Public Administration Degree

The public administration program at University of Central Florida 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 Florida colleges that offer public administration degrees.

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University of Central Florida

1011 Bill Beck Blvd, Kissimmee, FL

The University of Central Florida is located in Orlando. It is a metropolitan research university of the State University System of Florida.

History

The University of Central Florida was founded on June 10, 1963. At that time it was known as Florida Technological University. Its goal was to train highly skilled individuals to work at the Kennedy Space Center. The University is a space-grant university and has made notable contributions to a number of fields, including:

• Computer Science
• Digital Media
• Education
• Optics
• Modeling and Simulation

Florida Governor Claude Kirk presided over the ground breaking ceremony in March 1967. The school was a coeducation and non-segregated institution. It was once known as a small commuter and technology school. Today, it is the largest university in the US in terms of undergraduate enrolment and the largest in Florida.

Academics

The University of Central Florida's academic calendar is based on the semester system. Fall semester begins late in August and runs until early December. Spring semester begins in January and runs until May. There are four summer semesters that run anywhere from six to twelve weeks.

Colleges

Colleges with the University of Central Florida number twelve. Examples include:

• College of Sciences
• College of Optics and Photonics
• College of Medicine
• College of Health and Public Affairs
• College of Engineering and Computer Science
• The Burnett Honors College
• College of Arts and Humanities

Student Life

The University of Central Florida encourages its students to become involved in a variety of organizations. Examples include, but aren't limited to:

• The Campus Activity Board
• Office of Student Involvement
• Volunteer UCF
• Multicultural Student Center

Student housing is mainly for freshmen, with the exception of Towers at Knights Plaza, which houses honor students, student athletes and upper level students.

Fraternities and Sororities

The Inter-fraternity Council at the University of Central Florida is comprised of 16 fraternities and ten sororities. There are a variety of honor and multicultural organizations. The Diversified Greek Council consists of nine cultural organizations, five sororities and four fraternities.

Traditions

The only time that students are allowed into Reflection Pond is at Spirits Splash, which is a homecoming tradition. A pep rally takes place on the Friday before the big homecoming game. Students descend into the pond to show their school spirit. Spirit Splash was named the best college and university tradition in Florida by Florida Leader magazine in 2000.

Athletics

The collegiate teams of the University of Central Florida are the UCF Knights. Women's teams include:

• Golf
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Softball
• Track and field
• Cross country running
• Tennis
• Soccer
• Rowing
• Volleyball

Men's teams include:

• Football
• Basketball
• Baseball
• Soccer
• Cross country running
• Tennis
• Golf

In 2007, Knight's Plaza, a new athletic village was developed at the north end of the campus.

Satellite Campuses

The University of Central Florida has several satellite campuses. Three are located in downtown Orlando. Others are located in Claremont, Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, Cocoa, Ocala, Leesburg, Heathrow, Sanford and Palm Bay.

Community Life

Of course everyone knows that Disney World is the number one attraction in Orlando, but there is much more to see and do that is of interest. If you want to explore a different theme park, enjoy thrill rides at Universal Studios. Cirque du Soleil is a great experience for those who enjoy a Circus atmosphere. Animal lovers will enjoy Animal Kingdom or, for the thrill of a lifetime, Sea World, where you can interact with the dolphins and stingrays.

For a change of pace, go bowling at World Bowling Center, where the murals are whacky and whimsical. Bowling can be a lot of fun with a group of friends and it is great exercise.

There are several mini golf courses in Orlando, as well as 18-hole courses for those who enjoy a day on the greens. Eat at Sonic, America's Drive-in, where a car hop will deliver food to your car just as they did in the 1950s. Movies are fun at Regal Cinemas Stadium 20+ IMAX, or enjoy some Italian fare at Maggiano's Little Italy.

Enjoy a night out at The Lucky Leprechaun or visit Church Street Station, which includes several bars and nightclubs. Other things to do in Orlando include shopping, skateboarding and swimming.

No matter what your interests, there are thousands of attractions and venues in Orlando for you to enjoy.

Students Enrolled in the Public Administration Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. University of Central Florida has offered the following degree levels for students:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's 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

• Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL
  • Total Employment: 1
  • Average Hourly Rate: $88.47
  • Average Annual Salary: $184020

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

• Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL
  • Total Employment: 9
  • Average Hourly Rate: $58.06
  • Average Annual Salary: $120760

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

• Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL
  • Total Employment: 110
  • Average Annual Salary: $47760

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

• Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL
  • Total Employment: 510
  • Average Hourly Rate: $43.70
  • Average Annual Salary: $90890

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