Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Online
Is a Public Administration Degree for You?
Individuals who wish to pursue a degree in public administration must possess analytical, quantitative, organizational, and communicative skills. If you are interested in the socio-economic, political, and ethical environments in which businesses and governments operate, then a public administration degree may be the right fit for you. Collaborative work with peers is a large component of the public administration program, as it fosters students' abilities to work in a team for a common goal. Furthermore, students entering a public administration program should anticipate extensive writing assignments, as well as in-depth mathematical analyses of different aspects of business. While earning a bachelor's degree in public administration, students will also learn about conflict resolution and interpersonal relations.
Advice for Earning Your Public Administration Degree Online
Online public administration programs offer students the opportunity to complete degree requirements on their own time. Though online programs offer the same classes as campus-based programs, some students may find online course work difficult, as it requires self-motivation and independence. But regardless of the medium used to access classes, students are strongly encouraged to make sure their schools of interest are accredited. Accredited institutions are held to strict standards of education; as a result, they are accepted by employers. You can check the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to determine whether or not your college or university is accredited.
Required Courses
Because public administration encompasses such a wide array of areas, students within the public administration degree program take classes from several different academic departments. As a public administration student, you can expect to take classes in humanities, mathematics, history, and political science. You will learn to master working with basic mathematical procedures, practice working with several individuals to solve complex problems, and construct written explanations of complex events. Some classes require public administration degree students to take course work in areas like American government, public policy, sociology, business administration, economics, ethics, statistics, and budgeting. Public administration students should expect to engage in extensive group work during many of their classes as well.
Common Career Paths
Public administration degrees lead to jobs within the governmental and non-profit sectors. As cities and governments grow, skilled professionals with bachelor's degrees in public administration are needed to help manage programs. Common public administration positions include (but are not limited to):
- Parole Officer
Parole officers are responsible for ensuring that offenders who are freshly released from prison are closely monitored and are abiding by court rules and orders. Parole officers are also responsible for ensuring that their assigned ex-convict has acceptable housing arrangements and employment opportunities. To become a probation officer, you must have a bachelor's degree in public administration, social work, criminal justice, or a related field. In addition to a training program provided by the State or Federal government, applicants must also be at least 21 years old but must be no older than 37 if working at the Federal level, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS predicts that employment opportunities will increase about 19% within the next decade, placing 123,300 new jobs on the market. Salaries will vary depending on years of experience, location, and employer, but on average, public administrators can earn a median salary of $45,910 a year.
- Policy Analyst
Policy analysts work to improve society by researching solutions to imperfect governmental policies. Policy analysts use a variety of different methods including surveys, cost-benefit analysis, and focus groups to determine the necessary approach to improving upon policies. Anyone pursuing this career should work to obtain an advanced degree in public administration, public policy, economics, political science, or another related subject, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries vary based on degree level and employer.
For example, Federal agencies typically pay anywhere from $93,000 to $145,000 however these jobs are highly competitive and limited. While jobs at non-profit organizations are easier to land and usually only require a master's degree, some offer a starting salary of around $32,150.
- Urban and Regional Planners
Urban and regional planners work to create strategic plans that effectively make use of land, space, and other resources. Specific job duties vary depending upon location; however, all urban and regional planners are responsible for helping local and governmental officials come up with solutions to issues pertaining to residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational facilities. This may include formulating both public and private zoning regulations, and recommending the best locations for schools and new roads. Planners must always consider short-term and long-term effects such changes have on the community, as well as the economical and environmental issues that may arise.
Most entry positions in this field require a master's degree in urban or regional planning. Career opportunities for those who pursue this field are expected to be good, with 7,300 new jobs predicted to be added into the market throughout the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On average, one can expect a median salary of $66,020.
