Bachelor’s Degree With Public Administration Emphasis
Bachelor’s Degree With Public Administration Emphasis
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Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
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).
GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Both the online and campus degree programs meet the high standards in education excellence.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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
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.
Fill out the form on this page to learn more about earning your BA in Government: Public Administration emphasis at GCU.
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
Explore additional government emphases.
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
