Public Administration Degree
0
Credit Hours
Degree ACBSP
Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
May 13, 2024
Accreditation
ACBSP

Make a Greater Impact on Business and Government Processes by Earning a Public Administration MBA Online

Are you seeking a career in public administration? Many public service jobs require strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills — skills that are also essential in the world of business. If you want to earn a degree that can help you pursue roles in the public and private sector, Liberty has what you need!

Our 100% online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Public Administration is designed to help hone your business expertise through essential training in strategic leadership, management, and finance. Additionally, you can enhance your knowledge of political and economic decision-making and prepare to serve as a public administrator. Our program emphasizes the importance of applying ethics to management practices and integrating faith with learning in a professional atmosphere.

Businesses and public organizations have much in common, and both rely on skilled professionals with expertise in financial leadership, management, and growth. If you want to diversify your skill set and become equipped to work in a variety of settings, our online MBA in Public Administration is a great option. Partner with us and prepare to make an impact on your community — and beyond.

What is public administration?

Public administrators work to implement government policies at a practical level. Rather than creating policy, they design and oversee programs that carry out directives while providing important services to the public. A public administrator may serve as the head of a city, county, regional, or federal department or work in other public departments and agencies.


Why Choose Liberty’s Master’s in Business and Public Management Program?

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty seeks to develop online programs that can help you grow academically and professionally. We won’t just help you get a degree — we can help you develop the knowledge, values, and skills you need to impact the world for Christ. Our public administration courses are taught from a biblical perspective, and our faculty are firmly rooted in the Christian faith. You can train to lead with integrity in your career while earning a valuable credential that can help you pursue exciting job opportunities.

Earn a degree that fits your schedule. Our MBA in Public Administration is offered 100% online, so you can earn your degree from the comfort of your home. As long as you submit your assignments by the due date, you can complete your courses wherever and whenever it’s most convenient for you. And you can stay invested in the things that really matter — like your family, job, church, and community — while achieving your academic goals.

ACBSP Accredited Program LogoAmong only 3% of business schools worldwide to receive ACBSP accreditation

Do you want to earn your MBA in Public Administration at a college that provides flexibility, affordability, and high-quality academics? If so, Liberty may be the school for you! We are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Additionally, our online MBA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). You can pursue your degree with confidence knowing that our courses have met rigorous standards.

As a Liberty student, you’ll study under faculty who have advanced degrees and years of experience in the professional world. Our professors are excited to partner with you as you take this next step in your educational journey. The best part? You’ll get to take classes with business and government professors alike — so you can learn from experts in both fields! With their guidance, you can hone your skill set and prepare to pursue a career in the public or private sector.

Master of Public Administration vs. MBA

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) have many similarities. Both degrees can teach you how to manage people and budgets as well as help organizations grow and thrive.

However, they have some key differences. An MPA focuses mainly on preparing you to work in the public sector (e.g., in government positions). In contrast, our MBA in Public Administration provides a broader look at the skills and strategies needed to work in both the public and private sector.

If you want to earn a specialized degree that focuses mainly on public administration, Liberty’s MPA degree may be for you. Our MBA in Public Administration is an excellent option if you want to hone your skills in a variety of areas and diversify your knowledge.


What Will You Learn in Our MBA in Public Policy and Administration Degree Program?

Our public administration MBA online provides advanced training in core business topics. You’ll dive into subjects like managerial finance, international business, operations management, and business research methods. Additionally, you can learn how to navigate various legal challenges in business and help your company thrive domestically and globally.

By pursuing the public administration specialization, you can train to become an active leader in the public sector. You’ll explore various areas of government bureaucracy, public management, budgeting, public policy implementation, and human resource management. You’ll also explore how current trends are influencing public administration so you can adapt to the challenges facing those who work in public service.

Learn how to promote economic development within communities. Throughout this program, you will engage in informed reading, research, analysis, and discussion of topics in public administration. Our goal is to help you make a difference in society and effectively analyze and implement important policies.

Public Administration vs. Business Administration

Public administration mainly has to do with leadership and management in the public sector or at nonprofit organizations. Those who work in public administration focus on implementing government policy in a way that benefits society. In contrast, business administration relates to the operations of a private company with the goal of helping that company succeed.

With Liberty’s MBA in Public Administration, you can study crucial aspects of both fields and pursue a wide range of job opportunities!

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Highlights
Degree Information
Military Benefits
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Admission Requirements

Liberty University’s Public Administration and Business Degree Information

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Military Benefits for Our Master’s in Public and Business Administration

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.

As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, Liberty is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits: 

  • Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
  • Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

What Can You Do with an MBA in Public Administration?

An MBA in Public Administration can help you pursue the following roles:

  • Administrative officer
  • Business executive
  • City/county manager
  • Community outreach coordinator
  • Director of operations
  • Labor relations manager
  • Nonprofit manager
  • Program coordinator
  • Public affairs director
  • Strategic planning director

Highlights of the Online MBA in Public Management

  • We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your online public administration and business administration degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
  • The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
  • Our MBA in Public Administration is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Our School of Business is among only 3% of business schools worldwide to earn ACBSP accreditation.
  • As an online student, you will have the opportunity to network with leaders in business and public administration from across the country.
  • Liberty’s MBA in public service management is offered 100% online, so you can earn your degree without putting your life on hold.
  • This public administration MBA online serves as an excellent stepping stone toward pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
  • Check out the other areas of study available in our online MBA program as well as the other business master’s degrees offered at Liberty.

Admission Requirements for Liberty’s Public Administration MBA Online

Applicants must have a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or above for admission in good standing. Please visit our admission requirements page for more detailed admissions-related information.

All applicants must submit the following:

  • Admission application
  • Application fee*
  • Official college transcripts
  • Unofficial college transcripts may be accepted with a completed official transcript request form**
  • Undergraduate business prerequisites
  • Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

*There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses documentation verifying military status is required.

**An official transcript is needed within 60 days of acceptance or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first.