Overview

Our transfer-friendly Public Administration Degree Program is exclusively focused on preparing you to gain entry or advancement as an administrator, manager, or leader in a government or nonprofit organization. You’ll acquire the skills needed to help organizations fulfill their missions. These skills include organizational leadership, fiscal administration, political advocacy, and program management.

At Franklin University, we teach what many programs do not, including how to navigate the political system, implement policy, and apply ethical management practices. We offer a balanced yet comprehensive program, giving you both a government and nonprofit perspective.

With the bachelor's in public administration, you can also choose from more than 20 different areas of subject interest to customize your curriculum.

Franklin's degree in public administration will also give you hands-on experience with projects and skills you can immediately put into practice. For example, you’ll participate in a budgeting simulation in which you’ll act as the fiscal lead for a local government division. Your job is to develop and seek approval for budget requests and make critical decisions while navigating politics and pressure from colleagues, elected officials, and special interest groups. Along the way, you’ll learn to use essential tools, such as process improvement and project management tools, spreadsheets, and financial analysis techniques.

Classes are taught by top working professionals, so you can learn from both their challenges and achievements. Plus, leading professionals on our Advisory Board regularly review our curriculum to ensure it meets high professional standards and increases your employability. The Public Administration Advisory Board is comprised of nonprofit CEOs, governmental officials, and community leaders, such as former Columbus Mayor Greg Lashutka.

Career Opportunities

• Administrative Manager

Administrative Managers support smooth running operations by providing leadership and decision-making support to clerical personnel and administrative functions.

• Administrative Specialist

Administrative Specialists provide clerical and operational support to other employees or managers, including scheduling meetings, arranging travel, preparing reports, and handling correspondence.

• Budget Analyst

Budget Analysts produce accurate and timely analysis and evaluation of economic data to determine trends, make forecasts, and prepare annual budgets.