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Program at a Glance

Program
Bachelor
College(s)
College of Community Innovation and Education
Department(s)
Public Administration, Schl of
4
Years
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges - Most Innovative 2025

The School of Public Administration provides the highest quality undergraduate education for students interested in working in the public and private sectors, as well as, nonprofit organizations. The school strives to achieve local, state and national prominence through contemporary curriculum, innovative instruction, scholarly and applied research, and community service. Programs and services develop and enhance management skills essential to public and nonprofit organizations oriented towards an evolving metropolitan environment. The school offers an undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Administration. The program provides opportunities for students to prepare for employment as public administrators and produces graduates with the public management skills and analytical techniques needed for successful careers in government, nonprofit and related business fields.

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Highlights

The public administration program requires an internship that provides students an opportunity to gain first-hand experience working in public-focused organizations such as nonprofits or municipal, county, state or federal government.
Our international dual degree program allows students to pursue a BS/BA in nonprofit management from UCF and a BS in public administration from a university in Lithuania.
The job outlook for public administration-related careers is projected to grow 7 percent through 2028.
The median annual pay for public administration-related careers is $66,000.

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

Fall
May 1
Spring
November 1
Summer
March 1
Fall
July 1
Spring
November 1
Summer
March 1
Fall
March 1
Spring
September 1
Summer
January 1

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Course Overview

The Administration of Public Policy

Explore problems of values, interests, and objectives and their impact on the administration of public programs, stressing the interplay between social values, policies and administration.

Learn the history, operating components, structural characteristics and increasing impact of laws and related sanctions on personnel practices of public agencies.

Analyze methods of securing public funds, the process of budget making, and techniques of management used in managing public funds.

A combination of coursework, applied learning and student association participation provides opportunities for students to demonstrate and articulate the public service values of integrity, benevolence, fairness and social justice. After mastering the competencies of each discipline, students will ‘be good’ at the work they do. Through the development and adherence to public service values, students will ‘do good’ in the communities they serve.”

— Stephanie Krick, Ph.D., UCF associate lecturer and academic program coordinator

Public Administration Skills You’ll Learn

  • Analyze policy issues and problems, articulate relevant decision-making criteria for policy analysis and evaluate alternative policy solutions.
  • Manage complex projects for a local government or nonprofit agency.
  • Demonstrate a leadership approach that considers public interest and how it is reflected in governmental fiscal administration.
  • Perform analysis and evaluations of data, reports, contracts, etc.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of compensation models, benefits packages and evaluation methods toward attracting competent and qualified personnel.
  • Support the process of preparing and implementing annual budgets.
  • Perform research and analysis of local, state and federal legislation and public policy issues.
  • Research, draft and edit a variety of products, reports and publications to advance the organizational mission.

Career Opportunities

  • Outreach Coordinator
  • Program Analyst
  • Budget Analyst
  • Grants Coordinator
  • Research Associate
  • Public Information Specialist
  • Government Affairs Associate

Public Administration News

Community
UCF Student Secures $1.5 Million For Local Nonprofit With Grant Application From Class
Melissa Longman’s project as part of her nonprofit management coursework minted tangible results far beyond her initial expectations.
Alumni
Alumna at the Ready to Help Orlando Airports in Emergencies
Public administration graduate assists aviation authority to earn ‘gold seal’ in preparedness and crisis management.
Alumni
UCF Grad Lands Emergency Management Job After Hurricane Experiences
After working with the local and state government to manage crises, the soon-to-be alum will use her expertise to help with hospital operations.
Colleges & Campus
27 UCF Graduate Programs Ranked Among the Top 100 in the Nation
Emergency management, nonprofit management and counselor education among the top programs included in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 guide to the Best Graduate Schools.

University of Central Florida Colleges