Consider a featured online public administration program currently taking applications.
| School | Level | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor | Online Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning
Study transportation, business districts, neighborhoods, green space and more. |
| Arizona State University | Bachelor | Online Bachelor of Science in Public Service & Public Policy
Public service and public policy degree curriculum emphasizes enabling positive change in local, national and global communities. |
Click to view more online public administration degrees that are taking applications for 2024.
At the bachelor's level, students can generally choose a path that can provide introductory information into their field of interest, which can lead to entry-level careers or even higher degree programs within the same field. Students that might be interested in working with the public, the government, or even in nonprofit agencies may find that Bachelor's in Public Affairs programs could be a great fit for what they are looking for. The Bachelor's in Public Affairs may begin with a look into standard educational courses in various subjects.
Each degree specialization may contain its own special elements that can set it apart from others under the same umbrella of service. The Public Affairs degree program focuses on the need for attention and direction in terms of communication and networking between public service agencies.
Course topics that students can learn within this program may vary between those that focus on policy review and development, nonprofit management, and public communication.
The Bachelor's in Public Administration is another popular program that students interested in this field often review. This degree program can be a great option for students that are interested in pursuing management positions within the field of public service, or for those that currently have work experience in public or nonprofit agencies.
What does the Bachelors in Public Affairs cover?
Most bachelor's programs contain this element, which can help students refresh on some of the general education components required at this degree level. After these courses, students can then jump straight into courses that can teach topics related to public policy, government, and nonprofit communication. These courses can help students gain skills that can help them create helpful and efficient public service programs in their future.
Why consider a degree in public affairs?
Regardless of your educational or professional history, a bachelor's program within this field could be a great way to achieve your goal of a better paying job that can make a difference in the lives of others. People that have an innate desire to serve the people around them are often the best fit for this field, as well as people that are passionate about improving their communities. If you are interested in the field of Public Affairs as a potential field for your degree, our team encourages you to read more in the guide below.
Consider a featured online public administration program currently taking applications.
| School | Level | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor | Online Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning
Study transportation, business districts, neighborhoods, green space and more. |
| Arizona State University | Bachelor | Online Bachelor of Science in Public Service & Public Policy
Public service and public policy degree curriculum emphasizes enabling positive change in local, national and global communities. |
| Utica University | Bachelor | BS in Criminal Justice - Public Policy and Leadership
120 Total Credits; 2-4 Years; 100% Online |
Click for more 100% online public administration programs.
Bachelor’s Programs in Public Affairs to Consider
At the bachelor’s level, students may be able to find degree programs that can provide introductory information into their program that can help them pursue careers in the Public Affairs field in the future.
In order to give students the most information about Public Affairs programs, our team has pulled some of the most popular online programs available in the field today.
Below this section, you can review some open programs available to new college students within this field. Some things to consider prior to making your decision should be the amount of time it can take you to complete your program, the financial investment required by this degree program, and the career opportunities that could be available after completion.
If you are interested in learning more about these programs, read more about them in the list below.
Portland State University
Students with the desire to find careers that can promote meaningful change within their community can find degree programs to assist them in meeting their goals. Portland State University current provides an online Bachelor’s in Urban and Public Affairs that can prepare students for careers involved in the planning and implementation of city projects to help improve the lives of citizens. This degree program may require that students complete 4 years worth of coursework in order to graduate.
The State University of New York
100% online degree programs can be the best option for busy working adults seeking higher education for better opportunity. SUNY current has an online Bachelor’s in Public Affairs available to students willing to accept the challenge of a college education. This program can allow students to schedule courses according to their own need, which can be a huge factor in the success of those enrolled. Most students can complete their program within 4-5 years.
Common Coursework to Expect
Before choosing your degree program, you should also consider what you would like to gain from your education. One of the best ways to learn more about what a degree program can provide for you is reviewing the current curriculum of that program.
In Public Affairs degree programs, students can learn more about the public service field as a whole, as well as some of the details relevant to providing services to people within society. Organizational function and behavior, communication with the public, and public policy may be some popular topics found throughout these programs.
Read more about what else can be included in these degree programs in the list below.
Public Organizational Behavior
As you move forward into public service organizations after graduation, you may find that most of these agencies operate in a well-organized fashion. In this course, students can identify different areas of public service organizations, how these different areas interact with other specific sectors, and the methods for operating in an efficient manner. Having this understanding can help you better fit into agencies in the public domain after graduation and allow you to understand how and why they operate in the ways that they do.
Human Behavior in Public Organizations
When you decide to work with the public, you may notice that the behavior of those involved can sometimes make or break a great service. This course seeks to help students learn more about human behavior that may be common in this line of work, as well as mediation techniques that could be useful if unfortunate events arise. Psychology and sociology may be some topics that are discussed throughout this course, as well as the implementation of the environmental stimulus.
Public Relations and Communication
If you are planning to move forward in a career involved with Public Affairs, diversifying your communication skills can be a benefit that can help you along the way. Courses such as this one can provide extended knowledge regarding the proper communication methods for working with the public, or other public service agencies. Using communication in the public domain can be a useful tool to bring people in to needed services, as well as accurately display the services provided by an organization.
Estimated Salaries for Public Affairs’ Graduates
One of the most popular questions concerning Bachelor’s in Public Affairs degree programs may focus on the earning potential of professionals after graduation. Depending on the type of work you plan to do, whether or not you choose a specialization, and the type of experience you have prior to graduating from this degree program, you might find that the earning potential can vary greatly within different roles.
Professionals that can work in the public domain may have a wide range of possibilities in terms of careers after graduation. Some of the most popular positions for graduates in this field may be in nonprofit agencies or working with local government organizations in providing outreach to community members in need.
If you want to learn more about some common salaries for professionals at this level, take a look at a couple of example salaries in the list below.
- Public Relations Specialist: $59,300 on average per year (BLS).
- Budget Analyst: $75,240 on average per year (BLS).
Career Options
Entry level positions that are obtainable by graduates of Bachelor’s in Public Affairs programs may be prevalent throughout the United States. While it may be difficult to pin down which position is the absolute best for new graduates, there are definitely ways to locate highly preferred positions for Public Affairs students all over the United States.
There are numerous public services agencies that might be seeking out educated professionals interested in building reliable public service organizations to help improve the status of society. Our team has reviewed some of the common job roles of professionals in this field and provided some of the common career titles for bachelor-level graduates below.
Take a look to see if any of these positions sound like some you might be interested in.
- Budget Analyst
- Social Service Agent
- Public Relations
- Environmental Planning
- Public Health Official
BPA Versus the Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Comparison
If you have spent some time reviewing the Bachelor’s in Public Affairs, you may have noticed that it may share some similarities to other degree programs within the field of public administration.
If you have spent some time working in a relevant nonprofit agency and are seeking higher tier positions within that career, the Bachelor’s of Public Administration could be a great support tool for your purpose.
View Online NASPAA Accredited MPA Programs