Public Administration Degree Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Concentration
Program Overview Why get a public administration degree online?
In Southern New Hampshire University's online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Administration, you'll learn how administrators make policy and enforce programs to help build and strengthen communities and society. Public administrators play an important part in ensuring that laws, regulations, health and safety codes, civil rights and municipal budgets are enforced to protect the communities they serve.
Skills you'll learn:
- Development and maintenance of public policy and programs
- Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- Communication tactics to inform, negotiate and persuade
- Processes and techniques to secure and manage public funds
- How ethics drive conduct in public policy
Courses & Curriculum Public administration courses that prep you for public service
In the coursework for this program, you'll develop skills and strategies to make informed recommendations for policies and programs based on the best interest of the community, constituents and businesses.
Public administration degree online courses
The business core – and your 5 public administration concentration courses – can set you up for success in this life-changing and personally fulfilling field.
The concentration classes include authentic projects and interactive activities developed and delivered by experienced public administrators who connect aspects of the role to real-world scenarios.
Courses may include:
American Politics
Course ID:
POL 210
This course offers a broad introduction to the structure and function of the American political system at the national level, including the roles played by the president, Congress, the courts, the bureaucracy, political parties, interest groups and the mass media in the policy- making and electoral processes. This course places special emphasis on how the efforts of the framers of the Constitution to solve what they saw as the political problems of their day continue to shape American national politics in ours.
Public Administration
Course ID:
PAD 330
Explore the field of public administration through the analysis of key theory and career possibilities. Examine the role of government and regulation in public policy development. Analyze how ethics drives conduct within the field.
Public Fiscal Management
Course ID:
PAD 340
Analyze the processes and techniques used to secure and manage public funds. Examine considerations public administrators utilize when making fiscal decisions. Explore the role of oversight committees, audits, and other accountability measures to ensure accuracy of financial documents and processes.
Policy Analysis and the Role of the Public
Course ID:
PAD 345
Explore the role of policy in public administration, how the public influences policy, and the impact of policy on decision-making. Learn the stages of the public policy process and how the public's involvement in policy making has evolved. Develop techniques for managing and interacting with the public.
Program Evaluation and Accountability
Course ID:
PAD 410
Learn the six steps of program development and evaluation, including designing program evaluation processes to measure outcomes and analyzing data to assess program success. Create purpose-driven communications to gain support for programs, disseminate program information, and report to stakeholders.
Visit the course catalog to view the full curriculum for the BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Administration.
The Commons: SNHU's gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Get credit for your certifications
Receive credit for prior learning if you've completed an accredited Certified Manager Program (CPM) from the National Certified Public Manager® Consortium (NCPMC). State restrictions may apply.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: March 3, 2025 | May 5, 2025
Next term starts:
Jan. 6, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Dominic J. Novelli
Dr. Dominic J. Novelli has taught hundreds of undergraduate and graduate courses in a variety of topics, including public sector budgeting, leadership, economic development, ethics, public policy and more. Before entering higher education, he worked for 30 years in the public sector as a senior manager and executive.
Position
Adjunct Instructor
Joined SNHU
2012
Education
- Bachelor's in Business Administration from Fordham University
- Masters of Administrative Services from Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Doctorate of Public Administration from the University of Baltimore
"SNHU's format creates an accessible and invaluable pathway for the adult learner – balancing career, family and other responsibilities – to return to the classroom and pursue their studies in order to earn their degree in a multitude of specializations."
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Career Outlook What can I do with a public administration degree online?
An online public administration degree translates well to a variety of career options — whether you're looking to work in a sector of the government, make a difference in the town you live in or serve a specific community or nonprofit. According to the Princeton Review, a degree in public administration could lead you down diverse career paths at the state or local level, including working in federal housing, law enforcement, labor relations, healthcare or social services.1
Occupations
A business and public administration degree is broad enough to position you for roles across a number of industries. Here are just a few ways you could put your degree to use to protect the needs of the public:
Administrative Services Manager
Supervise staff, manage records, recommend policy changes, monitor facilities to ensure safety, security and regulatory compliance.
Social and Community Service Manager
Coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support the public well-being.
Budget Analyst
Help public and private institutions organize their finances to ensure proposed budgets are used for the greater good of the community.
9%
Job growth projected for social and community service managers through 2032, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2
$77,030
Median annual wage for social and community service managers in May 2023, according to the BLS.2
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
What I have found [at SNHU] is an educational program that challenged me, helped me grow and gave me the ability to obtain knowledge in areas directly relatable to my everyday work.
Michael Ramella '20
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a public administration degree?
At SNHU, a public administration degree is a type of online business degree that combines tools and theories from diverse disciplines, including public policy, political science and organizational management. Public administration is similar to business administration, except that its goal is working for the public good instead of the good of a specific business or organization.
Your public administration courses will cover public policy analysis and management, legislative relations, budgeting, fiscal management, politics and more. Through these courses, you can explore the relationship between government and business, learn important data analysis skills and gain a better understanding of how public policy impacts daily life.
You’ll also explore the shifting needs of communities in your area and around the country, and prepare to apply your learning to this evolving field.
Public administration is a concentration of the business administration bachelor’s degree program. With a public administration degree concentration, you’ll start with a strong foundation of general education and core business courses. These courses explore topics including finance, accounting, business law, marketing, human relations and operations management.
How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in public administration?
A bachelor's in public administration is typically a full-time four-year program. But the actual length of your education depends on your past educational experience and the time you have to dedicate to your coursework.
At SNHU, online courses are available 24/7 so you can fit learning into your schedule, even if you’re working full time or balancing family obligations. With six 8-week undergraduate terms each year at SNHU, you can also work on your degree year round. The flexibility of earning a public administration degree online means it is easier to take a full load of courses and move through your degree faster.
For students like Michael Ramella '20, the benefits of time and flexibility were the biggest reasons to apply.
"What originally attracted me to SNHU was two-fold," he said. "First, I was in the process of working on my degree in a typical brick and mortar fashion and their undergraduate programs weren’t geared toward adult learners. The schedule just wasn’t going to work. Second, the time to degree completion at SNHU was much quicker than the traditional school."
If you have past college experience, you may also be able to transfer up to 90 credits to a bachelor's program – saving you time and money. With 120 total credits required for a bachelor's program, that means you could already be up to 75% of the way to earning your degree.
Should I get a degree in public administration?
It depends on your career goals. If you’re passionate about implementing change for the public good and want to help build strong communities at the local, state or national level, a public administration degree could be right for you.
Public administrators help manage government services, lead the economic development of a community and guide public health, urban planning and other community initiatives. As the needs of communities evolve and become more diverse, jobs for public administrators continue to be in high demand.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for administrative services managers, for example, are projected to grow 6% through 2032. Social and community services manager jobs are projected to grow 9%, and medical and health services managers jobs are projected to grow 28% in the same time period.2
Beyond a promising job outlook, a public administration degree from SNHU can help you grow in a number of ways.
Is a public administration degree worth it?
"Hands down, 100%," said Michael Ramella '20, a graduate of the public administration concentration at SNHU. "10 years ago I had an associate degree that I believed was the only education I ever needed or wanted. In 3 weeks, I’ll be holding onto a master's degree. I never envisioned this path for myself or the pride that would come with it."
According to Ramella, a public administration degree not only proved his worth to employers and colleagues – but also to himself.
"My SNHU degree has advanced my career and my self-image," he said. "I no longer shy away from conversations about education, I lean into them. What originally started as an investment into my career quickly and fortuitously became a long term investment in myself. It sounds corny, but I am the person I am today largely in part due to my SNHU education and degrees."
Today, Ramella advocates for the power a degree can have on others' lives – no matter where they are in their career.
"I will forever be a champion of SNHU and the educational opportunities it provides," he said. "Too many people consider age as a determinant for whether or not they should pursue a degree. Entering a classroom 20 years older than everyone else in the room is scary! I know, I did it! But SNHU provides a platform where you can learn at your own pace, on your own time, in the classroom of your choice."
What can I become if I study public administration?
With a public administration degree online, you can find a wide variety of jobs working for the public good. Whether you dream of a career fighting the opioid epidemic as part of a public health department or want to help bring more economic development to your local community, a public administration degree can help you get there.
Jobs for public administration degree holders include:2
- Administrative services manager: Plan, coordinate, and direct a broad range of activities that allow community organizations and government agencies to run smoothly, including record-keeping, security, building maintenance, and supply management.
- Social and community services manager: Coordinate and supervise social service programs and community organizations and manage the workers who provide key social services to the public.
- Budget analyst: Advise governments, businesses and organizations on how to organize their finances, analyze data to determine the costs and benefits of various programs and recommend funding levels based on the data.
- Health services manager: Plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services, monitoring and adapting to changes in healthcare laws, regulations and technology.
- Emergency management director: Prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies, and lead emergency response in coordination with public safety officials, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.
“I see our field growing exponentially in the coming years as people become more and more educated in the importance of civic involvement,” said Dr. Karen Versuk, adjunct instructor. “That means many more jobs on the horizon... I see the sky as the limit for the future of this discipline."
According to Chris Insco '21, a public administration concentration set him apart in a new job market.
"Since starting my degree program my wife and I have relocated to a metropolitan area from a very rural area," he said. "Since graduating and receiving my degree I did get many more job offers and I was able to make many eligibility lists for government positions. Having my degree got me noticed much more in the larger job market."
Additionally, if you're looking to put your degree to good use, volunteering with local nonprofits and community organizations or running for public office in your town or county is a great way to enhance your resume, practice key soft skills and start working toward the common good right away.
What is the salary for public administration?
It depends. Jobs for public administration degree holders vary widely, and salary is dependent on your specific job description, professional experience and education.
Administrative services managers, for example, earned a median salary of $106,470 in 2023, according to BLS.2 Social and community services managers earned a median salary of $77,030, and health services managers earned a median salary of $110,680 in the same time period.2
While many public administration jobs require a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree may be required for some leadership positions. Earning an online MBA with a focus in public administration can boost your long-term career and earning potential. In 2022, median weekly earnings for master’s degree holders were 16% higher than earnings for bachelor’s degree holders, and 65% more than earnings for associate degree holders.2
Related Articles
Sources & Citations
1The Princeton Review, Public Administration Overview, on the internet at https://www.princetonreview.com/college-majors/235/public-administration (viewed Jan. 17, 2023)
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm (viewed May 29, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/OOH/management/administrative-services-managers.htm (viewed May 29, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/OOH/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm (viewed May 29, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.