A public administration degree has become a
starting point for people who want to lead - or at least influence - the
institutions that formulate and implement public policy. Online
programs in public administration are available at the bachelor's degree
and master's degree levels, with the latter being preferred by
employers.
Overview of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration
An online bachelor's degree program in public administration
introduces fundamental concepts in the organization and management of
public institutions, with the aim of helping graduates better execute
their missions. Students learn to analyze and think critically about
policy decisions and the effects they have on local communities, regions
and the nation. They also practice collaboration and consensus-building
in the policy planning process. A high school diploma or GED is
required for admission to a public administration bachelor's degree
program. Some programs may also require at least three years of
post-high school full time work experience.
Students may complete an online bachelor's degree in public
administration entirely online or as a mix of online and traditional
classroom instruction. All course content is accessible through a
school's website on a 24-hour basis. Lessons and assignments have fixed
deadlines. Interactions between the instructor and students take place
through message boards, e-mail and phone. A bachelor's degree is
typically earned in four years.
A personal computer, Internet access, word processing, spreadsheet
and presentation software are required for participation in an online
programs. Schools may use Blackboard or their own proprietary systems to
manage content.
List of Common Bachelor's Degree Public Administration Courses
Bachelor's degree programs include a liberal arts component
consisting of courses in the arts, humanities and the sciences. Some
programs may waive this requirement if a student has earned an
associate's degree.
Applied Statistics Course
This course introduces students to the use of statistics and
statistical analysis in policy making. Course content reviews
mathematical functions and computer technology.
Public Finance Administration Course
Students learn fundamentals of the budget planning process and fiscal
accountability, particularly in mid-sized and large organizations.
Other topics covered include grants,
financial management and alternative revenue sources.
Personnel Management Course
This course examines the process of hiring, deploying and maximizing
the productivity of workers. Training, organizational systems, worker
empowerment and labor-management relations are among the topics covered
in the course.
Because public administration is such a broad category, an online
bachelor's degree in public administration is not associated with a
particular type of job. Graduates are most likely to find entry-level
administrative support positions in government, non-profit and
non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics (
www.bls.gov) projects that over the years 2008-2018,
administrative support positions will grow 4.4% at the local and state
level, decline 3.9% at the federal level and grow 11.3% among
non-profits and NGOs. As of 2008 the median salary of administrative
support personnel at the local and state level was $49,414 and at the
federal level was $49,544.
Leadership positions in government and non-profit organizations
require a master's degree. Master's degree programs in public
administration are available online and from more schools than offer
bachelor's degrees.
Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Public Administration
An online master's degree program in public administration provides a
systemic, in-depth examination of the roles performed by managers and
executives in government and non-profit organizations. Course content is
interdisciplinary, adapting concepts from such diverse fields as
anthropology, economics, law,
political science
and sociology. The relationship between civil servants and elected
legislators, budgeting and finance, policy research and professional
ethics are considered in context with the policy planning process.
Applicants to a master's degree program need to have earned a bachelor's
degree preferably in the social sciences and maintained a 3.0 grade
point average or better.
Courses in an online master's degree program in public administration
may be offered exclusively online or as an online-classroom hybrid.
Readings, lectures, assignments and tests are handled through a school's
website, as are all student-teacher and student-to-student
interactions. Students need a personal computer, Internet access and
productivity software to participate in an online program. A master's
degree is typically earned in two years.
List of Common Master's Degree Public Administration Courses
Master's degree programs generally consist of 5-10 core courses and a
list of electives. Electives in a public administration program may
touch on such diverse topics as environmental policy, criminal justice
or fundraising.
Administrative Theory Course
This course examines historical and contemporary theories of
organization and reviews instance of their real-world application.
Students learn to analyze whether an organization is functioning
effectively and propose improvements.
Administrative Law Course
Students in this course review constitutional law bearing on the
scope of governmental powers. Course work considers government at the
local, state and federal levels.
Non-profit Leadership Course
This course explores the particular staffing, administration and
management needs of non-profit organizations. Program development,
membership, volunteer relations and resource allocation are among the
topics considered.
Graduates of an online master's degree program in public
administration are prepared for managerial or executive level positions
in local, state and federal government agencies, non-profit
organizations and non-governmental organizations. A degree may be
particularly helpful to employees of government agencies or NGOs seeking
to become city managers, operations directors or policy analysts.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov),
employment of city managers is projected to grow eight percent and
employment of policy analysts is projected to grow 21% from 2008-2018.
As of 2008, the median salary of city managers was $94,992 and the
median salary of policy analysts was $68,570.
A doctorate is the final step for master's degree holders interested
in teaching postsecondary students or conducting academic research into
public administration. Doctoral degrees in public administration are
available online.
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