Affordable Online Bachelor of Science in Public Administration

Achieve your goals with a Public Administration degree from Point Park University

Our society depends on public servants. While elected officials make the news, professionals behind the scenes are the ones who often make the biggest impact. You can learn the skills and earn the credential you need to help make a difference with the online Bachelor of Science in Public Administration degree from Point Park University.

Point Park’s flexible, affordable online public administration degree is designed for you and your life. You can keep work, family and other commitments in balance while you prepare for exciting career advancement. Convenient, flexible, future-focused, that’s the POINT.

Online Public Administration Curriculum Overview

Desgined by veteran public servants in one of America’s most livable and vibrant cities, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Point Park University’s public administration degree is offered fully online. Our courses are created and taught by professors with years of experience in their fields. With courses in public budgeting, public policy and decision analysis, Point Park’s online public administration degree gives deep insight into relevant public policy topics and prepares you with the real-world knowledge you need for a public administration career. Whether you are looking to move off the front lines and into management or whether you want to start your career, Point Park’s online public administration degree will ensure the support you need in a flexible, fully online environment that works with your schedule.

Transform Your Experience into College Credit

Point Park University offers robust Prior Learning Assessment and Advanced Standing/Experiential Learning Credit opportunities. Students can transfer credits from qualifying experiences including other college institutions, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST exams) or UEXCEL exams, Advanced Placement (AP) credit and experiential learning assessment portfolio submissions.

Please note that experiential learning credits are not considered current coursework for financial aid, and they do not fulfill any of the minimum 30 credits that must be completed at Point Park University to graduate. In addition, experiential learning credits through portfolio submissions are capped at 18 credits.

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more.

  • Next Start Date: July 2, 2023

Est. Program Length: 2 – 4 Years
Credit Hours: 120
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Cost Per Credit: $495
Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 90

  • Est. Program Length: 2-4 Years

  • Credit Hours: 120

  • Course Length: 8 Weeks

  • Cost Per Credit: $495

  • Transfer Credits Accepted: Up to 90

Tell me more about Point Park University’s Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration

Ranked As One of the Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Public Administration

Online B.S. in Public Administration

Point Park University Online invites you to enjoy this humble interview with Public Administration Program Director and Associate Professor Robert Skertich, Ph.D.

Public Administration Degree Online Concentrations

EMS Administration Concentration

Advance beyond entry-level positions and become an emergency medical services administrator with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration – EMS Administration at Point Park University. You will gain the skills community leaders are looking for to keep emergency services running smoothly.

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Fire Service Concentration

Become a community leader in fire service with Point Park’s Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with a concentration on Fire Service Administration. If you’re a firefighter wanting to move into management roles, this program gives you everything you need to advance your career.

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B.S. in Public Administration Online Course Offerings

Admission Requirements

Course Description
This course introduces students to the different kinds of communities that people construct for themselves (e.g. social, political, artistic, etc.) and the values and dynamics that define such communities (e.g. cooperation, civility, tolerance, responsibility, etc.). The notion of what it means to be a responsible member of the community will actively be explored and discussed by engagement and analysis of multiple communities: the classroom community, the Point Park University community, and the Pittsburgh community. Students will also examine the responsibilities they have to their personal academic development.

Course Description
This course included communication theory as well as speech preparation, delivery, and communication technology. Student learning focuses on researching, composing, and delivering formal and impromptu speeches and presentations. Topics include research, analyzing and adapting audiences, message construction, outlining, delivery of messages and effective use of visual aids and technology. This course will develop each student’s ability to communicate effectively with respect to audience and purpose. The major emphasis is on the preparation and delivery of presentations ranging from one-on-one pitches and small group discussion to large audience speeches.

Course Description
Students will write argument-based assignments leading to an independently researched project based on academic and professional goals. Students will be required to 1.) find and integrate a variety of sources, 2.) read and analyze these sources, 3.) develop strong thesis statements that reflect perspectives on topics or issues, and 4.) construct persuasive arguments that engage with the viewpoints of experts and commentators. As the term progresses, students will have the opportunity to re-think or revise the ideas and perspectives they explored in earlier writing assignments by engaging with peer feedback and revising earlier drafts. Placement recommendations will require students to take ENGL 101 as a three credit course OR in conjunction with an additional credit of lab or studio instruction. Students who earn F or NP grades in ENGL 101 will be required to re-take the course in conjunction with a one-credit Writing Studio course.

Choose two of the following courses:

  • ECON 201 – Principles of Macroeconomics
  • GCS 175 – Intro to Global Cultural Studies
  • HIST 201 – Western Civilization I
  • HIST 202 – Western Civilization II
  • PADM 210 – Public Administration
  • POLS 205 – World Geography
  • POLS 250 – Intro to Study of Gov’t Systems
  • PHIL 215 – World Religions

Choose one of the following courses:

  • NSET 110 – Intro to Natural Sciences I
  • NSET 111 – Intro to Natural Sciences II

Course Description
This course introduces an overview of the mathematics important in posing, communicating, and solving relevant quantitative problems. Concepts will be emphasized for their essential role in solving problems encountered in the modern professional world and in other academic fields with emphasis on theoretical, logical and technological methods. Specific topics form the fields of algebra, number theory, finance, probability, and statistics will be explored.

Choose one of the following courses:

  • ENGL 250 – World Lit: Drama, Poetry, Epic
  • ENGL 251 – World Lit: Novels

Choose one of the following courses:

  • PSYC 150 – Psychological Foundations
  • PSYC 214 – Psychology of Emotion
  • SOC 150 – Sociological Foundations

Choose one of the following courses:

  • BMGT 271 – The Money Thing: Life and Finances During and After College
  • BUS 404 – Business Ethics
  • CMPS 330 – Electronic Commerce
  • ECON 202 – Principles of Microeconomics

Choose one of the following courses:

  • ART 100 – Intro to Visual Arts
  • COMM 290 – Seminar in Media Studies
  • COPA 250 – Exploring the Arts

Course Description
A course on how Information Technology impacts organizations and how to use Information Technology to solve problems. Topics include: main concepts of Information Technology at a general level, online collaboration tools, application software, and information literacy as applied to searching and using the Internet. In addition, students will become proficient at an intermediate level in using application software. The student will learn each of the four software applications (Spreadsheets, Database, Word Processing and Presentation) and be able to apply them successfully to problem solving scenarios.

Course Description
Course chosen with advisor near completion of degree.

Course Description
This course is an introduction to leadership in nonprofit organizations (NPO). Topics include the theoretical, historical and legal foundations of NPOs, governance, fundraising, accountability, personnel and ethics.

Course Description
This course is an intensive study of governmental and non-profit organizations, including organizational structures and functions, including planning, budget, finance, management and leadership. The course emphasizes the interaction and interrelationship of agencies and administrators at all levels of government and the non-profit sector. Dual listed as POLS 204.

Course Description
Emphasis on the major theories and functions of management. Students develop an understanding of why management is needed in all organizations and what constitutes good management. Dual listed as BMGT 208. Pre-requisite: BMGT 101 or PADM 210.

Course Description
This course addresses the principles of governmental and non-profit organizations’ revenue, expenditure and budgeting. A special focus is placed on the planning and management aspects of budgeting, and the associated measurements and evaluation. Pre-requisite: PADM 210 or PADM 206 or permission.

Course Descriptions
PADM 301 – Methods of Public Management
This course applies quantitative analysis and forecasting methods to plan and evaluate decisions in public agencies. Additional topics include basic research design and techniques, and reading and interpreting research findings. Prerequisites: PADM 210 and MATH 150; ECON 201 or 202 or permission of the instructor.
OR
PADM 303 – Policy and Decision Analysis
This course will cover quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to defining, structuring, analyzing and evaluating policies and decisions in government and non-profit agencies. Pre-requisites: PADM 210 and MATH 150 (or greater) or permission of the instructor.

Choose any six (6) PADM 300+ courses

Choose any one (1) PADM 400+ course

Students may use general electives to complete a double major or one or more minors.

Point Park Public Administration Career Outcomes

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for public servants was $52,220 annually in 2020. By pursuing further education, you can tap into these rewarding careers through a variety of careers, including:

More commonly known as “fire chiefs,” fire services managers are the highest administrators within a fire department. They are responsible for planning, organizing and executing fire prevention services, which may include such varied roles as establishing policies, planning goals, supervising staff, preparing budgets, supervising inspections, meeting with elected officials and responding to major emergencies.

Emergency medical services (EMS) managers oversee administrative functions regarding EMS services in their community. They are often responsible for managing medical staff such as physicians, paramedics and nurses, creating budgets, fundraising, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and other related duties. EMS managers require strong interpersonal and communication skills to be successful.

Also known as “budget analysts,” budget advisors help organizations use their financial resources successfully. They may analyze data, look at relationships between programs and their financial impact, give financial advice, conduct cost-benefit analysis and other related tasks. Budget advisors must have both excellent math and writing skills and must be able to communicate effectively.

Labor relations coordinators work as liaisons between employees and their companies. They are often responsible for negotiating collective bargaining agreements, organizing employee grievance procedures, representing their company during labor disputes, meeting with unions and drafting proposals for contracts. These individuals must possess excellent listening, speaking and negotiation skills.

Community programs directors organize and oversee social service programs. Among their responsibilities, they may identify needed program areas, develop program budgets, manage program staff, plan outreach activities and obtain data about program effectiveness. Community programs directors must possess excellent problem-solving, time management and interpersonal skills.

Equivalent to the CEO of a company, non-profit directors oversee operations for entire non-profit organizations. They are responsible for providing overall leadership and may specifically manage general policies, financial oversight, development, outreach programs, staff management and more. Depending on the size and needs of their employer, a non-profit director may require a master’s degree and extensive management experience.

Next Steps

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Official Transcripts

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