Accredited Online Schools with Public Administration Degrees: How to Choose

Public administration is a broad discipline that deals with organizing, operating and supervising government programs. Several schools offer online associate's, bachelor's or master's degree programs in public administration.

How to Choose An Online Public Administration Degree Program

Type of Degree Program

Degree programs in public administration are available at several levels. Usually, associate's degrees in public administration are designed for those who are looking for entry-level positions in the field. Bachelor's degrees programs are often for those who wish to enter the field at a higher level or gain more in-depth knowledge. Master's degree programs in public administration are usually designed for continuing education and career advancement for professionals who are already at work in the discipline.

Time Commitment and Schedule Flexibility

Prospective students who wish to earn an online public administration degree should compare the time requirements and scheduling structures of available programs. Some programs are designed for students interested in taking accelerated courses and earning their degree ahead of schedule. Others are more appropriate for working professionals who require flexibility and are not able to commit as much time to study or are not able to study at regular times.

Online Options for Public Administration Degrees

Associate of Applied Science in Public Administration

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs in public administration are designed to give students entry-level knowledge of public finances, business process, program formulation, management and social science. Online public administration AAS programs are normally delivered via online education software that combines e-mail, message boards and online testing functions.

Bachelor of Public Administration

Bachelor of Public Administration programs combine in-depth coursework in the discipline with general education courses. Accelerated or synchronous programs for traditional students are more common at the bachelor's degree level than at higher degree levels.

Master of Public Administration

Online master's degree programs in public administration sometimes offer group coursework or scheduled class time, but are often designed for continuing education for professionals already working in the field. Students in these programs typically emphasize leadership, communication and organizational skills relevant to advanced positions in the field.