthcare environment. Â Emphasis courses will challenge students to identify and provide solutions for the unique issues facing the healthcare industry, such as healthcare ethics, healthcare delivery systems and healthcare economics.Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree prior to enrollment.
South University Online

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Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration program provides a combination of general and specialized information in a multi-disciplinary approach. The program is designed for those currently in or seeking to enter the public administration and/or non-profit management arenas.
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Master of Public Administration Non Profit Specialization
The Master of Public Administration program provides a combination of general and specialized information in a multi-disciplinary approach. The program is designed for those currently in or seeking to enter the public administration and/or non-profit management arenas. The specialization in Non-Profit Management provides more in-depth knowledge, skills, and applications in areas of direct interest to those seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the management of non-profit organizations.
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Master of Science in Criminal Justice Public Administration Specialization
Building on the graduate study of criminal justice, the specialization in Public Administration is aimed at those professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of key aspects of the public sector with particular attention to the unique character of public sector organizations as well as budgeting, intergovernmental relations, grant writing/contract administration, and public policy analysis.
Northcentral University

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CAGS-Bus/Public Administration
Earning a Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies program in Public Administration focuses on the skills needed to meet the challenges of government management at the local, state, and federal levels. Courses focus on acquiring the administrative knowledge and skills in diverse areas such as budgeting, personnel policies, politics, and urban planning. Graduates should leave with the capabilities for entry into public administration or advancement within their current position. Prospective students should hold a master's degree prior to enrolling in this 18-credit hour program that can also transfer directly into a doctoral program at NCU.
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DBA/Public Administration
This Doctor of Business Administration in Public Administration degree focuses on the skills needed to meet the challenges of government management at the local, state, and federal levels. Courses focus on acquiring the administrative knowledge and skills in diverse areas such as budgeting, personnel policies, politics, and urban planning. Prospective students must meet certain prerequisite requirements such as a bachelor's or master's degree or relevant work experience prior to enrolling. These requirements can be discussed with the career counselor when they call.
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MBA/Public Administration
The Master of Business Administration in Public Administration degree focuses on the skills needed to meet the challenges of government management at the local, state, and federal levels. Courses focus on acquiring the administrative knowledge and skills in diverse areas such as budgeting, personnel policies, politics, and urban planning. Graduates should leave with the capabilities for entry into public administration or advancement within their current position. Prospective students should currently hold a bachelor's degree and can complete the master's program in approximately 2 years.
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Ph.D.BA/Public Administration
Our Ph.D. in Business Administration/Public Administration degree program focuses on the skills needed to meet the challenges of government management at the local, state, and federal levels. Courses focus on acquiring the administrative knowledge and skills in diverse areas such as budgeting, personnel policies, politics, and urban planning.
Prospective students must meet certain prerequisite requirements such as a bachelor's or master's degree or relevant work experience prior to enrolling. These requirements can be discussed with the career counselor when they call.
Argosy University, Online

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Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Public Administration
Argosy University's Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program is focused on identifying solutions, putting the solutions to work, and evaluating the consequences of those actions. Students acquire skills to be a new kind of leader – one who can identify challenges and opportunities, draw on the latest technology and information; use advanced analytical and planning approaches, and execute plans for positive change. Businesses need leaders who can act and realistically evaluate how to maximize the impact of the solution. Argosy University's curriculum embraces solutions, leadership, and action. The program is designed to serve the needs of talented students, regardless of their undergraduate degrees.
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Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The Master of Public Administration degree program prepares learners to pursue careers as public servants with an opportunity to help shape the future of their organization. Public administration courses focus on ethics, organizational theory, policy analysis, financial strategies, and human resource management within departments and agencies. Individuals can choose to seek a general degree in this field or specialize in:
- Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Homeland Security
- State and Local Government
Post University

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Master of Public Administration
Post University offers a completely online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree Program for public sector and non-for-profit professionals, as well as military personnel. Through a careful mix of graduate-level public administration and business courses, you will develop the management, organizational and financial skills you need to take your career in government, non-profit, military or other public sector organizations to the next level.
Unlike many other MPA programs that focus almost exclusively on the public sector, Post University has integrated its Master of Business Administration curriculum into the program to help you improve your executive administration skills and make a real and immediate difference in your organization.
THIS PROGRAM IS IDEAL FOR PROFESSIONALS WHO
- - Want to advance their career and increase their value by becoming a more knowledgeable, forward-thinking public sector professional or military leader
- - Have busy work and personal lives and need the convenience of an online accelerated degree program
- - Don't want to sacrifice the quality of their MPA experience simply because it is delivered online
- - Want to learn with other public sector, business professionals, military personnel, and seasoned faculty who not only have advanced degree but extensive and relevant professional experience
THE MPA PROGRAM PREPARES STUDENTS TO
- - Understand how creativity and innovation may be used as tools to initiate, grow, and transform government programs and non-profit organizations
- - Apply functional business knowledge, decision tools, and planning techniques to lead and manage change within and across existing organizations or start-up operations
- - Integrate and enhance "soft" skills such as written and oral communications, teamwork, conflict management, influence, negotiation and leadership; and "hard" skills such as financial modeling, competitive analysis, and the use of metrics and predictive tools in decision making
- - Work and function optimally in multi-disciplinary teams
- - Apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the program in an integrated capstone project
- - Develop sensitivity to the importance of ethics and professionalism in initiating and managing government programs or in creating new non-profit organizations
- - Understand how local, regional, national, and global trends may affect and shape creativity and innovation in government agencies, public sector programs, and non-profit organizations