Public Administration Degree

The public administration program at Capella University prepares students for careers as a budget analyst, city manager, county clerk, legislative support, lobbyist, non-profit manager, policy analyst, and more. The program focuses on serving as management in the executive arm of local, state, and federal government. Program courses include: roles of public administration, the management of public policy, executive-legislative relations, public budgetary processes and financial management, administrative law, professional ethics, and research methods. Get more details below including other West Virginia colleges that offer public administration degrees.

Capella University

300 West Oyler Avenue, Oak Hill, WV

Capella University is an accredited institution of higher learning that offers online education at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels including bachelor's, MBA / master's, and doctoral degrees.  Capella University also offers the Education Specialist (EdS) degree, and many professional certificates for working adults who wish to upgrade their career skills.

Capella University has been internationally recognized for the quality of its online education programs.  Capella has received accreditations, state approvals, certifications and many recognitions and designations.

Capella offers special resources and support programs for military veterans and their families.  The university has won several "top military-friendly university" awards.

Capella University Mission Statement:

The mission of Capella University is to extend access to high quality bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs for adults who seek to maximize their personal and professional potential. This mission is fulfilled through innovative programs that are responsive to the needs of adult learners and involve active, engaging, challenging, and relevant learning experiences offered in a variety of delivery modes.

History

In 1991, former CEO of Tonka Corporation, Stephen Shank, founded Capella University.  Shank felt traditional universities did not meet the needs of many working adults, and he envisioned a university that working people could attend conveniently from any location. Capella University initially offered online graduate degrees in management, education and human services.  Today Capella offers 44 undergraduate and graduate degrees in 136 areas of specialization.

Academics

Courses are offered throughout the year so that students may enroll in a program at any time, to fit their busy schedule.

Capella University students may choose from a variety of degree programs including business management, health care, higher education, capital management, information technology, K-12 education, mental health, public administration, and public safety, among others.

Colleges and Schools

Capella University offers more than 40 academic degree programs with 136 specializations, through its schools, which include:

• School of Business and Technology
• School of Education
• School of Public Service Leadership
• Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
• School of Education
• School of Undergraduate Studies

Student Life

Students can use "Capella Mobile," an iPhone application and mobile site that works on nearly all mobile devices, to access a Course Dashboard, degree plan, Capella News, financial aid alerts, contacts and more.

Community Life

Capella University faculty and staff participate in many annual events around the country, including academic, professional and community events.

Capella University faculty and staff also provide free live webinars to working professionals. These free web seminars aim to provide strategies for career advancement to working professionals.

Capella offers and online "Community Map" so students can connect to faculty and other students in a virtual "community."

Students Enrolled in the Public Administration Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Capella University has offered the following programs for students:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Chief Executives

Description

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, chief executives employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -1.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Beckley, WV
  • Total Employment: 70
  • Average Hourly Rate: $42.84
  • Average Annual Salary: $89100

General and Operations Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, general and operations managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 7.1% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Beckley, WV
  • Total Employment: 780
  • Average Hourly Rate: $40.12
  • Average Annual Salary: $83440

Legislators

Description

Develop, introduce or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, State, or Federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, legislators employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -0.7% from 2014 to 2024

Transportation Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate the transportation operations within an organization or the activities of organizations that provide transportation services.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, transportation managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.2% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).