Expand Your Education, Pave the Way for a Promotion
Do you aspire to be manager of a government agency, director of a nonprofit organization or district chief of an EMS department?
Our public administration degree program, offered on campus and fully online, is designed for working adults with busy schedules, will prepare you for a career managing government, nonprofit and public service organizations, as well as businesses in the health care, environment and energy industries. Our public administration courses are designed and taught by professors who are veterans of the field. You will explore relevant topics that are grounded in industry best practices and real-world examples, such as public budgeting public policy and decision analysis.
We offer tuition discounts for Allegheny County, City of Pittsburgh and EMS employees and volunteers.
In addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration, we offer a fully online public administration certificate program.
Fast-Track Bachelor’s to Master’s Program
This degree program is included in our Fast-Track Bachelor’s to Master’s Program, through which students have the option to take two core classes from one of our master's programs. This program enables students to earn a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree from Point Park in as little as five years. Visit our Fast-Track Bachelor’s to Master’s Program webpage for more information.
Public Administration Certificate Program
Our 18-credit public administration certificate program is available to students who hold a bachelor's degree. The program takes one year to complete and cohorts begin each semester. View the certificate requirements, and apply online today!
Fully Online Accelerated Degree Option
Whether you're pursuing your B.S. degree or a certificate, Point Park’s online programs are presented in a flexible format at an affordable cost. Online courses are 8 weeks long and are always offered asynchronously for your convenience.
Online students have access to the same great benefits as on-campus students:
- Point Park faculty with real-world experience.
- Small online class sizes for individualized attention.
- A full spectrum of University resources.
- A student success advisor offering support from application to graduation, who will guide you to successfully complete your degree.
Cohorts begin every eight weeks. Apply now!
Certifications for Credit
Your professional certifications can count for up to 39 credits toward Point Park's public administration degree program. This includes certifications for emergency medical technicians and paramedics, certified firefighters and rescue technicians, 9-1-1 telecommunications and emergency management coordinators. Your coursework at the Emergency Management Institute can also be transferred for credit.
Additionally, students who successfully complete courses in the Fire Service Administration or EMS concentrations are eligible to receive course completion certificates from the National Fire Academy. Point Park is one of just a few universities in the country, and the only one in Pennsylvania, that has an academic partnership with the National Fire Academy through which we can accept NFA coursework for credit toward your degree.
Why Study Public Administration at Point Park University
Career Options
With a degree or certificate in public administration, you will have the option to pursue various career opportunities, such as:
City Manager- Director of Public Works
- Department Head, County Government
- Deputy Mayor
- State or Federal Agency Director
- Disaster and Emergency Services Manager
- Community Affairs Manager
- Non-Profit Administrator
- Grant Writer
- Public Policy Analyst
- Health Care Administrator