Public Administration
Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration
Take the lead in public service by earning your Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration with Ashford University.
Degree Focus
Your Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration prepares you for entry into a career in the public sector, either in a non-profit organization, or at federal, state, or local government. You will complete coursework in urban management, budgeting and finance, political science and intergovernmental issues, and public policy development. This degree's curriculum also provides you with a breadth of complimentary studies in the social sciences.
Career Opportunities
The single largest employer in the world is the US Government. When you complete your Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration, you will have what you need to begin any number of careers in which diverse knowledge is a must. As a graduate with your Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration, you could find employment as a:
- Program manager
- Urban planner
- Social service administrator
- Department manager
- Non-profit organization manager
Specializations
You may also choose to delve into other areas of public administration when you add a specialization to your degree program. A specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits. These courses are taught online as part of your degree program. This program offers the following specializations:
- Logistics Management
Coordinate your career for success by adding a specialization in Logistics Management. You will learn how to distribute products, services, and material while preparing for a career managing transportation, warehouses, and supply chains. - Sports and Recreation Management
Score a point for your career! With this specialization added to your Bachelor's degree, you will enhance both your business and technical skills in the sports and recreation industry.
Your courses in this Bachelor of Arts degree program are taught by advance-degreed instructors with real-world experience in the subjects they teach. In addition, you can transfer up to 90 approved credits toward your Bachelor's degree and accelerate your degree completion.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration degree program will be able to:
- Demonstrate theoretical knowledge for understanding, developing, and implementing public policy and administration;
- Integrate academic theory and practical applications;
- Apply management theory to the practice of public administration;
- Identify relevant political and legal factors in the policy process and analyze their roles critically; and
- Judge the ethical components of public responsibility.
Program Requirements
- Total number of credits required: 120 credits
- General Education Requirements: 52 credits*
- Major Course Requirements: 45 credits*
- Electives: 32 credits
You must complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at Ashford University to meet the residency requirement.
*In this program, 9 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.
Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.
Admission Requirements
- Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
- Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
- English Language Requirement
- Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.
Technology Requirements
Competencies
Students must possess the following online competencies:
- Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
- Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
- Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.
System requirements
The following minimum system configuration and software are required:
- Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
- Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
- Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome;
- Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
- Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.
Recommended for optimal performance
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
- Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other);
- Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.
Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.
If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course.
If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.
* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.
Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.
Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.
* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.
Payment Options
- Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
- Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
- Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
- Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
- Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration
Contribute to your career in public service! Your Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration degree demonstrates your proficiency and competence as a professional in the modern public sector. Courses cover several relevant topics, from public budgeting and finance to political science and intergovernmental issues.
Below you will find the courses for this program beginning with the introductory courses. You have a choice in this program to take a standard program following the major course requirements, or you may choose to add a specialization to your program. Please note that you must complete the major course requirements' capstone course before you can begin any specialization. Each specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits.
Introductory Courses
Major Course Requirements
Specializations
Introductory Courses
Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's® introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Educationand PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits, you are required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.
EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.
PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.
Major Course Requirements
(45 credits, all courses are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)
MGT 330 Management for Organizations
This course presents an introduction to management theory and practice, including the inter-relatedness that the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling functions play in the multicultural, technology-driven, global organizations of the 21st century. The emphasis is on the application of management theory to real-life situations in the workplace.
MGT 380 Leadership for Organizations
Several leadership styles are examined in this course. Emphasis is placed on developing effective leadership in organizations and personal enterprises, and on developing ethical leadership perspectives in personal and professional decision-making.
POL 303 The American Constitution
This course is a study of the Constitution of the United States and its role in American history and government. The study covers the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, its subsequent amendment and interpretation, and its contemporary role in American politics and government.
POL 310 Environmental Policies
Examines political, social, and economic policies and their impact on the global environment. Also explores ways in which policy decisions can serve to protect the environment.
ECO 203 Principles of Macroeconomics
Introduction to national income determination and the equilibrium level of output and employment. Monetary and fiscal policies as well as open economy issues are discussed.
BUS 308 Statistics for Managers*
This course examines the application of statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis in business decision making. Additionally, the course focuses on the utilization of statistical methods as applied to business problems and operations.
PHI 445 Personal & Organizational Ethics
This course studies the theories and paradigms underlying personal and organizational values and ethical principles; how personal values and ethical principles relate to the organizations in which people function; and the effects of the organization's ethics on its reputation, functioning and performance.
PPA 301 Principles of Public Administration
An introductory examination of the characteristics of the public organization and its impact on society including analysis of the principles of public administration, personnel issues, budgetary activities, legal dynamics, as well as historical development of the field are included.
PPA 303 Finance for Public Administrators
This course addresses the principles of state and local financing of government, sources of public revenue, objects of public expenditures, problems of fiscal administration, emerging policy issues involving land use and taxation, spending and budgeting, intergovernmental cooperation, debt financing, financing for economic development, and privatization.
PPA 305 Budgeting for Public Administrators
This course is an introductory course in government budgeting, dealing with public revenue, expenditure policies, and politics of the budgetary process while addressing current issues and challenges in this field.
PPA 307 Intergovernmental Relations & Issues
The theory and practice of intergovernmental relations and the various issues that affect the overall efficiency of our system. This course will address both the legal and political perspectives of the interactions, relationships and public policy considerations throughout the various components and levels of government.
PPA 401 Urban Management
This course is an introduction to formal and informal elements of urban management systems, addressing the exploration of alternative approaches to dealing with problems arising from rapid urban growth.
PPA 403 Administrative Law
A study of the nature and the law of the administrative procedure, of separation and delegation of powers, and of the scope of judicial review and other remedies against administrative actions.
PPA 405 Personnel Management
An examination of the essential processes, policies, and laws pertaining to public personnel, including an analysis of issues concerning public personnel administrators, employee protection, motivation, and effectiveness.
PPA 497 Public Policy Formation
A study of how the dynamics of governmental decision-making influence the content of public policy; course focuses upon how legislators, interest groups, chief executives, and the bureaucracy function to define alternatives and to shape policy agenda and content.
Specializations
You may also choose to delve deeper into other areas of public administration when you add a specialization to your degree program. A specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits. These courses are taught online as part of your degree program.
MGT 322 Principles of Logistics Management
This course introduces logistics/physical distribution and supply, and the related costs. It provides a systematic overview and analysis of the elements of logistics functions in widely varying types of industries and agencies, including handling, warehousing, inventory control, and financial controls.
MGT 325 Introduction to Transportation Management
This course focuses on intermodal transportation as part of supply chain management. The course addresses the development of the global transportation system, transportation regulation, the modes of transportation and how they interface, shipper issues, intermodal transportation management, and the future in transportation.
MGT 401 Hazardous Materials Management
This course addresses the significant issues associated with handling hazardous materials in a logistical system. The course also provides a firm foundation on basic hazardous materials management principles. Topics include definitions of hazardous materials, regulatory overview, technology to treat different hazardous materials, and tracking and manifest rules.
MGT 496 Strategic Warehouse Management
This course is an overview of the strategic role that the warehousing function plays in the modern logistics environment. Subjects include warehouse strategies, difference in government and non-government systems, layout and design, location, customer service, bar coding, material handling, and measuring warehouse productivity.
Sports and Recreation Management
ACC 205 Principles of Accounting I
Introduction to the principles and procedures of general financial accounting with an emphasis on reporting to individuals outside the organization. Development of accounting reports on an accrual basis.
BUS 330 Principles of Marketing
The methods used by producers of goods and services to determine and satisfy the wants of society. An examination of external and internal environments that impact marketing decisions, the basic elements of a marketing program, and issues in ethics and social responsibility.
SOC 318 Sociology of Sport
The social institution of sport is examined as a microcosm of society. Consideration is given to the different levels of sport and sports in relation to social stratification and mobility, big business, mass media, religion, race, gender, and social discrimination.
SRM 410 Contemporary Issues in Sports Marketing & Management
Sport has become a major business enterprise in the United States and in much of the world. This course helps students understand the scope of the sport industry, to include identifying career opportunities in various segments of the sport industry. The course also examines the managerial process to include the functions of management, as well as the roles, skills, and attributes required of sport managers. Special attention is given to examining the unique characteristics of sport and the resulting social and ethical responsibilities of sport managers.
* Math competency must be met before taking this course.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Ashford University Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information contained below.
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