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Yes, public administration is a good major. Because it is an interdisciplinary major, you'll acquire knowledge and skills in a range of subjects, including public service, business management, and finance. This degree provides a firm foundation for several possible career paths in public service, business, and entrepreneurship.

A public administration degree online offers a solid foundation in governmental, nonprofit, and private sector management. Ideal for aspiring public leaders, this degree prepares graduates for impactful careers in local, state, and federal agencies, nonprofits, and related fields.

Public policy is a branch of political science. 

Public administrators study public policy to understand how public institutions and organizations work and how they can be influenced to better serve people. 

Political scientists, however, look at much broader issues, including public policy but also governments, political processes and systems, and political behavior.

Online bachelor's in public administration and policy degree programs typically lead to a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) degree. Once enrolled, students typically need to earn 120-126 total credit hours to graduate. Full-time students usually complete a program in four to five years, while part-time students may need longer to finish all of the degree requirements.

A few online public administration programs are degree completion programs, requiring students to earn a minimum number of undergraduate credits — usually 60 but not more than 90 — or an associate degree at the same school or a similarly accredited institution before enrolling in the online program.

Admission requirements for these programs may include two or more years of professional work experience, a GPA of 2.8 or higher on all previous college coursework, strong recommendations, and a persuasive personal essay.

Bachelor's degree programs in public administration are interdisciplinary, meaning they combine courses from political science, business, economics, and finance. Many programs offer concentrations and add-on certificates, so students may also take courses in criminal justice, environmental studies, or health care administration. A few programs have a foreign language requirement.

Public administration students can also choose from a wide range of electives. Some of the more common elective courses include federal and local government, ethics, organizational behavior, and business communications. Most programs require at least one internship, and several end with some type of capstone project or research seminar.

The following are three of the core courses commonly found in most public administration and policy programs:

• Public Administration and Management: This course delves into the principles and practices of public administration, emphasizing the management of public organizations and government agencies. 
• Public Finance and Budgeting: Public Finance and Budgeting is a crucial course that explores the financial aspects of public administration and policy. 
• Public Policy Analysis: This online course focuses on policymaking and evaluation, teaching students how to analyze and assess public policies, understand the role of government in addressing societal issues, and evaluate the impact of policy decisions on stakeholders.

Many schools offer areas of emphasis or concentrations within their public administration programs. Options include Public Policy and Politics, Law Enforcement, Emergency Management, Health Care, and International Relations. To fulfill the requirements for a concentration, students typically take three or four elective courses on that topic.

A concentration can sometimes be the best option for students because it adds focused, career-relevant depth to a public administration degree online. By completing just three or four targeted electives, students can align their coursework with specific fields while still building the kinds of skills employers are always looking for. Concentrations can give you a level of practical expertise that can potentially lead to sector-specific opportunities. 

Graduates who've earned a BS in public administration have several career options. You could find work with organizations that have a mission to serve the public through governance, health care, policing, emergency disaster management, agriculture, or other specialty areas. You could also pursue a career in business, or you could earn a graduate degree to prepare for higher-level jobs in research, academia, and public program development.

Many people who've earned an undergraduate degree in public administration and policy assume administrative and managerial roles in local, state, or federal government. Others work in public service as employees of nonprofit organizations, educational and healthcare institutions, nongovernmental organizations, or foreign service.

A bachelor's in public policy degree can also be used as the foundation for more advanced degrees. Those who are interested in higher-level positions may want to consider earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA), an MBA in Public Administration, a Master of Public Health, or a Juris Doctor degree.

A few of the occupations open to public administration bachelor's degree holders include the following: 

• coordinate the actions and programs of organizations that support the well-being of particular demographic groups, such as veterans, children, or people experiencing homelessness. The specific job responsibilities for these roles vary but may include managing employees or volunteers, gathering data on program participants, and budgeting for the program's expenses.
• with a background in public policy often work for nonprofit organizations. A public relations manager creates content that builds awareness for the organization and helps communicate its message. A fundraising manager designs and implements strategies for raising money for the organization, such as planning fundraising campaigns and events and applying for grants.
• help organizations run efficiently and maintain safe, secure facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, their duties vary depending on the size and type of the organization but may include managing staff, monitoring budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

When you're trying to decide which program is the best online bachelor's degree in public policy for your needs and goals, there are many factors to review. Besides cost, some other important considerations regarding an online degree include the following:

• Accreditation: Is the school accredited by an approved institutional accreditation agency? Enrollment in an accredited school is required for you to be eligible for federal financial aid, and it may be required to transfer credits to another school or for acceptance into graduate school. Some public administration programs are also accredited by the (NASPAA), which ensures the program is founded on accepted public service values. To check for institutional and programmatic accreditation, use the databases provided by the or the .
• Faculty and Staff: Are some of the program's faculty members experienced public administrators? Studying with a combination of academics and practicing professionals may give you both the historical foundation and current, practical knowledge you want. These instructors and other staff members could become members of your professional network and may be willing to mentor you.
• Online vs. Hybrid Format: Is the college or university's location important to you? A few online public administration programs are hybrid, meaning that you may need to attend some on-campus classes or other learning activities, which could add travel expenses to the cost of your degree. Additionally, you may want to consider the school's location as it relates to resident and nonresident tuition fees.
• Online Course Pacing: Some online programs feature asynchronous courses that allow you to complete assignments on your own time as long as you meet the deadlines. However, other programs feature synchronous courses, which require you to join in virtual class meetings at designated times. Be sure you choose a format that fits your schedule, personal preferences, and available resources.
• Student Services: Does the school provide counselors who can help you prepare for your career or address potential mental health issues? Also, keep in mind that many online public administration programs require internships, which you may need to coordinate on your own if you're an online student. You may want to confirm that resources are available to online students before enrolling in an online program.