Best Online Public Administration Programs for 2024
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.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio.
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Springfield, Illinois
The University of Illinois Springfield has several online programs in public administration at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Students just starting out in public administration can apply to the Bachelor of Arts in Public and Nonprofit Administration program. The curriculum is fully online and allows students to choose from the following concentrations: Child Advocacy Studies, Environment and Society, and Global Public Health. At the graduate level, there are the Master of Public Administration and Doctor of Public Administration programs. Both can be earned fully online or with a hybrid format to facilitate networking and group learning. The online Doctor of Public Administration courses are available synchronously, with students progressing through the program as a cohort.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Arts in Public and Nonprofit Administration
- Credits: 120
- Length: About 4 years
- Cost: $367.50/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Public Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: 16-24 months
- Cost: $365.75/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NASPAA
Doctor of Public Administration
- Credits: 52
- Length: 3-4 years
- Cost: $365.75/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
2
Miami, Florida
Students seeking an online degree in public administration from Florida International University can choose from two programs. The Master of Public Administration program is fully online, with an optional public service internship to provide in-person learning and networking. Full-time and part-time enrollment is available, with classes offered on a rolling basis each year. The Bachelor of Public Policy and Service program is designed for students at the beginning of their academic careers. The 120-credit program is available fully online. Of the required credits, 24 are general electives and 12 are major-related electives, making it possible for students to tailor their degree to meet their specific needs.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Administration
- Credits: 42
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $455.64/credit (resident); $1001.69/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NASPAA
Bachelor of Public Policy and Service
- Credits: 120
- Length: About 4 years
- Cost: $153.28/credit (resident); $566.58 (non-resident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
3
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Central Michigan University's online Bachelor of Science in Public and Nonprofit Administration is ideal for students with a passion to serve their community. The primarily online curriculum trains students to lead, learn how governments work, and increase civic engagement. An in-person internship course is required. The Master of Public Administration program is like the bachelor's degree program in that most courses are online, and an internship is also required. The curriculum is structured to make working and attending school full-time possible while graduating in less than three years.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Public and Nonprofit Administration
- Credits: 124
- Length: About 4 years
- Cost: $498.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Public Administration
- Credits: 37
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $758.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: NASPAA
4
Norfolk, Virginia
5
Kalamazoo, Michigan
6
Columbus, Ohio
7
Athens, Ohio
8
Kent, Ohio
9
Newark, Delaware
10
Dover, Delaware
11
Jonesboro, Arkansas
12
Edwardsville, Illinois
13
New York, New York
14
Virginia Beach, Virginia
15
Parkville, Missouri
16
Columbia, Missouri
17
Tucson, Arizona
18
Northridge, California
19
Flagstaff, Arizona
20
Saint Charles, Missouri
21
Odessa, Texas
22
Hayward, California
23
Riverside, California
24
Lynchburg, Virginia
25
Moscow, Idaho
26
Magnolia, Arkansas
27
Wilmington, North Carolina
28
Baltimore, Maryland
29
Dekalb, Illinois
30
Nacogdoches, Texas
31
Mount Vernon, Ohio
32
Murray, Kentucky
33
Grand Forks, North Dakota
34
Carson, California
35
Bloomington, Indiana
36
Lubbock, Texas
37
Saint Louis, Missouri
38
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
39
Vermillion, South Dakota
40
Jacksonville, Alabama
41
Greenville, North Carolina
42
Mequon, Wisconsin
43
Rochester Hills, Michigan
44
Lakewood, Colorado
45
Bismarck, North Dakota
46
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
47
Cedar City, Utah
48
Chicago, Illinois
49
Omaha, Nebraska
50
Northfield, Vermont
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 | $320 | $38,400 |
| University of Colorado, Denver | 120 | $330 (in-state) $509 (out-of-state) | $39,600 (in-state) $61,080 (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
