# Online Bachelor's in Public Administration [Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info?programcode=BSPA) ## Bachelor of Science in Public Administration​ Degree Gain an understanding of public policy and how it’s implemented in government, nonprofit or public institutions. Our Bachelor of Science in Public Administration degree prepares you for roles in both the public and private sectors and covers everything from civil leadership, business and governmental law to finance and budgeting. Ignite Your Passion Start when you're ready [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) Courses --- ## Browse courses for your online public administration degree Education should hold practical value. That’s why our courses meet rigorous academic standards and provide you with skills and knowledge immediately applicable to your career. Look for this icon to see which skills you’ll learn in a course. ### Core Courses ### General Education Courses ### Electives ## Requirements: 120 credits You’ll need 120 credits to complete this Bachelor of Science in Public Administration. Your course schedule may vary based on transferable credits or credits earned through the University’s[Prior Learning Assessment.](/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment.html) > 14 Core Courses Here’s where you’ll pick up your program-specific knowledge. By the time you finish these courses, you should have the confidence and skills needed in a public administration environment. > 12 Gen Ed Courses These courses lay the foundation for all our degree programs. Because communication, math and writing skills aren’t just universally applicable in this field — they’re useful in daily life. > 14 Elective Courses Elective courses allow you to learn about topics you’re interested in. That means you’ll have a degree that’s unique to you and your education goals. --- ## Schedule Your academic counselor will help schedule your courses for a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration. [Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info?programcode=BSPA)[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information) ## Earn career-relevant skills in weeks – not years. Learning shouldn’t take years to put into practice. That’s why we’re empowering you to build career-relevant skills with every five- to six-week course. We’ve worked with the labor market researcher Lightcast to identify in-demand skills for occupations and mapped those to our related associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. [Learn about skills](/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html) Tuition --- ## Paying for school Tuition is based on number of credit hours per course. Courses are typically 3 credits, but can range from 1-6 credits. Costs do not include savings opportunities like transfer credits and scholarships. [Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#bachelor-non-cbe) ### Undergrad cost per course $1,364 / course Cost breakdown Cost per credit  Credits per course Resource fee **$398** x3 + $170 --- Estimated cost per course $1,364 **What affects the overall cost of my program?** Your full program cost can vary by:  - **Savings opportunities.** Your cost could be reduced with eligible transfer credits, scholarships, employer discounts and more. Students with eligible credits and relevant experience on average saved $11K and 1 year off their undergraduate degree at University of Phoenix. With our Tuition Guarantee, you pay one flat, affordable rate from the moment you enroll to the day you graduate from your program. **Discover ways to save time and money on your degree with our Savings Explorer® tool:** [Go to Savings Explorer®](https://www.phoenix.edu/cost-savings)[Explore scholarships](/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships.html) --- [Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#bachelor-non-cbe) ### Get credit for what you already know Earn your degree without starting from scratch. Have previous relevant work and life experience evaluated for potential credit. If you have military or law enforcement training, such as [Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy ](https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/edu/degrees/doc/admissions/corporate-alliances/f/federal-bureau-of-investigation-crg.pdf) training, you can apply to have that experience evaluated for up to 30 credits. [Learn about earning college credit](/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html) ## Save money and time with transfer credits Your prior eligible college credits could lower your cost and help you graduate sooner. Click to calculate your potential savings $6,820&25 weeks[[1]](#transfer-credits-first-superscript) Select your transfer credits 15 credits[[2]](#transfer-credits-second-superscript)30 credits[[2]](#transfer-credits-second-superscript)45 credits[[2]](#transfer-credits-second-superscript)60 credits[[2]](#transfer-credits-second-superscript) If15of your prior college credits are accepted toward your bachelor's degree, you may save$6,820and25 weeks. ### Get every eligible transfer credit you deserve [How to transfer](/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html)Schedule a call As a transfer-friendly university, we’ll request transcripts for you, at no cost to you, when possible, and accept eligible credits from 5,000+ accredited institutions. [1] Money savings based on prevailing cost per undergraduate course at $1,364 ($398 cost per credit x 3 credits + $170 resource fee). Time savings based on a five-week course. [2] The average number of applied transfer credits for undergraduate criminal justice degrees is 40. Credits may not always apply to specific courses or institutional policy may limit the number of credits that can be applied. ### Other ways to save on time and tuition Because we believe everyone deserves an affordable education, we work hard to help our students achieve one. Here’s a few ways you can save time, save money and avoid starting from scratch.  #### Transfer credits Your prior eligible college credits can lower your cost and help you graduate sooner. As a transfer-friendly university, we accept eligible credits from 5,000+ accredited institutions.  [Transfer your credits](/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html) #### Employer tuition benefits Are you employed? Check to see if your employer has an alliance agreement with us for education benefits. This can help you save money while gaining skills that could apply to your job.   [Check employer benefits](/tuition-financial-aid/employer-tuition-benefits.html) #### Credit for life experience We look at all your relevant experience, from parenting to past jobs, to help you get the college credits you deserve. For every 3 credits earned, shave 5 weeks off your degree. [Earn college credit](/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment.html) #### Alumni savings Are you a Phoenix alum? If so, you’re eligible for special tuition rates and can save up to $2,880 on a bachelor’s degree. You can also save with an alumni scholarship.  [Save with exclusive rates](/tuition-financial-aid/alumni-offer.html) #### Military savings If you’re an active-duty service member in the U.S. Armed Forces or an eligible spouse or dependent, you may be eligible for a lower, military tuition rate and can save on tuition.   [Get military savings](/military.html) #### National testing providers Do you have expertise in a specific subject? Earn college credit based on your performance on national, standardized tests to save time and money on tuition.  [Take tests for credit](/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment/national-testing-programs.html) #### We can help you get started Chat with an experienced advisor who can guide you through tuition, financial aid, scholarships, transfer credits and more. [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)PreviousNext 1. View 1 2. View 2 3. View 3 Budget & borrow ## How to pay for college Paying for school can be intimidating, but we’re here to help you make sense of it. Our finance advisors can walk you through your options like federal financial aid and savings opportunities to minimize your debt. Plus, we can help you figure out your financial plan. [Explore federal financial aid](/tuition-financial-aid/federal-financial-aid.html) Careers & Outcomes --- ## What can you do with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration Degree? Discover where your degree might take you and make informed choices about your future. **A BSPA can prepare you to be a:** - Community Outreach Coordinator - Nonprofit Manager - General Manager - [Operations Manager](/career-guides/business/operations-manager.html) - Regulatory Affairs Manager - Program Manager **Top skills learned in this program:** - Public Administration - Management - Data Driven Decision Making - Problem Solving - Budgeting ## Ready to get started? Start your application for free or request additional information. [Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info)[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information) ## What you’ll learn When you earn your bachelor’s in public administration online, you’ll be equipped with a concrete set of skills you can apply on the job. You’ll learn how to: - Analyze public administration concepts - Apply public administration management practices - Analyze research methodologies for public administration - Apply the ethical standards of public administration - Examine fiduciary practices in public administration 6%Growth According to the [Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm), job growth for Social and Community Service Managers is projected to be **faster than average** between ((edu.BLSyears)). ((edu.BLSdisclaimer)) Admissions --- ## Apply for free – no application fee, no obligation. Starting your degree is a big decision — and we want you to feel great about it. That’s why we remove obstacles from your application. - No SAT/ACT required  - No essay required  - No cost, risk-free trial for eligible students - We’ll request transcripts at no cost to you, when possible, and we accept eligible credits from over 5,000 accredited institutions. [Explore admission requirements](/admissions.html)× How to enroll at University of Phoenix Gabriel G., Enrollment Rep ## Receive 1-on-1 support You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 85% of our surveyed students.[1] [1] Transactional Survey, September 2022-August 2023 (23,739 respondents) Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today. **Call us at 844-937-8679 or chat with us 7 days a week.** [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) ## Receive 1-on-1 support You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 90% of our surveyed students.[1] Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today. [1] Transactional Survey, August 2021-22 (18,645 respondents) **Call or chat with us 7 days a week.** [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) Student Experience --- ## An education that fits your busy life ### Balancing family, work and school Work toward your degree without giving up what matters most. Start your degree year-round and take one class at a time. [Learn about our flexibility](/life-as-a-phoenix/time-management.html) ### Online learning Enroll in online classes and attend class whenever it fits your life, day or night. [Read about online classes](/student-resources/going-to-class.html) ### Around-the-clock support and resources You have a support team available up to 14 hours a day, 5 days a week.  [See student resources](/student-resources.html) ### Computer requirements for courses Many course assignments will require you to use a computer to complete and submit your assignment.  [More on technology recommendations](/student-resources/computer-requirements.html) Faculty Spotlight --- ## Professionals dedicated to you Your success is a top priority for our deans and faculty members. They bring an average of ((edu.facultyExperience)) years of experience and hands-on perspective to the classroom, and help bridge the gap between academics and industry knowledge. > As a faculty member, I'm on your team. I'm your coach and your cheerleader. **Doris Savron**Vice Provost of Colleges, University of Phoenix Accreditation --- ## Accredited for 45+ years Since 1978, University of Phoenix has maintained institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC),[hlcommission.org](https://www.hlcommission.org/). Learn more about the value of University of Phoenix accreditation and how it benefits our students. [Learn more](/about/accreditation.html) ## Public administration articles - [What Is a Public Works Director](/articles/public-admin/what-is-a-public-works-director) — Online Degrees | March 18, 2025 • 7 minutes - [What Is a City Manager?](/articles/public-admin/what-is-a-city-manager) — Online Degrees | May 31, 2022 • 8 Minutes - [What To Do With a Public Admin Degree](/articles/public-admin/what-can-you-do-with-a-public-admin-degree) — Online Degrees | December 29, 2021 • 7 Minutes ## Frequently asked questions about the Bachelor of Science in Public Administration​ degree ### What is public administration? Public administration consists of services we all rely on in every community to implement government policy and public service. Public administrators work in local and federal entities and departments in the public sector, as well as in non-profit organizations. ### What can you do with a public administration degree? A public administration degree helps prepare you for roles in both the public and non-profit sectors. The degree covers topics such as civil leadership, city and county operations, finance and budgeting, grant writing, public policy and ethics, and many more public admin related topics. ### Why earn my Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from University of Phoenix? Our online public administration degree is designed specifically so that working professionals like you can earn it without leaving your current role. The degree helps you build a strong foundation in public administration while teaching the leadership skills to help prepare you for a career in the field. You’ll learn from faculty who are currently working in the public sector, and you’ll be able to join our large alumni network. Additionally, our[Career Services for Life®](https://www.phoenix.edu/career-services.html)commitment helps students in their current position and prepares them for career enhancement with career planning, resumé help and more. While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.