Associate's Degree in Public Administration: Programs
An associate's degree program in public administration can train you to manage fundraising efforts and supervise administration personnel for a government or non-profit organization. Continue reading to learn about whats skills you gain in an online program, what courses you take and what your options are after graduation.
What Does a Public Administration Associate's Degree Program Entail?
This program helps you develop the interpersonal communication, research, budgeting and analytical skills needed to successfully work in this field. You may come away from your program knowing how related institutions, techniques and processes work to develop and sustain public programs.
The first half of your education may help you gain skills in basic finance, business management and employee communication. The last half of your education will feature topics in keeping track of fundraising efforts, working with the government and managing conflict in the work area.
| Key Skills Taught | Interpersonal communication, research, budgeting, business management |
| Common Courses | Legal concepts, accounting, personnel administration, corporate ethics, economics |
| Possible Careers | Nonprofit professional, city planner, volunteer manager |
| Median Salary (2020) | $75,950 (for all urban and regional planners) |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 11% growth (for all urban and regional planners) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Courses Can I Expect?
Before you can graduate, you will be required to pass general education courses. Your program may also ask you to complete courses in grant management, legal concepts, human resources, state and local government, organization budgeting, accounting elements and basic marketing. Additional required courses may include public personnel administration, supervision techniques, labor relations, corporate ethics, state and local taxation, microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Since these programs are heavy with theory courses, you may be able to find schools offering entire programs through distance education. Additional technical courses can also be completed online, including corporate and non-profit finances, how to use Microsoft Office applications, organizational communications and how to use QuickBooks. If you intend on completing your program on campus, hands-on training may be available in practicum courses.
What Can I Do With My Education?
Earning an associate's degree in public administration may lead to a job working with government agencies, non-profit organizations and non-government agencies. After you graduate, you may be able to find careers in health services, city planning, human services, community action, public service and volunteer management. If you would like to continue your education, you can transfer your credits into a bachelor's degree program.