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
- Students will explain public administration theories, concepts, and practices.
- Students will compare the differences between various government systems and economic policies.
- Students will formulate management skills to administer public programs concerning communication, diversity, and accountability.
- 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 EquivalentTo 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 DiplomaApplicants 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 ApplicantsHome-schooled applicants who have a high school diploma are considered for admission.
- Entrance ExaminationAn 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 ExemptionCandidates 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 CoursesThe 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 PrerequisitePOS1041 is a prerequisite for ALL courses in the major, both lower division and upper division.
Application Process
- 1Contact an Admissions CounselorContact one of Keiser University’s admissions counselors to talk through the program and your options.
- 2Attend an Open House or Campus VisitAttend an open house or plan a campus visit. Applicants are encouraged to visit the University in person.
- 3Meet With Your Admissions CounselorSchedule a convenient time to meet with your admissions counselor to determine if Keiser University is right for you.
- 4Submit an ApplicationSubmit 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
- 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
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 load | Tuition 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 # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
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.
| Eligible | Placed | In Field | Related Field | %Placed | %IF/RF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 100% | 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.
School Information
Campus Address
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
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