2025 Most Popular Online Degrees in Public Administration
Our list of the popular online degrees in public administration features accredited schools ranked by the number of online graduates. They all offer clear pathways into public service, nonprofit leadership, and policy administration roles.
Key Takeaways:
- Florida International University ranks #1 overall with 127 graduates in its online Bachelor of Public Policy and Service.
- The University of La Verne reports median earnings of $85,403 (top 1% nationally) among the graduates from its online B.S. in Public Administration.
- The University of Phoenix enrolls 80,605 online learners, placing it at the very top nationally for online enrollment.
You can review our methodology to understand how we rank the most popular online degrees.
2025 Most Popular Online Degrees in Public Administration
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida International University | 127 | $16,997 | $58,006 | 93% | |
| Waldorf University | 57 | $9,900 | N/A | 95% | |
| Northern Arizona University | 56 | $11,688 | N/A | 88% | |
| University of Phoenix | 56 | $11,940 | $68,415 | 80% | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 48 | $14,970 | N/A | 70% | |
| Florida Atlantic University | 41 | $19,171 | $59,981 | 91% | |
| Central Michigan University | 30 | $14,310 | N/A | 92% | |
| Park University | 28 | $17,250 | N/A | 83% | |
| Barry University | 25 | $15,000 | $72,493 | 93% | |
| California State University - Northridge | 24 | $18,975 | N/A | 91% | |
| Indian River State College | 23 | $12,000 | $38,943 | 79% | |
| Liberty University | 22 | $11,700 | N/A | 75% | |
| Upper Iowa University | 17 | $15,150 | $75,905 | 61% | |
| University of La Verne | 17 | $19,950 | $85,403 | 95% | |
| National University | 14 | $4,162 | N/A | N/A |
2025 Most Popular Online Degrees in Public Administration - Program Details
- Graduates: 127
- Annual Tuition: $16,997
- Median Salary: $58,006
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: FIU conferred 127 online public policy and service degrees last year, which signals a large peer network. Unsurprisingly, FIU also has the best retention rate on our list, with 92% of students staying on after their first year. This program is designed with an urban and global lens and taught with interdisciplinary faculty that integrates anthropology, geography, and sociology into policy training.
- Graduates: 57
- Annual Tuition: $9,900
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 95%
Why we like them: Waldorf's program fire service leadership and strategic communication through a Public Relations concentration that draws on courses identified by the National Fire Academy, the U.S. Fire Administration, and the NFPA. This concentration teaches PR as a core administrative function. Waldorf also boasts the highest student review rating on our list of 4.45/5.
- Graduates: 56
- Annual Tuition: $11,688
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 88%
Why we like them: Coursework focuses on the practical side of public service, like budgeting, leadership, community governance, and policy implementation. And because NAU serves the Southwest and the Colorado Plateau region, the program naturally connects to tribal government administrative structures, rural and small-municipality policy realities, and public resource management & land stewardship governance.
- Graduates: 56
- Annual Tuition: $11,940
- Median Salary: $68,415
- Recommendation: 80%
Why we like them: This online BSPA is designed for working adults who are already engaged in public service environments. The program鈥檚 distinctive structure (one course at a time, each lasting only five to six weeks) allows students to make immediate, real-world use of what they鈥檙e learning in public agencies, nonprofits, community programs, and city or tribal departments.
- Graduates: 48
- Annual Tuition: $14,970
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 70%
Why we like them: UMGC requires cross-functional courses, like Finance for General Managers and Strategic Decision Making, alongside traditional PSAD coursework. You also must complete a capstone anchored to a current public safety issue and tackle distinctive projects, from multi-jurisdiction disaster planning to ethics-driven decision scenarios and agency leadership during crises.
- Graduates: 41
- Annual Tuition: $19,171
- Median Salary: $59,981
- Recommendation: 91%
Why we like them: At FAU, you choose between two applied pathways, including either Disaster Management or Law Enforcement/Corrections. Some operational topics covered are terrorism-response, interagency collaboration, crisis and disaster management, and the administrative application of law. FAU has a 91% recommendation rate based on well over 500 student surveys.
- Graduates: 30
- Annual Tuition: $14,310
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 92%
Why we like them: CMU offers a pathway to the Certified Nonprofit Professional credential through the Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance, letting you embed a nationally recognized credential into your degree via workshops, speaker series, and a national conference. You can also access the Capital City Internship Program for placements across Michigan鈥檚 state government.
- Graduates: 28
- Annual Tuition: $17,250
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 83%
Why we like them: Park's public administration program encourages you to choose an applied emphasis in areas like Fire Service Management, Homeland Security, Criminal Justice, Business Relations, or Public Service. This way, students can build their education in a way that aligns with the real organizational context they work in.
- Graduates: 25
- Annual Tuition: $15,000
- Median Salary: $72,493
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: As part of Barry's public administration degree online, you can learn from a faculty who all hold doctorates and bring practitioner credentials like former city manager, city planner, elected official, and nonprofit executives. You can also engage with a public鈥憇afety emphasis that spans fire prevention and suppression, EMS operations and transport, police protection, community policing, and collective bargaining.
- Graduates: 24
- Annual Tuition: $18,975
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 91%
Why we like them: CSUN's public sector management bachelor's shows strong employer alignment in the curriculum鈥檚 co-design with city and county agencies, which, combined with cross-college faculty from business, social and behavioral sciences, and arts and media, gives you a broader managerial toolkit than most single-department programs.
- Graduates: 23
- Annual Tuition: $12,000
- Median Salary: $38,943
- Recommendation: 79%
Why we like them: IRSC distinguishes its program with two tightly targeted tracks, including (1) Emergency Planning and Management and (2) Public Policy and Leadership. This way, if you choose, you can align coursework with crisis response or supervisory roles without having to piece together individual electives.
- Graduates: 22
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 75%
Why we like them: Liberty's online B.S. in Public Administration integrates public-sector leadership training with an explicit moral framework. Liberty emphasizes the idea of public service as a calling rooted in civic responsibility and ethical stewardship. Courses repeatedly return to questions of integrity, justice, and the common good.
- Graduates: 17
- Annual Tuition: $15,150
- Median Salary: $75,905
- Recommendation: 61%
Why we like them: UIU's public admin program has a few targeted emphases, including Law Enforcement and Fire Science options reserved for professionals with documented academy training, an associate degree, related credits, or qualifying experiential learning. You can also pursue a Policy & Politics emphasis about the practical mechanics of politics, which can pair strategically with UIU鈥檚 Pre-Law minor.
- Graduates: 17
- Annual Tuition: $19,950
- Median Salary: $85,403
- Recommendation: 95%
Why we like them: ULV's online public administration bachelor's program has the highest earning alumni, who make a median salary of $85,403 at around four years post-graduation. That's in the top 1% for this field on a national scale. We also have to mention ULV's strong 95% recommendation rate, the best on our entire list, based on 100+ student reviews.
- Graduates: 14
- Annual Tuition: $4,162
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: National is one of the few online BPA programs tied to a Public Safety Promise 鈥� a tuition reduction initiative supporting public safety personnel. The curriculum emphasizes nonprofit management, urban community issues, and adaptive leadership, aligning especially well with students who expect to work in local government, community agencies, or regional nonprofits.
FAQs About Online Bachelor's Degrees in Public Administration and Policy
Is Public Administration a Good Major?
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.
What Can I Do After a BS in Public Administration?
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.
What Is the Difference Between Public Policy and Political Science?
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.
Where Can I Work With a Public Policy Degree?
Graduates with public policy degrees can work in many types of government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Some public policy jobs can be found in small organizations that provide services to a single community at the local level, while others may be found in large organizations that serve vast groups at the state or even national level. Public policy degree holders can also work in all types of business organizations.
What Are the Requirements for Online Public Administration Bachelor鈥檚 Programs?
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 鈥� usually 60 but not more than 90 鈥� 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.
What Will I Study in an Online Bachelor鈥檚 in Public Administration Program?
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.
What Are Some Concentrations For Public Administration Bachelor鈥檚 Programs?
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.
What Can You Do With a Public Administration Bachelor's Degree?
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.
What Should I Look for When Choosing an Online Public Administration Bachelor鈥檚 Program?
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.
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.
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.
Online Program Format
Does the program's online format work for you? 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 Reviews of Online Public Administration Programs
Such a great University. I have no complaints. Other Universities should feel threatened by University of phoenix because of the high quality of education,support and technology. If it weren't for UOP, I don't know were I would be or stand. Meaning, Going to campus University did not work out for me because either classes were to full and had to wait longer to graduate, hardly no support from teachers or academic counselor were I had to WAIT and make an appointment and no resources to help during... Read More
Review Date: 2/8/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I was in my mid-30's and wanted to make a career change, but needed to finish my bachelor's degree to do so. I did extensive research into online degree programs because I was going to have to work full time while taking classes and didn't have a schedule that allowed me to attend evening classes at a brick-and-mortar school. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the SUNY system not only offered online degrees, but also offered a degree specifically in my field of interest, not just in "General... Read More
Review Date: 11/16/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
It's unfortunate that so many people have written negative reviews. My experience has been nothing short of amazing and I am very happy with the advisors, the professors, and the coursework. I tranferred into the Public Administration program with an Associate's degree in Business Administration and I was able to apply almost all of the credits without a problem . The application process was easy, and there have been no problems with financial aid. The negative reviews seem to be from people who... Read More
Review Date: 11/4/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This is a great school and very helpful instructors and academic advisors. Worth the money but be prepared to write a lot of papers. Previous college credits will be applied and you'll be on your way to a great education. This school actually exists and not considered a 'diploma mill'.
Review Date: 3/2/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The program is great and makes it convenient to take courses while working full-time. I enjoy the on-campus classes with my peers, and the content is easy to follow step by step each week. The professors are also very responsive when I have questions. I work in recreation at the MacDill Air Force Base RV Campground and Marina, and I love what I do鈥攊t doesn鈥檛 even feel like work. This program is helping me build my career in the field. In my Marketing class, I created a business plan that really shaped... Read More
Review Date: 9/5/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Cal St Dominguez Hills, is a good school maybe not as popular as Long Beach or Fullerton. Professors are in professionals in there subject matter. Whether there Police chiefs, healthcare administrators, or Administrative Judges. It all comes down to what you make of it. Classes are not overly packed, people from all walks of life attend here, which helps you network with a diverse student body. Yes there are better Cal States, but DH is a good school.
Review Date: 12/21/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Florida International University is a university that really values diversity. My classes always had students from vastly different cultures ranging from Middle Eastern, European, African, Latin and Caribbean countries. This institution has many different assets that students can take advantage of such as the gym, its health center, career fairs, etc. Students have many resources available to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to obtain a job or an internship through FIU's career and talent development... Read More
Review Date: 6/30/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Great University!!! Best in Florida! Diverse university and have some of the best faculty. The school has a very large enrollment, second largest in the nation. But once you get involved, the school definately feels smaller. There are many resources availiable to the students to succeed in college. There aremany opportunites for the students to become involved as there are a ton of different clubs and orgaizations to join. would recommend to anyone interested 10/10.
Review Date: 12/28/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I liked Polk State. I had minor hiccups with FA but nothing that took longer than 10 minutes to fix. The PA program had great Professors with reasonable workloads. I loved their 8 week fast-track courses too. I finished my BAS in 1.5 years with the 8 week blocks. Polk is priced fairly cheap & offers lots of online options. Solid choice if you want to be debt free, finish quick, and be able to work.
Review Date: 7/5/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have mixed feelings with Polk. PROS: Cheap tuition, Lakeland campus is pretty, reasonable expectations from Professors, 8-week block scheduling that makes managing school easy. CONS: Financial Aid is a nightmare. They gave FA (even though I don't qualify) around 9am on a Friday. At 5:00pm on the same Friday,which was also the business day before priority registration started, they e-mailed me to return the funds or be locked out of registration. I had no issue returning the funds once they made... Read More
Review Date: 1/29/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Im retired military and started school on base, every professor worked with you and helped you when you need there advise. I am pleased with Upper Iowa satellite campus on Ft Sill. I just wished the classes werent Excelerator classes only. Other than that it was great
Review Date: 12/10/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Indian River State College offers an excellent bachelor's degree program for Public Administration with concentration in Public Policy and Leadership. This degree program prepares students for future leadership roles in public and private sectors of local, state, and national government. After obtaining my degree in this field, I was encouraged to pursue a master's degree in Organizational Leadership, where I can apply my knowledge of policy and leadership skills to operational techniques and competence... Read More
Review Date: 3/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
It was a great college and it was always growing. Hugely populated and many opportunities.
Review Date: 7/22/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The university that I attended fr my undergraduate degree was Baldwin Wallace University. The school had a pretty nice campus located smack dab in the middle of downtown Berea, a relatively big suburb with plenty of shops, restaurants, and other venues. From my experience, I only had one or two professors who were not the greatest, but all of the other professors were very helpful in guiding the students to success and excelling in their classes. Most of the professors were always available whenever... Read More
Review Date: 9/29/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Graduated with a degree in Recreation Management. I left this program feeling that I鈥檇 wasted much of my time and money. I learned very little from my instructors and would鈥檝e been better off just doing self study. It was all extremely basic. I鈥檝e had some successes in jobs since but none of those can be credited to my degree. I have been denied jobs I have applied for that directly correlated to my degree; the reasons being that my education is not enough. It is hard to describe my level of disappointment... Read More
Review Date: 12/29/2024
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I'm so happy with the department and school. They have been incredible since day one. i was offered so many opportunities with internships and networking, I will be forever grateful. Thanks to this school, they prepared me sufficiently to get accepted into an ivy league grad school.
Review Date: 2/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
West Virginia University is, for sure, the best public university in the state. From the helpful advisers, professors, and staff to the abundance of student jobs to the variety of class times and locations, WVU has everything a student could want. I recommend this university to anyone who wants to live, learn, and work in a wonderful community with like-minded people.
Review Date: 4/24/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
SDSU was a great place to go, but as a football player I wish more students would have taken interest in our team. Support definitely grew as we did better, but that stadium should be near full more often, not just Bowl Games or the firework show. Watch out for the "career" professors; the best professors there are the ones who have done something else in their life (ran a business, lawyer, stocks, etc) that you REALLY learn something from. I'm glad the majority of my professors didn't shoce liberal... Read More
Review Date: 8/4/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
SDSU was a great place to go, but as a football player I wish more students would have taken interest in our team. Support definitely grew as we did better, but that stadium should be near full more often, not just Bowl Games or the firework show. Watch out for the "career" professors; the best professors there are the ones who have done something else in their life (ran a business, lawyer, stocks, etc) that you REALLY learn something from. I'm glad the majority of my professors didn't shoce liberal... Read More
Review Date: 8/4/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The atmosphere at the school was really warm and welcoming. There are nearly limitless ways to get involved and participate in student life. The classes were applicable and challenging. I was a transfer student after getting my associates at another school, and there are definitely times when I think I would've enjoyed my first two years of college a whole lot more had it been at GVSU!
Review Date: 8/15/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes