Keiser University

Public Administration

Online (FL Residents Only)
Bachelor Degree
Public Administration
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Keiser University offers this program online and on campus at its Ocala, Sarasota, Tallahassee and Tampa campuses.
$12,908 per semester. This program spans 8 semesters at full-time enrollment.
A total of 120.0 semester credit hours are required for the degree. The length of this program is approximately 40 months (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).
A one-time $55 application fee applies on enrollment (subject to annual review).
Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid, including grants and federal student loans.

Public Administration is a Bachelor Degree program (100% Online) offered by Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The program takes 40 months to complete, with tuition of $12,908 per semester.

Program Overview

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration explores government structures, administrative management, community programs, public relations, conflict resolution, and more. This degree in public administration prepares students for graduate level training in various disciplines along with entry-level work across diverse fields. The program suits students interested in public policy, political science, environmental issues, and those seeking an academic foundation for work in public service. Students select a specialization in Politics, Communication Studies, or Emergency Management.

Program Mission

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration explores government structures, administrative management, fiscal budgeting, community dynamics, politics, and public policy for facilitating change through government systems. The degree has a strong liberal arts and research focus designed to prepare graduates for entry-level work in a host of disparate fields and for graduate education in a variety of disciplines. This is a broad spectrum program that introduces students to the general study of the field of public administration and is suited for students with an interest in public policy, politics, issues in immigration and the environment, as well as those seeking an academic foundation for work in public service. Students select a specialization in Politics, Communication Studies, or Emergency Management.

Program Goals

  1. Students will explain public administration theories, concepts, and practices.
  2. Students will compare the differences between various government systems and economic policies.
  3. Students will formulate management skills to administer public programs concerning communication, diversity, and accountability.
  4. Students will apply clear communication by presenting succinct, well-organized materials and analyses tailored to the needs of their audience.

Program Highlights

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration offers three distinct specializations allowing students to tailor their education toward specific career goals. The Politics specialization, Communication Studies specialization, and Emergency Management specialization. All students complete core coursework in public finance, policy analysis, and administrative law while building critical thinking and data analysis abilities.

What sets this Program apart

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Public Administration Career:

  • Strategic communication across government agencies
  • Decision making and problem-solving techniques
  • Public policy development and evaluation
  • Budget analysis and fiscal management
  • Research literacy and data analysis
  • Program implementation and supervision
  • Organizational management in public sector settings
  • Emergency response coordination

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working professionals, traditional students, and career changers. With many programs offered on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.

Admission Requirements and Process

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.) Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.

General Requirements

  • High School Graduation or Equivalent
    To be considered for enrollment at Keiser University, all applicants must supply: • Verification of high school graduation with a standard diploma (transcript, diploma, etc.) or •…
  • Earned Degree in Lieu of Diploma
    Applicants will not be required to provide proof of high school graduation when they provide the following: Verification of an earned degree from an institution recognized by the…
  • Home-Schooled Applicants
    Home-schooled applicants who have a high school diploma are considered for admission.
  • Entrance Examination
    An applicant must make arrangements to take Keiser University’s entrance examination (administered at the University) or provide results of his/her Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT),…
  • Entrance Test Exemption
    Candidates seeking general admission to the University are not required to take the general admission test upon providing written proof of an associate or higher degree earned…
  • Prerequisites for Major Courses
    The following lower division courses, if not taken as part of an associate’s program, must be successfully completed before beginning upper division major courses (Course…
  • POS1041 Prerequisite
    POS1041 is a prerequisite for ALL courses in the major, both lower division and upper division.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Contact an Admissions Counselor
    Contact one of Keiser University’s admissions counselors to talk through the program and your options.
  2. 2
    Attend an Open House or Campus Visit
    Attend an open house or plan a campus visit. Applicants are encouraged to visit the University in person.
  3. 3
    Meet With Your Admissions Counselor
    Schedule a convenient time to meet with your admissions counselor to determine if Keiser University is right for you.
  4. 4
    Submit an Application
    Submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.
    Apply Now

Program Schedule

Due to the flexibility of Keiser University term lengths (4-week, 8-week, and 16-week terms), and the one-course-at-a-time scheduling system for many program offerings, class meeting times for face-to-face instruction can vary by program.
New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • October 26th, 2026
  • November 23rd, 2026
  • January 11th, 2027
  • February 08th, 2027
  • March 08th, 2027
  • April 05th, 2027
  • May 10th, 2027
  • June 07th, 2027
  • July 05th, 2027
  • August 02nd, 2027

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Per Semester Tuition
≈ $12,908
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Semester credit loadTuition per semester
Full time (12 to 17.99 credits)$12,908.00
Three-quarter time (9 to 11.99 credits)$9,681.00
Half time (6 to 8.99 credits)$6,454.00
Less than half time (0 to 5.99 credits)$3,227.00
Full time + (18 to 24 credits, approval required)$16,135.00

Required fees

  • Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
  • Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
  • Education fee — $550.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the school’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration requires 36 credits in lower division general education courses, 30 credits in open electives, 9 credits in upper division general education courses, 30 upper division major credits, and 15 credits in a specialization. One specialization must be chosen. A total of 120.0 semester credit hours are required for the degree. The length of this program is approximately 40 months (this will vary if a student transfers in credits). NOTE: POS1041 is a prerequisite for ALL courses in the major, both lower division and upper division.

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
AMH1010American History pre 18763
AMH1020American History post 18763
COM2460Intercultural Communication3
PLA1304Criminal Law3
PLA1423Contracts3
DSC1006Intro to Homeland Security3
GEB1112Entrepreneurship3
MAN1021Principles of Management3
SYG1000Sociology3
PSY2206Social Psychology3
IDS1107Strategies for Success3
MAN4164Leadership3
PLA4880Constitutional Law3
PLA4844Immigration law3
PSY3336Organizational Psychology3
SYD4410Sociology of the Social Urban Community3
IDS3335Critical Thinking3
POS1041Political Science (required)3
AMH1010American History Pre 18763
AMH1020American History Since 18763
POS1041Political Science (required)3
SYG1000Sociology3
SPC1010Speech3
CGS1000CIntroduction to Computers3
ECO1023Microeconomics3
ECO2013Macroeconomics3
ENC1101English Composition I3
ENC2102English Composition II3
AML1000American Literature3
ENL1000English Literature3
CWL1000Contemporary World Literature3
HUM1020General Humanities3
PHI1010Intro to Philosophy3
MAC2105College Algebra3
MGF2106College Math3
MGF2107Applications of Mathematics3
STA2023Statistics3
BSC1005General Biology3
BSC1006Advanced Biology3
BSC1050Environmental Science3
OCB1010General Marine Biology3
PAD3034Intro to Public Policy3
POS3063Intergovernmental Relations3
POS4035Environmental Politics3
PAD3712Info Resources Mgt in the Public Sector3
PAD3820Foundations of Public Administration3
PAD4603Administrative Law3
PUP4052Issues in International Policy3
POS4142Urban Government Social Policy3
PAD4204Public Finance3
PAD4426Public Sector Labor Relations3
POS3413The American Presidency3
POS3274The Campaign Process3
COM3465Conflict Resolution3
POT3044Great Political Thinkers3
INR3274Middle East Foreign Policy3
POS3024Politics of U.S. Immigration3
COM3131Interpersonal Communication3
COM3332Communication, Tech, & Change3
PAD4442Public Relations3
COM3465Conflict Resolution3
COM3106Cross-Cultural Communication3
PAD4442Public Relations3
DSC4031Tactical Communications3
MAN4065Business Ethics3
DSC4214Catastrophic Event Response Planning3
DSC3056Issues in Disaster Response3
HIS3319History of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties3
INP3224Workforce Diversity3
ENC3213Professional Writing3

Career Outcomes

Graduates of Keiser University’s public administration degree program can pursue leadership positions across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, health services, and community programs. This bachelor’s degree supports career changers and aspiring public administrators by building skills in financial management, organizational management, and policy analysis needed to address challenges across the public sector.

Career Pathways in Public Administration

  • Community service managers
  • Program evaluation specialists
  • Government administration professionals
  • Public policy analysts
  • Nonprofit director positions
  • Human resources managers
  • Social services administrators
  • Public health program managers
  • Economic development specialists
  • Local government administrators
  • Crisis management coordinators

Placement Rate

Keiser University publishes the following in its 2025 Undergraduate Placement Rates report for BA Public Administration.

EligiblePlacedIn FieldRelated Field%Placed%IF/RF
2211100%100%

Keiser University’s notes on this report: “Does not include international campuses.” “Report as of April 2026, 16.43% has been verified through 3rd party.”

Although Keiser University provides employment placement assistance, it cannot promise or guarantee employment.

What to expect as a Keiser University student

Keiser University’s public administration program is designed for students ready to build careers through undergraduate study in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community services. With flexible online learning, our bachelor’s degree aligns with your career goals and prepares you for leadership positions. Whether you’re looking to move into management roles in local government, influence public policy, or serve your community through social services, Keiser provides the education and practical insight needed to make a lasting impact in the public sector.

Campus Address

Online (FL Residents Only)
1900 W. Commercial Blvd
Suite 100
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Why Accreditation Is Important

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees.

  • Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
  • Credits earned toward a respected credential

Images

Public Administration, BA
Public Administration, BA
Public Administration, BA

Top Questions About Earning a Public Administration Degree

Can I get a public administration degree online at Keiser University?
Yes. Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration is available online, with the option. Students receive the same quality instruction, support, and resources across all delivery methods.
What careers can I pursue with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration?
Graduates can pursue careers as community service managers, program coordinators for government agencies, nonprofit director positions, budget analysts, policy analysts, emergency management directors, human resources specialists in public sector organizations, urban planning assistants, grants administrators, and public affairs coordinators. Career opportunities exist across local government, federal government, nonprofit organizations, public health agencies, and social services.
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements.
Is financial aid available for online students?
Yes. Online students can access the same financial aid resources as campus-based students, including grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Learn more about Keiser University’s Financial Services.
Are these programs accredited?
Keiser University holds institutional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Although the public administration program does not require a specialized programmatic accreditation body, the program still offers a robust and practical curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for successful careers across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community services.
What specializations can I choose in the public administration program?
The Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration offers three specializations. The Politics specialization focuses on governmental processes, campaign strategies, and political theory. The Communication Studies specialization develops skills in public relations, interpersonal communication, and organizational messaging. The Emergency Management specialization prepares students for careers in crisis management, disaster response planning, and emergency preparedness.
How long does it take to get a public administration degree?
The Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration typically takes approximately 40 months to complete. Completion time may vary based on transfer credits, course load, and individual circumstances. Contact the admissions team for more information.
How much does it cost to earn this degree?
Tuition at Keiser University varies by degree program. Keiser University offers financial aid, military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement to those who qualify. For more information about the degree cost, please contact an admissions advisor. Get more information about Keiser University’s tuition and costs.
How much does it cost to earn this degree?
Tuition at Keiser University varies by degree program. Keiser offers financial aid, military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement to those who qualify. For more detailed cost information, please contact an admissions advisor. Get more information about Keiser University’s tuition and costs.
What courses make up the public administration program?
The bachelor’s degree program includes core courses in public policy, public finance, intergovernmental relations, administrative law, urban government social policy, and public sector labor relations. Students also complete courses in environmental politics, foundations of public safety administration, and information resources management in the public sector. General education requirements cover areas like critical thinking, professional writing, and more. Students select a specialization in Politics, Communication Studies, or Emergency Management. Your academic advisor will guide your course path based on your career goals and transfer credits.
Can I work while earning my public administration degree?
Yes. Many students work while completing their public administration online degree through Keiser University’s. Online courses allow working professionals to balance career responsibilities with their educational programs. The one-class-at-a-time format helps students focus their attention while managing work commitments.
Ready to get started?
Apply to Public Administration at Online (FL Residents Only).
Public Administration