Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration
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Tools for a growing industry
Public administrators play a major role in contributing to society and the decision-making processes that occur in the public and nonprofit sectors. Public administrators put leadership, critical thinking and project management skills to work in ways that impact the communities and organizations they serve on a daily basis.
A public administration professional’s duties might include:
- Studying political systems and operations
- Planning regional and urban community growth
- Making policy at all levels of government
- Analyzing or changing performance at a non-profit organization
What career possibilities does public administration offer?
Public administration professionals use their skills in a variety of settings, including government, political science, non-profit leadership, medical and health services management and human resources.
Is public administration undergraduate education right for you?
KU’s public administration undergraduate program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for planning, implementing and evaluating public programs. As students learn to think critically and analytically about public policy, they will better understand the dynamics in their own communities and learn how to be more effective citizens and public officials.
How is the program structured?
KU’s Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration consists of 27 credit hours, including three core PUAD courses and six elective PUAD courses, all junior/senior-level courses (300-level and above). This is in addition to the university’s bachelor’s degree requirements (minimum of 120 total hours, 45 hours at the junior/senior level).

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Why start a public administration program at KU?
Flexible
- Applicable to a variety of careers
- Evening classes to fit your busy schedule
- MetroKC tuition rate available for Missouri students
Quality
- Faculty include members of the National Academy of Public Administration
- KU is ranked No. 1 in city management and in the top ten for urban policy among public universities by U.S. News and World Report
- NASPAA accredited
Useful
- Hands-on curriculum with real-world application, including internship and research opportunities
- Emphasizes characteristics to help you succeed in the field
- Training and practical experience in leadership, current issues and project management
Download your Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration Program Guide Download