Public Administration Programs
As a professional in the public sector, you're dedicated to making a difference through community services. But in today's highly politicized environment, the right degree is essential for getting your voice heard. With Walden University's flexible online degree formats, you can earn a public administration graduate or undergraduate degree while maintaining current commitments.
Browse available public administration programs by degree level:
Doctoral
Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration
The Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program prepares you to meet the challenges of governance and effective service delivery as government and nonprofit institutions increasingly become intertwined. You’ll integrate scholarly research with your professional experience, gaining the knowledge, confidence, and expertise to create effective solutions. Earn your degree in one of two ways:
- Course-based
This option is a structured program of study comprising online courses. As a student, you will follow a specific plan for completion and may be eligible to graduate in 3 years.* - Mixed-model
This option is a more flexible program of study that includes online courses and Walden’s signature Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). Study independently and work closely with a faculty mentor to apply your research to an area in which you are passionate.
Specializations (in addition to the General Program)
- Criminal Justice
- Emergency Management
- Health Policy
- Homeland Security Policy
- Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
- Interdisciplinary Policy Studies
- International Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Law and Public Policy
- Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities
- Nonprofit Management and Leadership
- Policy Analysis
- Public Management and Leadership
- Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace
*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.
Master’s
M.S. in Criminal Justice
Today’s criminal justice professionals must be as sophisticated as the criminals they face. Explore the cause and impact of crime by studying criminal behavior theory in Walden’s M.S. in Criminal Justice. You will analyze how law enforcement, courts, and corrections function at the local, state, and federal levels as you study technology, homeland security, and management practices that you can apply immediately to help advance your career.
M.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management
As strategies and policies to combat crime become more complex, the need for specialized executive leadership continues to grow. Help yourself prepare for criminal justice–related executive leadership and management roles or for a career in higher education or as a consultant through Walden’s M.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management program. Study the management philosophies and communication and budgeting skills that criminal justice professional require so that you may develop policy and influence policymakers.
Specializations
- General
- Emergency Management
- Homeland Security Policy
- Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
- Law and Public Policy
- Policy Analysis
- Public Management and Leadership
- Self-Designed
- Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Across the public-sector spectrum, career opportunities are predicted to expand rapidly over the next five years. At every level—federal, state, and local—this growth trend in employment will fuel a demand for qualified managers who can lead public agencies or direct public policy organizations.* Prepare to advance your career and to meet this increasing need for public-sector professionals as you gain the skills to translate public policies into effective programs and projects. International themes and concepts incorporated throughout your coursework will broaden your perspective of public service. Walden's Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program can be completed in less than two years, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.
Specializations (in addition to the General Program)
- Criminal Justice
- Emergency Management
- Health Policy
- Homeland Security Policy
- Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
- International Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Interdisciplinary Policy Studies
- Law and Public Policy
- Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities
- Nonprofit Management and Leadership
- Policy Analysis
- Public Management and Leadership
- Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries, 2008—09 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/c9/cgs041.htm and http://www.bls.gov/oco/c9/cgs042.htm (viewed online _____________).
Master of Public Policy
Explore ways to create, implement, and evaluate effective policy change across the private and public sectors. Help prepare yourself for a career in local, state, or federal government agencies or nonprofit and corporate organizations. This program offers a variety of specializations in addition to the General Program so that you can align your coursework with your professional goals.
Specializations
- General
- Interdisciplinary Policy Studies
- Law and Public Policy
- Homeland Security Policy
- Homeland Security Policy & Coordination
- Emergency Management
- Terrorism, Mediation, & Peace
- Public Mgmt Leadership
- Local Government Mgmt for Sustainable Comm
- Nonprofit Management and Leadership
- Criminal Justice
- Health Policy
- International Nongovernmental Organizations
M.S. in Nonprofit Management and Leadership
Nonprofit organizations employ a sizable and increasing share of the nation's workforce, with employment growth outpacing a number of major industries. Advance your career in this high-growth sector as you enhance your ability to create positive social change. Whatever your background, gain the management and organizational skills you need to lead diverse and complex nonprofits. Broaden your perspective of nonprofits through international themes and concepts incorporated throughout your coursework. Complete Walden University's program in as little as 18 months, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.
Bachelor’s
B.S. in Criminal Justice
The B.S. in Criminal Justice program is designed to help you gain the skills and knowledge to prepare for a career in law enforcement, the justice system, corrections, homeland
security, and social services. The program blends contemporary theory on the nature, extent, and cause of crime with the study of national and international criminal justice practices.
Learning is supported through coursework and a final capstone project. Plus, the program uses the latest interactive media, including lifelike, computer-generated scenarios from crime scenes.
You will apply criminal justice theories to current issues as you gain perspective in three vitally important areas:
- Civic engagement, social responsibility, and global awareness
- Collection and analysis of data across organizations
- Teamwork and communication
Our curriculum is based on the recommendations of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. The program can help prepare you to become a more effective social change agent in criminal justice organizations at the local, state, federal, or international levels.
Concentrations
- Computer Information Systems and Security
- Crime and Criminals
- Criminal Justice Management and Administration
- Homeland Security
- Human Services for Criminal Justice
B.S. in Political Science and Public Administration
Take the opportunity to gain crucial 21st-century skills and transform your passion for politics, public service, and societal change into a rewarding career. This program uses the latest technology to deliver a rich and engaging learning experience that can help empower you to navigate successfully among private, government, and nonprofit sectors. You can gain a deep understanding of political theory, as well as the tools and skills necessary to identify issues and effect positive change in your organization and your community. Through the program’s multiple concentrations, you can earn a degree that will position you for graduate study, including law.
Concentrations (in addition to the General Program)
- Global Issues and Social Justice
- Law and Legal Studies
- Managing in the Public Environment
- Public Service Through Civic Engagement
- Social Entrepreneurship
Public Policy and Administration Certificates
Enhance your management skills or explore other career opportunities in the fields of public policy, criminal justice, homeland security, or nonprofit management through a certificate program at Walden University. You can attain your certificate in as little as six months and earn credits that can be immediately applied toward select Walden degree programs.
Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice
- Graduate Certificate in Government Management
- Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security
- Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management
- Graduate Certificate in Public Management and Leadership
- Graduate Certificate in Public Policy
- Graduate Certificate in Strategic Planning and Public Policy
- Undergraduate Certificate in Homeland Security