Public Administration Degree Online

What is Public Administration?

Public Administration (sometimes called Public Management) is a degree program that prepares people to manage public institutions and organizations. Public Administration majors learn how to manage finances and people for the public good.

Is Public Administration a Good Major / Degree for Me?

Are you a people person? Are you a strong communicator? Are you driven to make the world a better place? Is it important to you to be involved in your community? Do you see yourself as a leader? Are you good at organizing events? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then a degree in Public Administration might be for you!

High School Classes Needed for a Public Administration Degree in College:

• 4 English Credits
• 4 Math Credits
• 3 Science Credits
• At least 3 Social Studies Credits
• At least 2 Foreign Language Credits
• If your high school offers any of the following courses, take advantage:
  • AP Macroeconomics
  • AP Microeconomics
  • AP Statistics
  • AP Comparative Government and Politics
  • AP U.S. History
• If your high school offers any of the following co-curricular opportunities, take advantage:
  • Team Sports
  • Student Government
  • Civil Rights Team

Common Public Administration Courses in College:

• Accounting
• Community Analysis
• Economic Development
• Ethics
• Grant Writing
• Human Resources in Public Service
• Information Technology
• Nonprofit Management
• Public Financial Management
• Public Policy

Some programs may require an internship.

Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:

• Business Management: the study of how to plan, organize, and control a company in order to earn a profit
• E-commerce: the study of how to use the Internet and information technology in business
• Economics: the study of the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services
• Health Care Administration: a program that prepares students to manage the business aspects in the health care industry
• Human Resources Management: the study of topics related to employment
• International Relations: a branch of political science that focuses on foreign affairs
• Parks and Recreations: a course of study that explores how and why people interact with the outdoors, and how to manage these people and natural resources
• Peace Studies: the study of war, conflict, peace, and nonviolent conflict resolution
• Political Science: the study of government and politics
• Sociology: the study of societies and human social behavior

Public Administration Careers:

Many students who earn degrees in Public Administration go on to graduate school. Others go on to careers such as:

• Economic Developer
• Financial Officer
• Grant Coordinator
• Grant Writer
• Human Resources Manager
• Neighborhood Planner
• Nonprofit Director
• Town/City Manager