Introduction
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.
BPNA Curriculum
The BPNA core includes coursework in the principles of management, public administration, organizational theory, public policy, public budgeting, financial management, law, ethics, and social science research methods. You’ll study many of the same topics as in a business management major but with a special focus on the governmental and nonprofit arenas.
Voluntary Concentrations
Students may choose one of three voluntary concentrations and prepare for management positions in organizations addressing some of society's most pressing challenges.
Child Advocacy Studies
Increase your knowledge of key child maltreatment concepts.
Environment & Society
Prepare to tackle environmental problems & support a sustainable future.
Global Public Health
Learn about global issues important to improving population health.
Internship Opportunities
It is highly recommended for students without professional experience to participate in an internship or other applied study experience. Public Administration applied study experiences are coordinated through the Internship and Prior Learning Program. Students can apply up to 6 hours of credit for up to two courses through IPL 300 Internship Applied Learning or IPL 301 Project Applied Learning. Students should consult with their Program Student Advisors to begin exploring this opportunity.
Advising
Students will be assigned an initial faculty advisor when they declare Public Administration as their major field of study. The course of study is planned jointly with the academic advisor. Students should consult with their advisors before registration and at times during the semester.
Admission Requirements
First-year undergraduate students with a strong record of academic achievement who have completed less than 12 hours of college credit after graduation from high school may apply for admission as a freshman. Students must submit high school transcripts, ACT/SAT scores (see note below)*, and may be asked for a personal statement. Applications are accepted starting September 1 of the year prior to entry into the program, and new students may begin classes in any semester. In addition to general freshman applicants, UIS has an Honors Program that is a selective program and enrolls about 120 students each year. Eligible students will be contacted by the Honors Program.
*Note: ACT/SAT scores are not required for admission for this academic year.
Department Application Materials and Admission Criteria
No additional admission requirements beyond the general UIS criteria.
