Public Administration - online

Overview

The Bachelor's in Public Administration - online from the University of Colorado Denver is exclusively offered in an online format and taught by the same award-winning faculty as the face-to-face classes at CU Denver School of Public Affairs the top-ranked public affairs school in Colorado and among the best in the nation.

Whether you’re an undergraduate student, a public service professional looking to advance in your career, or a professional seeking a career change, the online BA in Public Administration will prepare you with the communication skills, ethical decision-making, cultural awareness, and other competencies needed to excel in your career as a public administrator.

Tailor your BA in Public Administration degree with one of four career-focused specializations:

• Emergency Management — Learn how emergency management aims to reduce the harmful effects of all hazards, including disasters. Public servants respond to emergencies but also focus on preparedness, mitigation, resilience, and recovery. You will graduate from the program prepared to apply this knowledge in a career with government and nonprofit agencies. 
• Environmental Policy and Management — Study the laws, regulations, and policy mechanisms that the government and organizations use to manage environmental issues. Environmental policy balances protection, conservation, and sustainability of natural resources with affordable energy and economic growth while understanding how human activities affect the environment. 
• Nonprofit Management — Prepare for a wide variety of careers in the exciting world of nonprofit organizations. Throughout your degree, you will learn about the history and context of nonprofit organizations, while gaining practical skills needed to manage and lead in this sector. In addition, CU Denver School of Public Affairs' affiliation with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance gives you the opportunity to earn the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential through completion of the Nonprofit Management Concentration coursework and additional required extracurricular activities. 
• International Development — Explore the history of international development paradigms and learn how development actors work to address persistent global problems such as poverty, human trafficking, trade, global health, and human rights. Throughout this specialization, you’ll dive into essential topics in international relations, intercultural communication, globalization, foreign policy, and more. After graduating, you’ll be able to use your in-depth knowledge of international development to make a positive impact within government or nonprofit organizations.

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the government and nonprofit sectors make up approximately 25% of all jobs in the U.S., with 30% of all government employees currently eligible to retire. This growing demand for public sector workers coupled with an aging workforce means that a degree in public administration is in high demand!

The BA in Public Administration can lead to fulfilling careers, such as:

• City or County Manager
• Management Consultant
• Homeland Security
• Nonprofit Executive Director
• Emergency Management Coordinator
• Urban Planner