Program Overview
A public administration degree prepares students to lead, manage, and improve organizations that serve communities and the public good. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in policy, management, and civic leadership, students develop the analytical and organizational skills necessary to address complex challenges in the public sector. Whether pursuing a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of General Studies, the public administration degree emphasizes how governments, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies operate and how leaders can create effective solutions that benefit society.
Students studying government and public administration explore the structure and function of public institutions while examining how policy decisions influence communities. Courses focus on public policy development, budgeting, leadership, and organizational management. The curriculum is designed to help students understand how public institutions interact with citizens, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. By completing a public administration degree, students gain the knowledge needed to evaluate policies, manage programs, and contribute to effective governance.
A public administration major provides an academic foundation that combines theoretical understanding with practical application. Students engage with real-world policy questions and learn how public organizations design and implement programs that affect economic development, education, public safety, and community wellbeing. Throughout the public administration degree, students examine the ethical responsibilities of public leaders and the importance of transparency and accountability in public institutions.
The program emphasizes analytical thinking and decision-making. Through core public administration courses, students develop the ability to analyze policy proposals, assess program outcomes, and understand how public resources are managed. Coursework may include topics such as policy analysis, public budgeting, leadership in the public sector, and public service management. These public administration courses allow students to explore the relationship between government systems and the communities they serve.
Students pursuing a public administration degree also develop skills in communication, leadership, and collaboration. Public organizations require leaders who can work across sectors and engage diverse stakeholders. Through collaborative projects and policy analysis exercises, the public administration major helps students learn how to present ideas clearly, interpret data, and participate in informed decision-making processes.
The curriculum is designed to prepare students for professional roles across many areas of government and public administration, including municipal government, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public policy research. Students gain exposure to both the administrative and policy sides of public service, understanding how organizations operate and how policy decisions shape outcomes for communities.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Public Administration, BA/BGSKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Bachelor’s in Public Administration is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Bachelor’s in Public Administration Learning Outcomes
Students completing the public administration degree will be able to:
- Develop and apply knowledge of how governmental and nonprofit organizations operate, including their administrative processes, decision-making structures, and the policy frameworks that guide them.
- Develop and apply an understanding of public service values and how those values inform ethical decision-making in the public sector.
- Develop foundational research skills and apply them to evaluate evidence, assess program outcomes, and support sound decisions in public service contexts.
What Careers are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Public Administration?
Graduates with a public administration degree pursue a wide range of roles across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public policy institutions. The knowledge gained in public administration courses prepares graduates to work in positions that focus on public service, program management, and policy analysis. Potential public administration degree jobs include:
- City or county government administrator
- Policy analyst
- Program coordinator for nonprofit organizations
- Legislative aide
- Public affairs specialist
- Community development manager
- Budget or policy analyst for government agencies
These roles allow graduates to contribute to organizations involved in government and public administration, supporting initiatives that improve communities and public services. According to labor market insights from Lightcast, careers connected to public administration degree jobs span government, nonprofit leadership, policy research, and public service management.
Many students also use a public administration degree as preparation for graduate study in public policy, public administration, law, or related fields.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition rates for the public administration degree vary based on residency status and enrollment pathway. The University of Kansas offers scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to support students financially. For more information, visit KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
All students interested in the public administration degree must meet the standard University of Kansas admission requirements for incoming freshman and transfer students. This includes:
Freshman
- 3.25 high school GPA OR 2.0 GPA and 21+ ACT
Transfer
- Assured admission with 24+ transferrable credit hours with a 2.5+ GPA from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
For detailed admission requirements, visit KU Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
Students pursuing a public administration degree benefit from opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world public service. Through experiential learning, internships, and community engagement, students gain firsthand exposure to the work of organizations involved in government and public administration.
The public administration major encourages students to explore internships with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and policy institutes. These experiences allow students to apply concepts learned in public administration courses while developing professional networks and practical skills.
Students may also participate in student organizations, leadership initiatives, and community service projects that align with the goals of the public administration degree. These activities help students build leadership abilities, strengthen communication skills, and gain experience working on issues that affect communities.
By combining academic study with experiential opportunities, the public administration major helps students prepare for leadership roles that require collaboration, ethical decision-making, and effective public service.
Bachelor’s in Public Administration Sample Courses
Coursework within the public administration degree introduces students to the principles, policies, and management strategies that shape public institutions.
Examples of public administration courses may include:
- Introduction to Public Administration
- Public Policy and Democracy
- The Pursuit of Rights: Law, Democracy & Power
- Environmental Law
- Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector
These public administration courses provide students with a strong foundation for understanding how public organizations function and how leaders manage programs and policies that affect communities. For a comprehensive list of courses and detailed descriptions, please review the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Public Administration Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.