Public Administration is a field of study that prepares students to serve as managers in local, state, federal, and international governance, as well as the nonprofit sector.
The online bachelor's degree program in Public Administration is designed to prepare students to advance public interest and civic engagement. Areas of study include the principles of public administration, management, organization theory, public policy, public budgeting, financial management, law, ethics, and social science research methods.
Public Administration skills prepare students with skills that can be applied for a wide variety of career paths. Recent students who have earned a Bachelor’s in Public Administration at UIS have gone on to work in professional fields including:
Mid-level manager, Seoul Municipal Government, South Korea
Program Associate, United Nations
Environmental Engineer, Indian Health Service
Budget Tech, Corps of Engineers
Financial Manager of Research Center
HR Analyst
Business Relations Consultant
Senior Physician Recruiter at Large Healthcare System
Principal Strategy Consultant at Baxter Strategic Consulting Group
The online degree allows students to participate in dynamic, diverse, and interactive online learning communities and to complete their degrees. Online students enjoy increased access to educational resources, advisors, and materials with no on-campus visits required.
Some classes our students can choose from:
Leadership and Management of Public Organizations
Global Child Advocacy Studies
Nonprofit Sector and Society
Operations Research Methods
Administrative Law and Management
Contemporary Issues in Nonprofit Management
Contemporary Issues in Policy
Research Methods and Management.
Program Facts
Total Credits
27-credit hours of core course and 9-credit hours of elective coursework for a total of 36-credit hours in the major and 120 overall.
Online Course Delivery
Earn your degree completely online to allow the flexibility you need for your busy schedule.
Transfer Friendly
Students may count up to four courses as transfer credit to the major. Please contact us for information on our Associate of Applied Science/Bachelors completion option.
Accelerated Master's Degree
The Integrated BPA/MPA in Public Administration you can waive the requirement for PAD 501 (Intro Course) and apply up to 6-credit hours of 400-level elective credit toward the Master of Public Administration Degree
Develop Your Managerial Skills
Gain an understanding of economic, legal, and political systems; and governmental institutions and processes
Develop the analytical/quantitative abilities to analyze, define, and solve problems
Examine the intricacies of human behavior (individual, group, and organizational) and gain an in-depth understanding of how to lead and manage people, projects, and programs
Learn skills in organizational design, strategic planning, budgeting, and performance management
Become a better communicator—written, oral, and electronic
Goals and Objectives
The Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration (BAPA) prepares students to serve as managers in nonprofit organizations and local, state, and federal governments. This interdisciplinary field applies the theories and methods of the social sciences to solve problems or management, administration, and governance in the nonprofit and public sectors. Areas of study include the principles of management, public administration, organizational theory, public policy, public budgeting, financial management, law, ethics, and social science research methods. We prepare students through the integration of theory and practice to advance the public interest and civic engagement.