Guide to Best Public Administration Degrees Online
The best online public administration programs will prepare you for management roles in the public and nonprofit sectors. Our guide can help you explore the top degree options, find a program that suits your professional goals, and learn more about exciting careers in public service.
Best Online Public Administration Programs
With the high number of online public administration programs now available, it can be challenging to know where to begin your search. Our list of top-ranked schools can assist you. We have compiled a roster of high-caliber, accredited schools with online public administration degrees. Find your ideal school match below.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Private
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Public
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Private
Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Private
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Public
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Public
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Private
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
Public
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
Public
Delaware State University
Dover, Delaware
Public
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Public
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Public
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
Public
California Baptist University
Riverside, California
Private
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, Missouri
Public
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, New York
Public
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
Private
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
Public
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, Texas
Public
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Private
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, Ohio
Public
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Public
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Public
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, California
Public
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware
Public
Troy University
Troy, Alabama
Public
Park University
Parkville, Missouri
Private
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, Missouri
Private
Norwich University
Northfield, Vermont
Private
San Diego State University
San Diego, California
Public
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson, California
Public
Belhaven University
Jackson, Mississippi
Private
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Public
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Public
University of Maine at Augusta
Augusta, Maine
Public
University of Hawaii-West Oahu
Kapolei, Hawaii
Public
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Public
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, Texas
Public
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina
Public
Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Public
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Public
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina
Public
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Missouri
Public
Tennessee State University
Nashville, Tennessee
Public
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, Indiana
Private
California State University-East Bay
Hayward, California
Public
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Public
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, Florida
Public
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Public
Hudson Valley Community College
Troy, New York
Public
Exploring Online Public Administration Degree Programs
Online public administration programs are available at every degree level and as certificates, enabling you to find a program that fits your educational and professional aspirations. Some students may begin their postsecondary education as public administration majors, while others may pursue the discipline through graduate study. Review the table below to gain an understanding of the various programs, durations, and careers you can pursue after graduation.
Program Snapshot: 5 Ways to Get Your Public Administration Degree Online
| Program | Credit Hours | Time to Complete | Common Careers for Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s in Public Administration | 120-128 | 6 years part-time; 4 years full-time | Financial Analyst; Management Consultant; Nonprofit Program Coordinator |
| Graduate Certificate | 12-18 | 9-15 months | Training Manager; Nonprofit Director |
| Master of Public Administration (MPA) | 36-60 | 2-4 years | Public Policy Analyst; Nonprofit Fundraising Manager; Political Scientist |
| Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) | 48-60 | 3-5 years | Legislative Affairs Director; Senior Policy Director; Regulatory Affairs Director |
| PhD in Public Administration | 68-80 | 5-7 years | Public Administration Professor; Senior Researcher; Senior Academic Administrator |
Online Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs
A bachelor’s degree in public administration is an entry point to careers in this field, with options available as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) degrees. These programs cover fundamental topics such as policy development and implementation, public sector finance, applied research methods, and public sector administration.
Bachelor’s level programs often attract students who aim to secure entry-level positions upon graduation and utilize their skills to work in areas of policy, civil service, research, or consulting. These degrees are offered by various types of schools, including public and private institutions that provide both traditional on-campus courses and distance learning programs. The format of the programs tends to vary based on the school, but students can find fully online, hybrid, asynchronous/synchronous, full-time/part-time programs to meet their needs.
Public Administration Certificate Online Options
After completing a bachelor’s degree in public administration or a related topic, some students opt to progress into a graduate-level certificate program rather than a master’s degree. Some schools, such as Indiana State University, allow these credits to count towards a graduate program if you later change your mind.
Certificates differ from degrees in that they take less time, focus solely on the given topic (e.g., no general education requirements), and usually cost less. They appeal to both career changers and those already working in the field, though some may require relevant prerequisites. Options exist both online and in person, with hybrid formats also available. Some schools only offer part-time options, while others also provide full-time paths as well.
Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs Online
Master’s in public administration programs, typically offered as MPAs (Master of Public Administration) or Mas (Master of Arts), appeal to those who already possess a bachelor’s degree and have been working in the field for a while. These individuals have reached the point in their career where they want to further their education and increase their potential in terms of leadership roles and salary.
Online and in-person degrees exist and, given the fact that many people who undertake this degree also work, part-time and full-time learning options are available. Learn more about online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees, and find the right program for you.
Online Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Degrees
This online public administration doctorate exists as a professional program for those who want to use advanced skills in research, analytics, statistics, and management to elicit social change. Learners cover topics such as public management and leadership, evidence-based decision making, and applied research funding proposal writing to help build their managerial and leadership skills along the way.
DPA programs are available fully-online, in-person, and through hybrid learning. Because many students work while completing the degree, most schools provide both full-time and part-time learning paths. Though a professional program, most departments still require students to complete a dissertation rather than taking part in a final project.
PhD in Public Administration Online Programs
While the DPA focuses on preparing advanced practitioners, the PhD is designed for students who want to work primarily in research and/or academia. This terminal degree gives students the skills and experience needed to help shape policy through analytical research and educate the next generation of public administration professionals.
After completing coursework requirements, students begin researching and writing their dissertations. Degrees are available both online and at brick-and-mortar locations, but are more likely to require learners to visit campus for short learning intensives than a DPA program.
A Closer Look at Online Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Completing a public administration bachelor’s degree online is a great choice for students who need the added flexibility offered by distance learning but don’t want to sacrifice program quality. Bachelor’s degrees serve as an entry to both meaningful jobs and graduate programs. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from this degree program.
Subjects Studied
Key Skills Learned
Example Courses in an Online Public Administration Bachelor’s
Public Administration Foundations
Typically taken in the first year, this course familiarizes students with foundational writings on public administration and helps them understand how the discipline has evolved in the modern era.
Fiscal Management
This course introduces common frameworks and processes used in managing and disbursing public funds. Students consider questions of fiscal responsibility, audits, formal funding requests, and grant-making.
Policy Analysis
Students in this class gain the research and analysis skills needed to break down complicated pieces of policy and understand how factors such as political trends and public opinion influence how policy is written.
Programmatic Evaluation
This course gives degree seekers the knowledge and competencies needed to effectively design, implement, and evaluate programs to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They also learn strategies for managing staff and volunteers.
Research Methodologies
Students learn about common and emerging techniques and frameworks for gathering quality research, with emphasis on how to complete in-depth reviews and critical analysis of raw data.
Options for Specialization
Given the variety of professional options for public administration graduates, it’s not uncommon to find both bachelor’s programs offering specialization tracks. Common concentration areas include:
Typical Admissions Requirements
To gain entrance to a bachelor’s in public administration online degree, students need to meet a number of admissions requirements set by the school to gauge their preparedness for higher education. Actual requirements differ by school, but usually include some or all of the following components.
Average Tuition for an Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration
Costs for online bachelor’s in public administration vary significantly based on type of school and whether the institution charges online students resident or non-resident tuition. To give you an idea of what you can expect to pay, here are tuition rates at four schools that offer online bachelor’s degrees in public administration. Note: Tuition rates do not include fees, so prospective students should visit individual school websites to understand the total degree cost.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida International University | 120 | $229 (in-state) $346 (out-of-state) | $27,480 (in-state) $41,520 (out-of-state) |
| Franklin University | 120 | $398 | $47,760 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 120 | $330 | $39,600 |
| University of Colorado, Denver | 120 | $465 (in-state) $558 (out-of-state) | $55,800 (in-state) $66,960 (out-of-state) |
Looking for help paying for your online public administration degree? Check out our in-depth financial aid guide and list of scholarships and resources for public administration students.
Top 10 Careers for Your Online Degree in Public Administration
Graduates of online public administration programs, whether they obtain their undergraduate or graduate degrees, may qualify for a wide range of professional positions. The level of responsibility typically increases in line with degree attainment, as do salaries. Some students may prefer to work in entry-level positions for a few years to ensure that they enjoy the field before pursuing a master’s degree, while others may already be certain that they aspire to such roles and pursue both degrees before seeking a professional position.
Political Scientist
Minimum Education
Master’s Degree
Work Experience Needed
None
Graduates of master’s programs use their skills to better understand political systems and trends. They may use this information in an academic setting or they might work for an elected official to create policies.
Emergency Management Director
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience Needed
5 years +
Working with local, state, and federal governments, these professionals create response plans for dealing with natural disasters and emergencies. They liaise with other public safety workers, develop training programs, and share resources.
Social and Community Service Manager
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience Needed
Less than 5 years
Social and community service managers frequently work in government agencies or nonprofit organizations to provide local neighborhoods with the services they need. Aside from developing and overseeing programs, these professionals collect data to assess the effectiveness and apply for governmental and private funding.
Legislator
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience Needed
Several Years
Legislators work in local, state, and federal governments to create legislation that is then voted into law or rejected in their corresponding political body. They work with their teams to develop proposed legislation based on communal needs, work with fellow legislators to garner support and review other legislation up for votes.
Political Science Professor
Minimum Education
PhD Degree
Work Experience Needed
None
Legislators work in local, state, and federal governments to create legislation that is then voted into law or rejected in their corresponding political body. They work with their teams to develop proposed legislation based on communal needs, work with fellow legislators to garner support and review other legislation up for votes.
Fundraising Manager
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience Needed
5 years +
Fundraising managers may work for political campaigns, nonprofits, research facilities, or educational organizations. They use their skills in campaign development, persuasion, and donor relations to bring in new donors while managing existing relationships.
City Manager
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience Needed
5 years +
City managers work in local government to oversee all the administrative functions needed to keep the municipality running smoothly. They liaise with the mayor and other leaders to set budgets, oversee staffing needs, and make decisions about local investments and projects.
Management Analyst
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience Needed
Less than 5 years
Management analysts find work with government agencies, political campaigns, nonprofits, and corporations alike. They use their consulting skills to help identify issues around management deficiencies and make recommendations for improvements.
Budget Analyst
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience Needed
None
Budget analysts work in-house or as consultants to help state and local governments, corporations, campaigns, and companies better administer finances. They help department heads develop budgets, make company-wide recommendations, and create income and spending projections.
Postsecondary Education Administrator
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Work Experience Needed
Less than 5 years
Working in public and private university settings, these master’s degree graduates typically manage specific areas of programming. They may apply to governmental grants, handle fundraising initiatives, oversee personnel needs, or manage the costs associated with ongoing projects.
Understanding Accreditation for Online Public Administration Degrees
As part of finding the right school and program, students must ensure that any university they select maintains proper accreditation. Accreditation exists in two forms: institutional and programmatic. The former refers to the type of accreditation given to a school as a whole and includes regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditation is considered the most prestigious; however, as long as the accrediting organization is recognized by the Department of Education, attending a school with either type will help avoid issues with transferring credits, finding a job, and/or receiving licensure.
Programmatic accreditation exists for specific degree programs and academic departments. The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) accredits master’s degree programs in public administration and has a roster of more than 300 accredited schools. It does not accredit programs at other degree levels however, so students looking into non-master’s programs should make sure their degree program holds institutional accreditation.
Prospective students can learn about the accreditation status of their school by searching the U.S. Department of Education’s database.
10 Key Resources for Online Public Administration Students
Plenty of professional, academic, and research resources exist to help students build their expertise in the field and learn more about what a public administration education and career entails.
- American Association for Public Administration
- Public Administration Review
- National Association of State Budget Officers
- Association of Government Accountants
- Alliance for Nonprofit Management
- Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management
- American Political Science Association
- American Public Works Association
- Government Finance Officers Association
- International City/County Management Association