Bachelor’s Degree With Public Administration Emphasis
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.
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)
- 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).
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.
All Government Emphases
Explore additional government emphases.
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
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:
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
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
Earn a Public Administration Emphasis From an Accredited University
GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Both the online and campus degree programs meet the high standards in education excellence.
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.
What degree do you need for government and public administration careers?
Does public administration require math?
What degree do you need to work for the federal government?
What skills and qualities make a good public administrator?
Program Curriculum
General Education Requirements
Core Courses
Fill out the form on this page to learn more about earning your BA in Government: Public Administration emphasis at GCU.