Major in Public Administration (Bachelor’s)
Prepare for a rewarding career in public service and effective governance with CU Denver’s fully online Public Administration degree.
CU Denver’s fully online BA in Public Administration is designed for students who are passionate about community service, nonprofit management, and public policy.
- Learn from award-winning faculty at Colorado’s top-ranked public affairs school.
- Gain practical skills in leadership, policy analysis, and financial management.
- Tailor your degree with career-focused specializations in Nonprofit Management, Emergency Management, or Homeland Security.
Why Choose Public Administration?
- Nearly one-quarter of the U.S. job market is in public service.
- An aging workforce in government and nonprofits creates high demand for graduates. fit management, and public policy.
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Degree LevelBachelor's -
School & CollegeSchool of Public Affairs -
Total Credit Hours120 -
Class Type100% Online -
Time CommitmentFull-Time or Part-Time -
Start Term(s)Fall, Spring, Summer
- Fill out form
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Program Overview
The Bachelor's in Public Administration 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.
Tailor your BA in Public Administration degree with a career-focused specialization:
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.
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 prepares you with the communication skills, ethical decision-making, cultural awareness, and other competencies needed to excel in your career as a public administrator.
Tuition Breakdown
| Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|
| $506* per credit | $607 per credit |
*$390 for residents after College Opportunity Fund (COF). To learn more, visit the COF website.
Example Courses
Courses at CU Denver are offered three times a year — fall, spring and summer. Not all courses are available every semester. For most programs, courses last 15 weeks, plus one week for finals.
Introduction to Public Service (PUAD 1001)
Explore public service in government, nonprofits, and NGOs. Learn their roles in democracy and the economy while discovering values, career paths, and ways to serve the public good.
Management for Public Service (PUAD 2001)
Learn how public managers develop talent, ensure performance, and foster inclusion. Explore strategic management, HR laws, and the role of character in effective leadership.
Financial Management for Public Service (PUAD 3001)
Study budgeting, monitoring, and reporting. Learn how fiscal discipline and fair resource allocation strengthen public service capacity and promote the public good.
Career Outlook
What is the projected salary of an individual working in public administration?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals working in public administration earned an annual median salary of the following in 2023:
- Fire Inspectors: $71,420
- Firefighters: $57,120
- Police and Detectives: $74,910
What can I do with a bachelor’s in public administration?
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.
Career & Technical Education Credits
The CU Denver School of Public Affairs values the experiences of students currently working in the public service sector. This is why our BA in Public Administration is one of the first degrees in the nation to apply Career and Technical Education credits (CTE credits) toward your degree. Students working in public service professions (e.g. EMT, police, fire fighting, etc.) may be eligible to receive earned credits that can be applied toward your degree requirements.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on the program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first-time student, a transfer student, or an international student.
Learn more about the admissions process by filling out the form above or contacting the CU Denver Enrollment Team today.
Get Personalized Support for Your Application
As you consider an online education, we understand that it’s important for you to know that you’re getting a high-quality, affordable, and flexible education that helps you reach your goals. That’s why the CU Denver Enrollment Team is available to offer guidance and answer any questions that you may have about our degree programs, financial aid options, transfer information, admissions requirements, and more.
Whether you want to talk through your degree plans, learn more about a specific program, or start your application, the CU Denver Enrollment Team provides friendly support as you decide if CU Denver is the right fit for your future.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Investing in your future is a big decision. However, becoming a fully online student at CU Denver is a high-quality and affordable option for learners of all types. Tuition and fees are based largely on the degree program you enroll in.
Tuition is determined based on which CU Denver program is chosen, undergraduate or graduate level, and your resident status. Visit our tuition and financial aid page for more information.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Timeline
The Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration requires a total of 120 credits, including 45 credits earned in the major. At least 12 of those 45 credit hours must be upper-division (3000-4000 level) courses.
The credits are comprised of:
- 21 credits in core/required public service courses
- 24 credits in approved electives
- 3-credit internship required for pre-service students
- These credits can be offset by your professional work experience in public service through an internship waiver. Eligibility for the waiver is determined by your BA in Public Administration Academic Advisor and the Program Director.
Full-time students can complete the program in as little as eight semesters, although you determine your own pace of completion.
Experience flexible, career-focused programs with CU Denver’s renowned quality—100% online—taught by expert faculty in engaging courses within a supportive community, all at an affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships available.
Flexible, career-focused programs with the same CU Denver quality—100% online.
Expert faculty, engaging courses, and a supportive online community.
Affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships for online students.
Take the Next Step
Ready to make a lasting impact in public service? Take the first step toward earning your online degree by calling us at 303-860-5604 or filling out the form above for more information.