If you already have your associate's or bachelor's degree, our online advanced start program can help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Policy online in as little as two years.* 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 Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Policy 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.

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

• Structure and processes of the government
• Economics of public administration
• Evolution of law and policy
• Tools used to implement policy
• Processes by which public policy is formulated and implemented
• Goals of public policy
• Methods and tools used to evaluate and design policy

Associate’s/Bachelor’s Degree Prerequisite Core Major Open Elective Total Program Requirements

Courses Credits Total Prior Degree Credits* 90 *Comparability is determined by a course-by-course examination of the prior associate's or bachelor's degree against the core requirements of a Kaplan University associate’s degree. Courses Credits Composition Course Statistics Introduction to Public Administration Courses Credits Arts and Humanities Course 6 Physical Science Course 6 Social Science Course 6 Courses Credits Constitutional Law 6 Public Policy Analysis 6 Finance and Budgeting in the Public Sector 6 The Oversight and Administration of Public Funds 6 Private and Public Sector Partnerships 6 Planning for Economic Growth and Development 6 Program Evaluation OR 6 Grant Writing Bachelor’s Capstone in Public Administration and Policy 6 Courses Credits Open Electives 24 Total Program Requirements 90

The Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Policy could give degree holders the opportunity to pursue careers that support public service agencies including: coordinator of government relations, risk manager, contract administrator, legislative assistant, research and policy associate, health policy analyst, program administrator, purchasing manager, contracting officer, contracting specialist, and assistant director of volunteer services.† 

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

*Speak to an Admissions Advisor or refer to our University Catalog for details about our Transfer of Credit policy.
†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.