Government and the public sector have increasingly become major players in nearly every facet of society. Gaining the knowledge of and skills in government process, policy, procedure, and the law could be essential for success in a wide variety of jobs.* The Associate of Applied Science in Public Administration focuses on the study of organization, structure, and processes of government through an interdisciplinary lens, and is designed to help students develop an understanding of the issues and challenges confronting society locally, nationally, and globally. This program could also prepare graduates to continue on to pursue more advanced degrees in public administration and policy.†

 Program Highlights 

Kaplan University’s Associate of Applied Science in Public Administration offers students an opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the processes of policy administration and implementation through direct government action as well as public and private interaction. The curriculum focuses on:

  • Structure and processes of the government
  • Tools used to implement policy
  • Processes by which public policy is formulated and implemented
  • Goals of public policy

 Curriculum for the Associate of Applied Science in Public Administration 

    Courses Credits
    Communication Course 5
    Mathematics Course 5
    Communication Course 5
    Courses Credits
    Eight Skills of the Effective Legal Studies Student 5
    Macroeconomics 5
    Statistics 5
    Introduction to Public Administration 5
    Introduction to State and Local Government 5
    Ethics and Public Administration 5
    Introduction to Policy Making 5
    Introduction to Administrative Law 5
    Associate’s Capstone in Public Administration 5
    Courses Credits
    Open Electives 35
    Total Program Requirements 90

 Already Have Credits or Work Experience? 

If you have previously earned credit at another institution or have applicable work experience, you may be eligible for academic credit toward program requirements at Kaplan University. Speak to an Admissions Advisor or refer to the University Catalog for details about our transfer of credit policy.

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

The Associate of Applied Science in Public Administration could offer degree holders the opportunity to pursue careers that include: administrative assistant, legislative assistant, research and policy associate, city council assistant, entry-level clerical and office support positions in federal government, court clerk, municipal clerk, license clerk, entry-level positions in governmental and lobby organizations, and entry-level positions in nonprofit organizations.*

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$371.00
Total program requirements90

Total cost of tuition$33,390.00


This program requires a $100.00 technology fee per term. Effective June 5, 2010, a minimum tuition deposit, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, is required at the time of enrollment. The deposit will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.


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*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job or employed at all.
†While many of Kaplan University's degree programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue continued education, the University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any academic program.