Bachelor's in Public Administration Online Degree Emphasis

Overview

Explore Public Policy and Administration

The Bachelor of Arts in Government with an Emphasis in Public Administration is designed to provide skilled public service leadership in the local and state arena. Bachelor's students in this public administration emphasis at Grand Canyon University examine the inner workings of local and state government, as well as the public policies that are necessary for sustaining and improving the lives of people in their local and state communities.

This public administration emphasis program allows you to explore the unique traits and needs of a public organization. The relevant administrative skills you acquire not only help you in operating a public agency, they will likely prove useful wherever your career may lead you.

Bachelor of Arts in Government with an Emphasis in Public Administration

Offered By

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Class Settings

Campus

Online

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 7 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

Develop a Strong Understanding for How Governments Operate

As a student in GCU’s government public administration bachelor’s program emphasis, you can gain a strong understanding of the political processes that keep the government running, as well as the role of citizens in these processes. You will also investigate political systems both domestically and around the world, and the issues that arise when global entities interact with each other.

When you study government and public administration at GCU, you will apply a Christian worldview as you are immersed into the realm of public services. Additionally, you will gain core competencies in the public administration field that will allow you to examine the connection between your discipline’s professional code of ethics and Christian ethics.

Benefits of GCU’s Government and Public Administration Emphasis

The online and on-campus programs are led by experienced faculty who are dedicated to your educational success. As part of GCU’s mission, all graduates develop critical skills in effective communication, innovative thinking, servant leadership and global perspectives and ethics.

At the conclusion of the program, you will complete a Government Capstone which is a writing intensive course that closely examines the unique issues that are relevant to legislatures and public agencies.

Gain specific competencies in the following domains:

American government

Political behavior

International politics

Government affairs

Public administration

Earn Your Government Bachelor’s Degree Online

At GCU, you can choose to earn your emphasis in public administration online or on campus.

Whether you choose to pursue your degree online or on campus, you will have opportunities to interact and connect with other students and faculty in the government and public administration program.

This Degree Is Offered Online

Coursework

Sustain and Improve Public Policies for State and Local Communities

Graduates of the BA in Government with an Emphasis in Public Administration will demonstrate a strong understanding of the issues in and functions of public administration and the policies administrators implement.

Through the Christian worldview lens, graduates learn to develop and improve policies that contribute to community and human flourishing by:

Examining the origins, evolution and purposes of state constitutions
Recommending a course of action for implementing a state or local policy
Assessing the structure of local governments and their roles in intergovernmental relations
Explaining how Christian leadership concepts can contribute to a foundation for public service

Gain Foundations for GCU’s MPA in Government and Public Administration

The public administration emphasis provides foundational knowledge and skills in public policy, social services, budgeting, critical thinking and leadership. By earning your undergraduate degree, you will have a strong framework for pursuing a career in public administration or furthering your education with an advanced degree.

If your career goals require you to deepen your understanding of the law and public administration, you may consider earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Government and Policy. The online MPA complements and builds upon this bachelor's degree.

Specific focus is given to these key areas:

Governance

Budgeting and finance management

Human capital

Influence and power

Public and nonprofit leadership

Careers

Career Opportunities With a Public Administration Focus

There are a number of available jobs for graduates who demonstrate the necessary skills developed in a public administration emphasis program. Administrative skills are helpful when pursuing positions in public offices and departments, as well as private businesses with similar skill requirements.

A few possible jobs for public administration degree graduates include:

Administrative services manager

City managers

Human resources managers

Fundraising managers

Medical and health services managers

Political scientists

FAQ

Government and Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree FAQs

To learn more about the government and public administration bachelor’s degree emphasis, read our answers to these commonly asked questions.

A bachelor’s in government and public administration degree emphasis is the optimal choice for those seeking foundational knowledge and skills in the public administration field. If you are looking to gain advanced administrative skills in a specific area, or to pursue a higher-level position, you should consider earning your Master of Public Administration. GCU offers MPA emphasis programs in government and policy, healthcare management and nonprofit management.

The bachelor’s in public administration emphasis at GCU does not include math courses. However, in the Master of Public Administration degree programs, you can expect to take courses in economics, budgeting and financial management since many public administrators are required to manage financial resources.

If you are interested in working for the federal government, it would be in your best interest to first think about your career goals and the area(s) you are most interested in. There are many different degree programs you can choose from, whether it’s homeland security and emergency management, legal studies, state and local public policy, criminal justice or public administration.

Public administrators are responsible for implementing policies, influencing action and serving their communities. They also handle the budgets and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders. To help find success in your career as a public administrator, you should demonstrate a few key qualities, including:

Commitment to the organization’s mission and strategic vision
Conceptual skill
Attention to detail
Delegation
Innovation
Emotional intelligence
Communication skills
Servant leadership

Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major44 credits

Open Elective Credits36-42 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Competency

13-16 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

3-4 Total Credits

Competency

10-12 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Core Courses

GOV-140

4 Total Credits

GOV-210

4 Total Credits

GOV-378

4 Total Credits

GOV-366

4 Total Credits

GOV-358

4 Total Credits

GOV-376

4 Total Credits

GOV-364

4 Total Credits

GOV-307

4 Total Credits

GOV-351

4 Total Credits

GOV-467

4 Total Credits

GOV-459

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing intensive course provides a broad overview of careers at the federal, state, and local levels of governing bodies and agencies. The course explores the role of a bureaucrat, legislative aid, lobbyist, or campaign worker. Issues that are unique to legislatures that make the law, and to public agencies that implement and enforce the law are also explored. This course examines selected theoretical and empirical topics in government. This course represents the culmination of undergraduate study within government. This capstone course needs to be completed at the end of program. This capstone course needs to be completed at the end of program. Prerequisites: GOV-364, GOV-307, GOV-358, GOV-378, GOV-140, and GOV-210.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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