Best Public Administration Programs

In the constantly evolving public administration field, society needs more leaders to apply for government roles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the need for life, physical, and social science occupations to grow by 8% from 2020-2030. This means the organization projects about 113,800 new jobs will become available in that time frame. People working in the social science field earned a median annual income of $72,740 in May 2021.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a public administration program prepares learners to work as government leaders. The curriculum covers topics like public policy, budgetary processes, and professional ethics. When it comes to the degree’s cost, undergraduates spend an average of about $25,910 per year on tuition, fees, and room and board, as per NCES.

Keep reading to learn more about the top on-campus and online bachelor’s in public administration programs to find the best choice for you.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Bachelor’s in Public Administration ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 191 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.

To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).

The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.

Communities will always need professionals in public administration to help meet the needs of individuals, families, and members of vulnerable populations. The health, economic, and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will help drive the demand for public administrators in coming years.

For example, the BLS projects that jobs for health education specialists and community health workers will grow by 17% from 2020-2030.

A bachelor’s degree in public administration requires about 120 credit hours, which takes approximately four years to complete. Working professionals who take classes part time likely need more time to finish their program. Some online programs offer accelerated courses, allowing students to graduate in less time.

Public administration graduates entering certain fields might need licensure or certification. A bachelor’s degree in public administration can serve as a stepping stone to a career in social work. This requires additional training and licensure based on state mandates.

Most health education specialists do not need certification. Obtaining a credential can make them more competitive when searching for employment.

Find the best online bachelor’s in public administration programs.

Public administration students typically take courses like introduction to public administration, quantitative methods, and resource development for nonprofit organizations. They also learn about project management in nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public administration often learn valuable networking skills. Many learners take advantage of practicum and internship opportunities, which offer real-world experience. Students also get exposure to fundraising activities like grant writing.

Degree tracks in public administration can help graduates meet specific career goals. For instance, a bachelor of arts (BA) typically teaches students soft skills like communication proficiencies, critical thinking, and intercultural awareness. BA learners can take several courses outside of their major, which allows for more flexibility to choose among career options.

A bachelor of science (BS) provides a more focused education, allowing students to gain in-depth knowledge and experience in their majors. BS students tend to take more scientific and technical classes, allowing less freedom to seek jobs in other fields.

Students interested in taking care of the earth’s natural resources might enjoy this concentration. Learners take courses in subjects such as urban ecology, project management, and sustainability.

A bachelor’s degree in public administration serves students pursuing careers in crisis management or emergency preparedness. Students in this concentration learn to create protocols and strategies to prepare for and respond to various disasters.

Students interested in working for nonprofits can choose this specialization, which focuses on fundraising, finance, and organizational operations. Individuals also learn about project management and grant writing.

Public service appeals to students who prefer a generalist background, which keeps their career options open. Learners get exposure to various subjects like law enforcement, public health, project management, and fundraising.

The public health policy concentration prepares graduates to work in hospitals, clinics, healthcare organizations, and government agencies. They might take courses in epidemiology, public policy, quantitative methods, and introduction to public health.

A bachelor’s in public administration can lead to various nonprofit, public service, and government jobs. Graduates can work in public health, social services, and crisis management. Other public administration sectors include public works, city planning, housing, economic development, transportation, education, and parks and recreation.

This bachelor’s degree prepares individuals to work in administrative roles, such as directing a nonprofit organization or managing a disaster response department. Graduates can also obtain jobs in auditing, community health education, or social work.

Four-year degree programs generally require students to complete an application requesting personal contact information and other documents. Many schools use online platforms like Common App, which lets students submit one application to multiple institutions. Applicants should expect to pay an application fee between $20-$90.

Application requirements vary among programs. Most prefer applicants with a minimum 2.5 GPA. In some cases, high scores on the ƒuniversoSAT or ACT can make up for a low GPA. Schools also request official transcripts from high school and previous college education.

Many colleges and universities request admission or application essays highlighting students’ career goals, academic achievements, and reasons for pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public administration. Admissions officials typically ask forrecommendation letters from applicants’ former instructors, mentors, or employers who can speak to candidates’ strengths and readiness for postsecondary study.

Yes. People passionate about improving the world through public service often find this degree worth the effort. Some people may find the earning growth potential motivating as well. For example, legislators earn a higher-than-average mean annual wage of $57,110, as per the BLS. However, legislators in the top 90th percentile earn an average wage of $100,580.

Another reason why people feel a bachelor’s in public administration is worth the effort is that it opens many doors. For example, learners can also apply for related careers in business.

People with this degree often pursue jobs in the government. They may begin working in hired roles in local government branches. Then, graduates may run for office. They may work as district or state representatives or even senators.

Nonprofits often hire public administration graduates. Graduates may work for advocacy groups, lobbying organizations, or poverty relief groups. Most public administration programs cover topics that pertain to business, like managerial and writing skills, so graduates can also work as directors at for-profit businesses. Some public administrators work in consulting roles for government offices and organizations.

People working in this field must stay current with new laws and developing news stories. They can do so by committing to continuing education through a professional organization. For example, the American Society for Public Administration offers networking and virtual education opportunities. Members can attend live webinars and an annual conference.

Some aspiring public administrators may want to complete a master’s degree in this subject. A master’s degree focuses on the theories that guide the practice. Students contribute new research to the field by writing a thesis.

According to July 2022 Payscale data, people with a bachelor’s in public administration earned an average of $69,000 per year. Professionals with a master’s degree in this subject earned slightly more at an average of $71,000 per year.

A few factors influence salary. For example, political scientists in certain states earn more than others. According to the BLS, these professionals in the District of Columbia earned a mean annual wage of $126,210 in May 2021. At the same time, Texan political scientists earned a mean annual wage of $91,240 in 2021.

Professionals who work for the federal government earn some of the highest incomes with this degree. According to June 2022 data from Payscale, these professionals earned an average of about $61,000 yearly.

Many of the highest-paying public administration jobs require a master’s degree. For example, the BLS states economists typically need a master’s degree. These professionals earned a median income of $105,630 in May 2021. The BLS also states political scientists need a master’s degree. These professionals earned a median income of $122,510 per year as of May 2021.

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