Public Administration Degree

The public administration program at Grand Canyon 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 Arizona colleges that offer public administration degrees.

Grand Canyon University

6000 W Olive Ave, Glendale, AZ

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private Christian institute of higher learning located in Phoenix, Arizona.  It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees through its online and on campus programs.  A leading bible college, GCU also has been recognized for offering some of the top-rated online education programs in the United States. GCU's degree programs are offered through its Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, College of Doctoral Studies, and College of Fine Arts and Production. Programs are designed for traditional undergraduate students as well as for working professionals.

The GCU mission states that as a private Christian College it "prepares learners to become global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators and responsible leaders by providing an academically challenging, values-based curriculum from the context of our Christian heritage."

History

In 1949, the Baptist General Convention of Arizona founded Grand Canyon University.  It was the state's first private university, and opened with 93 students on its first campus in Prescott, Arizona.

In 1951, GCU relocated to the present campus in Phoenix, Arizona.  A group of the university's founders relocated to the new campus and continued to grow its programs in education, English, religion, music, mathematics, history, and athletics.  The goal was to make GCU a "beacon of Christian education" and academic excellence.

In 1968, the North Central Association granted GCU regional accreditation. Over the years, GCU began to win national championships in athletics including basketball, baseball, and women's tennis. Academic programs were expanded in the 1980's to include master's degrees.

Academics

Grand Canyon University's academic calendar follows the semester system with a fall, spring and summer semester.  It offers 8-week and 16-week classes.

GCU offers nearly 60 different undergraduate degrees between its campus-based and online programs.  It offers more than 50 master's degrees with different specializations, and eight doctoral degrees.  Some degree programs are offered with both the on-campus and online options.

Colleges and Schools

Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers many degree programs through its different colleges and schools, which include:

• Ken Blanchard College of Business
• College of Nursing & Health Sciences
• College of Education
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Fine Arts and Productions
• College of Doctoral Studies

Student Life

On-campus students of Grand Canyon University will benefit from the services provided by the Health and Wellness Center, Disability Services, Career Services, the Copy and Mail Center, the Library, a Fitness Center, cafeteria and campus coffee shop.  There are also many recreational activities and intramural sports offered at GCU's Phoenix campus.  Intramural sports include flag football, inner-tube water polo, soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and many more.

Online students of GCU will benefit from the Quick Start Resource Center, which offers many student services through the university's website.

Traditions

From its early beginnings, Grand Canyon University has been a Christian university with a tradition of "educating people to lead and serve."

Athletics

Grand Canyon University has a strong intercollegiate athletics program and has produced many top-ranking national athletes.  The GCU Antelopes (nickname: 'Lopes) teams have won many regional and national championships.

Athletics facilities at GCU include the Brazell Stadium (baseball), Antelope Gymnasium (Basketball, Volleyball), GCU Soccer Complex, Stapleton-Pierson Stadium (Softball), Phoenix Swim Club, Paseo Racquet Center (Tennis) and the Student Recreation Center.

Intercollegiate sports at GCU include:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

Many of GCU's professional and degree programs are offered online, allowing students to complete their courses from any location.

Community Life

As a Christian university, GCU offers many opportunities for spiritual growth and mission work.  The GCU offices of Student Life and Spiritual Life are there to build community on campus for students with diverse needs.  These offices host many events and activities to encourage involvement and connection with the community.  There are local, regional and international ministries available on a short-term or long-term basis.

Students Enrolled in the Public Administration Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Grand Canyon University offers a master's degree program in public administration.

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

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 2
  • Average Hourly Rate: $88.21
  • Average Annual Salary: $183480

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

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 28
  • Average Hourly Rate: $51.00
  • Average Annual Salary: $106090

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

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 330
  • Average Annual Salary: $40470

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

Salary & Wages

• Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $39.48
  • Average Annual Salary: $82110

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