Public Administration
As a professional in the public sector, you're dedicated to making a difference through community services. But in today's highly politicized environment, the right degree is essential for getting your voice heard. With Walden University's flexible online degree formats, you can earn a public administration graduate or undergraduate degree while maintaining current commitments.
Browse available Public Administration programs by degree level:
Doctoral
Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration
The Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program prepares you to meet the challenges of governance and effective service delivery as government and nonprofit institutions increasingly become intertwined. You’ll integrate scholarly research with your professional experience, gaining the knowledge, confidence, and expertise to create effective solutions. Earn your degree in two ways:
- Course-based
This option is a structured program of study comprised of online courses. As a student, you will follow a specific plan for completion and may be eligible to graduate in three years.* - Mixed-model
This option is a more flexible program of study that includes online courses and Walden’s signature Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). Study independently and work closely with a faculty mentor to apply your research to an area in which you are passionate.
Graduate Degree Specializations
- General Program
- Criminal Justice
- Health Services
- Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
- International Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Law and Public Policy
- Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities
- Nonprofit Management and Leadership
- Public Management and Leadership
- Public Policy
- Public Safety Management
- Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace
*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, please call an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.
Master’s
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Across the public sector spectrum, career opportunities are predicted to expand rapidly over the next five years. At every level—federal, state, and local—this growth trend in employment will fuel a demand for qualified managers who can lead public agencies or direct public policy organizations.* Prepare to advance your career and to meet this increasing need for public sector professionals as you gain the skills to translate public policies into effective programs and projects. International themes and concepts incorporated throughout your coursework will broaden your perspective of public service. Walden's M.P.A. program can be completed in less than two years, depending on individual progress and credits transferred.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries, 2008—09 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/c9/cgs041.htm and http://www.bls.gov/oco/c9/cgs042.htm.
Specializations
- General
- Health Policy
- Homeland Security Policy
- Interdisciplinary Policy Studies
- Law and Public Policy
- Local Government Management
- Nonprofit Management and Leadership
- Policy Analysis
- Public Management and Leadership
- Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace
M.S. in Nonprofit Management and Leadership
Nonprofit organizations employ a sizable and increasing share of the nation's workforce, with employment growth outpacing a number of major industries. Advance your career in this important high-growth sector as you enhance your ability to create positive social change. Whatever your background, gain the management and organizational skills you need to lead diverse and complex nonprofits. Broaden your perspective of nonprofits through international themes and concepts incorporated throughout your coursework. Complete Walden University's program in just 18 months, depending on individual progress.
Specializations
- General
Bachelor’s
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice
The B.S. in Criminal Justice program is designed to help you gain the skills and knowledge to prepare for a career in law enforcement, the justice system, corrections, homeland
security, and social services. The program blends contemporary theory on the nature, extent, and cause of crime with the study of national and international criminal justice practices.
Learning is supported through coursework and a final capstone project. Plus, the program uses the latest interactive media, including lifelike, computer-generated scenarios from crime scenes.
You will apply criminal justice theories to current issues as you gain perspective in three vitally important areas:
- Civic engagement, social responsibility, and global awareness
- Collection and analysis of data across organizations
- Teamwork and communication
Our curriculum is based on the recommendations of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. The program can help prepare you to become a more effective social change agent in criminal justice organizations at the local, state, federal, or international levels.
Concentrations
- Criminal Justice Management and Administration
- Computer Information Systems and Security
- Crime and Criminals
- Homeland Security
- Human Services for Criminal Justice