Online Public Policy & Administration Schools and Colleges

Public Policy and Administration Online Colleges

Both online and traditional colleges and universities offer certificates and degrees in public policy and administration. Given that public policy is so wide-ranging, many public policy and administration degree programs may ask you to choose an area of specialization. For example, a degree program in public policy and administration with a concentration in health policy would include classes in general public policy subjects, such as finance and budgeting for the public sector, but also include classes specific to health care policy, such as legal and regulatory aspects of public health. Most public policy analysts hold an advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D., according to the Bureau of Labor Statisticss. Public policy analysts' advanced degrees are not necessarily public policy-specific – for example, someone might get a bachelor's degree in public policy and administration with a concentration in criminal justice then go on to get a law degree before joining a policy group related to the judicial system. Online public policy and administration degrees are available at a range of levels, but mostly in the form of bachelor's and master's degrees. Some of the ones that you might find online include the Bachelor's of Arts in Education and Public Policy or the Master's of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Law and Public Policy. Public policy and administration certificate programs are also a good way to get started on a degree or to supplement a degree by getting a credential in a specific policy area.

The BLS does not track public policy analysts as an occupation, but classifies them according to their area of specialty, so some are considered economists, others urban and regional planners and yet others sociologists or political scientists. Therefore, it's difficult to say exactly what the job growth will be for public policy workers, but the BLS anticipates 6 percent 2008 to 2018 job growth for economists, 19 percent growth for urban and regional planners and 21 percent growth for sociologists and political scientists. For jobs related to social advocacy organizations generally, the BLS predicts 10.3 percent growth by 2018, and it predicts 15.4 percent growth for business, professional, labor, political and similar organizations. Typical earnings vary depending on level of expertise and educational background. The BLS reports that a bachelor's degree holder starting out as an entry-level policy analyst employed by the federal government can expect to make about $31,740 annually, while an advanced degree holder with previous experience can expect to earn between $93,000 and $145,000 a year.