An online associate degree in public administration may provide students with the skills and training needed to understand issues pertaining to nonprofit organizations and government. Students enrolled in these two-year programs may gain an understanding about socioeconomically related behaviors, assist with community and global social policy, and study reading comprehension and public policy. Coursework within these programs may include general education courses, business-related electives, and major-specific courses, such as fundraising and grant making, organizational leadership, and contemporary urban studies.

Upon completion, students may seek entry-level employment or decide to further their education and enroll in a baccalaureate-level program in public administration. Associate-level graduates may find employment opportunities in administration, non-profit management, and finance.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 10% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online associate degree in public administration may combine general education requirements, business-based electives, and major-specific courses. In these two-year programs, students may study teamwork and management styles, organizational behavior, and business communication. Core public administration courses may include the following:

• Statistics
• Budget and Finance for Community Organizations
• Contemporary Urban Studies
• Organizational Leadership
• Fundraising and Grant Making
• Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Issues in Business
• Management and Leadership

Career Options

Graduates of online associate degree in public administration may seek careers in administration, finance, communication, and non-profit management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as budget analysts are expected to increase by 10% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Probation Officer
• Security Specialist
• City Manager
• Budget Analyst
• Cost Estimator

Continuing Education

Upon graduation, students may opt to further their education and enroll in a baccalaureate-level program in public administration. In these baccalaureate-level programs, students may provide students with additional training on financial, professional, and administrative issues pertaining to government and non-profit organizations.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook