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Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) – Public Administration and Policy
Public Administration and Policy Concentration
Is a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) right for me?
UCM’s BAS degree is designed for students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) at the community college level. If you do not have an AAS degree but are interested in Public Administration and Policy, consider exploring UCM’s related programs.
Are you driven by public service and ready to lead in government or nonprofit organizations? If you hold an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and want to make a tangible impact in your local, state or national community, the University of Central Missouri’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Administration and Policy is built for you.
Offered through the Department of Government, Law, and International Affairs, this degree-completion program lets you maximize your transfer credits to finish your bachelor’s degree efficiently. You will gain a deep, practical understanding of municipal governance, policy creation and administrative leadership through small, interactive online classes led by dedicated faculty.
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Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) - Public Administration and Policy, BAS at a Glance
Degree Type: Bachelor of Applied Science (AAS Required) | Credit Hours: 120 Hours
Degree Can be Taken: Online
Admission Requirements: Completion of an Associate of Applied Science Degree
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Dr. Mike Makara Erica Spurgeon |
What you’ll learn in the Public Administration and Policy program
UCM’s BAS in Public Administration and Policy equips you with essential skills in civic leadership and policy analysis. You will explore how decisions are made at all levels of government and learn to address complex issues facing communities today.
Through our specialized courses, you will study:
- Municipal Administration: Examine the inner workings of municipal government to understand how local municipalities serve their citizens.
- Public Policy Formulation and Analysis: Learn how policies are drafted and implemented across local, state and federal agencies.
- Civic Leadership and Public Service: Master leadership strategies designed specifically for the public sector, including government and nonprofit organizations.
- Intergovernmental Dynamics: Explore how federal, state and local entities collaborate to manage infrastructure, public safety and community development.
Public Administration and Policy (BS13): 15 Semester Hours
Unique learning opportunities in Public Administration and Policy
- Small Classes and Close Faculty Connections: Experience personalized instruction in small class environments. You will build direct relationships with Ph.D.-level professors who bring deep civic and political expertise into the virtual classroom.
- Real-World Agency Internships: Put your education into practice through internships with local government offices, state agencies, legislative bodies or nonprofit advocacy organizations.
- Focus on Municipal Affairs: Gain targeted exposure to local governance dynamics, giving you an edge when applying for city management and municipal administrative roles.
- Flexible Distance Learning: Balance your studies with your work and personal life through flexible online coursework tailored for adult learners and working professionals.
Fast facts about Public Administration and Policy, BAS
- Nationally Recognized Transfer Support: Named to the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll, UCM makes it easy to apply your AAS technical credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
- Direct Focus on Local and National Impact: Curriculum built specifically for careers in civic leadership, policy analysis and city management.
- Personalized Academic Environment: Small online class sizes ensure dedicated faculty mentorship and advising throughout your degree.
- Hands-On Public Sector Experience: Opportunities to gain resume-building professional experience through internships with government and nonprofit entities.
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Financial Aid and Scholarships for Public Administration and Policy, BAS
As a UCM student, you’ll have a dedicated financial aid counselor as part of your six-person student support team to help you navigate the cost of attendance. The University of Central Missouri offers general university awards, transfer scholarships and financial aid packages to keep your education affordable.
Additionally, Public Administration and Policy students can search for general and departmental financial awards using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
The next steps to earning a BAS in Public Administration and Policy:
① Request information about UCM’s Public Administration and Policy, BAS.
Career opportunities and outcomes for Public Administration and Policy, BAS
Public administration is essential to maintaining thriving, resilient communities. Whether you are aiming to advance within your current organization or embark on a new career in the public sector, a BAS in Public Administration and Policy prepares you for meaningful leadership roles.
Graduates are prepared to serve as managers and policy specialists across local, state and federal government bodies, as well as civic organizations and nonprofits.
Possible bachelor's degree jobs and career paths include:
- City or county manager / Assistant city administrator
- Policy analyst
- Nonprofit organization manager
- Public affairs specialist
- Government relations coordinator
- Municipal program coordinator
- Civil service manager (Local, State or Federal)
Apply to the Public Administration and Policy, BAS Program
The UCM Career and Life Design Center
The UCM Career and Life Design Center is here for undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni from all majors, identities and interests. We are a hub for career exploration and career readiness. We offer resources and support for:
- exploring career options
- life design (explore and build career and life journeys, designing next steps)
- job and internship searching
- document reviews (resumes, cover letters, personal statements, etc.)
- interviews (coaching and mock interviewing)
- Professional Clothing Studio
- preparation for graduate school (application materials, exploring programs)
- and more!
Related Options
UCM’s Education Master’s program:
Frequently Asked Questions
You will learn the principles of civic leadership, policy analysis, public sector management and municipal operations. Courses like Municipal Administration give you an inside look at how local governments operate and serve their communities.
This BAS concentration is tailored for individuals who have completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and want to pursue careers in public service, government relations, city administration or nonprofit management.
