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Public Administration Online Degree

3-year online accelerated bachelor's degree

A faster path to career growth

Your future doesn't have to wait. Our accelerated, fully online program in public administration is built for working professionals who want to advance their careers while saving valuable time and money. 

Earn your bachelor's degree in just three years and tap into new opportunities in government, public safety, and nonprofits. Designed with input from real employers, our courses in team management, public policy, data analysis, and more will prepare you with the skills needed to make your next move.

No application fee. Courses taken in fall, spring, and summer. Part-time pathway available.

A student dressed in professional attire smiles for a photo in a government building lined with U.S. flags.

About Our Program

  • 100% Online

    Take classes that fit your schedule.

  • 3 years

    3 semesters each year (fall/spring/summer)

  • 30 Hours / Week

     Estimated for 3 courses (~10 hours each)

  • Head Start

    You can get credit for past experience. Ask about our prior learning transfer credit.

Top 10 in Job Demand

Roanoke's region alone is projected to need 3,500+ new administration and support professionals over the next five years — ranking 7th highest in demand. Nationwide, 1.1 million management job openings are expected per year (BLS, 2024).

Courses

Sample Course Offerings

  • PUPL R450: Analyzing Public Policy
  • BUAD R364: Team Dynamics
  • COMM R317: Professional Communication
  • LDRS R113: Spreadsheet & Database Applications
  • POLI R150: Politics & Public Policy 
Laptop decorated with Roanoke College stickers

Learning Objectives

Lead with purpose

Build the practical skills and strategic perspective needed to take on complex challenges, drive organizational success, and make a meaningful impact. Graduates will be able to:

  • Apply principles of public administration and policy analysis to real-world challenges.
  • Demonstrate leadership and collaboration skills across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
  • Use data and financial reasoning to make evidence-based decisions.
  • Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Design and evaluate systems and processes for organizational improvement. 

Tuition & Fees

Investing in your future is an important decision. From the start, our program was designed with affordability in mind. By earning your degree in three years instead of four, you'll save money and fast track your goals.

Tuition per credit $495
Total credits required 92
Total estimated tuition $45,540*
Fees $930 per year

* Listed tuition doesn't include potential scholarships and financial aid. In 2025-2026, 100% of Roanoke College students benefited from financial aid — including an automatic in-state tuition grant offered to Virginia residents. Learn More: Scholarships & Aid.

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Ryan King

Dr. Ryan King

Executive Director for Administration & Chief of Staff, Office of the President

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(540)375-2412
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203 Administration Building
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Contact

We're here to help. Get in touch anytime to learn more about how we can support your goals.

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Interested in getting your accelerated, online degree in public administration at Roanoke College?

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