Bachelor of Science in Public Administration

---

What Is a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration Program? 

Public service is more than a career; it’s a calling. Those who want to play a key role in the management and improvement of their communities and society often start by earning their bachelor’s degree in public administration. This program can be an important building block to develop the necessary analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills that are essential for effective public leadership. 

A BSPA program should incorporate practical experience through internships and/or community engagement projects so that they can have a clear understanding of how the theoretical concepts they learn in the classroom can be implemented in real life. This combination helps in developing adaptable public service professionals who are ready to address the issues and challenges facing society and drive positive change. 

What Should You Expect in a BSPA Program? 

This will depend on the school and program you choose to enroll in. At Casa Loma College, our Bachelor of Science in Public Administration (BSPA) program is a completely online distance program, designed to fit into the lives of busy, working adults. Our interdisciplinary degree emphasizes leadership policy development, ethical governance, and organizational management with the aim to help students address societal and community challenges. The foundational coursework covers political science, economics, public policy, and administrative theory. 

Our goal is to prepare our graduates to: 

• Demonstrate the ability to analyze public policies, evaluate their impact, and propose effective solutions to societal challenges 
• Apply ethical principles and values of public service to decision-making and leadership in governmental and nonprofit organizations 
• Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of public administration theories, organizational behavior, and governance structures 
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills necessary for engaging with diverse stakeholders in the public and nonprofit sectors 
• Develop the capacity to address complex problems through data-driven decision-making and innovative solutions 
• Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with diverse communities, fostering inclusivity and participation in public affairs 
• Acquire the skills needed to manage budgets, resources, and projects within public sector organizations effectively 
• Understand the impact of globalization on public administration and demonstrate cultural competence in addressing diverse societal needs 
• Integrate academic knowledge with practical skills through internships, service learning, and real-world projects 

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration Degree? 

At Casa Loma College, our goal is to help you earn your bachelor’s degree in around three years. The program requires completion of 120 semester credit hours and can be finished in just 144 weeks. 

You can complete your application to the Bachelor of Science in Public Administration (BSPA) degree program at Casa Loma College without obligation. 

	CIP Code	Credits	Months	Instructional Weeks	Award	Terms
Public Administration	44.0000	120 semester	36 months	144 weeks	B.S. Degree	9 semesters

What Is the Job Outlook for Public Administration Professionals? 

The exact outlook depends on what public service role or occupation you pursue and where you live.  

U.S. growth: The U.S. Department of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) projects overall employment in community and social service occupations will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2033. Overall, around 299,400 openings are expected each year on average. 

What Will I Learn at Casa Loma College’s BSPA Degree Program? 

Graduates of the Casa Loma College Bachelor of Science in Public Administration (BSPA) program receive the education they need to qualify for entry-level jobs in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, international institutions, or advanced studies in their field. Some courses you will take include: 

• Introduction to Philanthropy 
• Grant Research Application and Compliance 
• Non-Profit and Public Management 
• Social Policy and Analysis 
• Labor Relations 
• Public Sector Budgeting 
• Program Development and Evaluation 
• Accounting 
• Introduction to Economics 
• Business Law 
• Marketing 
• Principles of Quality Improvement 
• Strategic Planning 
• Project Management 

Our program’s learning outcomes are focused on: 

• Policy analysis and development 
• Ethical leadership 
• Public sector knowledge 
• Effective communication 
• Critical thinking and problem-solving 
• Community engagement and collaboration 
• Financial and resource management 
• Global and cultural awareness 
• Practical experience and application  

How Much Do Public Administrations Professionals Make? 

There are close to a million workers in the public policy and social services degree field, and the wage will vary wildly depending on the exact role. In just one potential area, the median annual wage for community and social service occupations, according to the most recent data from May 2024, was $57,530, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations. 

Financial Aid 

For those who are eligible, financial aid is an excellent tool to help reduce the out-of-pocket costs to attend college. Casa Loma College has a committed team of financial aid professionals on call to help students and parents navigate the process. 

Casa Loma College participates in many programs to help reduce the cost of college, including: 

• Federal Pell Grant 
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) 
• Federal Work Study 
• Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Parent PLUS) 
• CSAC Cal Grant 

To learn more about the financial aid process, and what loans or grants you may be eligible for, please refer to our financial aid page. 

Veteran’s Benefits 

For those who qualify, Casa Loma College is approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) to offer academic programs under Title 38, United States Code, to enroll veterans and other eligible persons who qualify for educational benefits. 

For a full list of benefits, and to learn more, please visit our Veteran’s Benefits page.