Public Administration Specialization

Achieve your goals to start or advance a career at a government agency or at a nonprofit with an evening or online MS in Business with a Public Administration specialization.

A career in the public sector is an impactful way to serve your community—and our Master of Science in Business with a specialization in Public Administration will enhance the managerial skills you need to ensure a government department or program works well for the people it serves. Advance your career and do good at the same time.

Take the First Step
Get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission.
After acceptance to the university as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

$106,000
Average salary for a city manager

Program Length

As little as 16 months

Format

  • Online
  • Evening courses at our locations in Bismarck, ND; Fargo, ND; Grand Forks AFB, ND; Watford City, ND; Billings, MT; and Fort Riley, KS

Tuition per Credit

$550

Next Start Date:

Rolling, every 5 weeks
Apply

Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Civil Service Professionals
  • Educators
  • Policymakers
  • Nonprofit Professionals
  • All other professionals who want to gain the skills needed to manage public programs

Career Paths

  • Civil Service Manager
  • Nonprofit Director
  • City Manager
  • Program Director
  • Government Department Head
  • Policy Analyst
  • Mayor

What You’ll Learn

In our MS in Business with a Public Administration specialization, you will gain advanced organizational leadership skills and undertake an in-depth examination of public programs and government operations at the local, state, and federal level. When you graduate, you will be prepared to:

  • Synthesize content from professional journals and scholarly research to make conclusions regarding operational practices.
  • Assess public sector best practices using quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
  • Evaluate the contemporary global business environment in an integrated manner to propose business solutions.
  • Demonstrate professional business communication.
  • Interpret results from multiple business support tools to inform decision making.
  • Take on leadership roles within your organization.
  • Apply advanced management strategies to improve employee productivity and organizational results.

Accreditations

  • IACBE logo

    IACBE

    The Gary Tharaldson School of Business at the University of Mary has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road in Lenexa, Kansas, USA.

    View Accreditation

Program Details

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. After acceptance to the University as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!
  • Online
  • Evening courses at our locations in Bismarck, ND; Fargo, ND; Grand Forks AFB, ND; Watford City, ND; Billings, MT; and Fort Riley, KS
For a list of courses for this program, visit the catalog.

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

  • Tuition: $550/credit
  • Application fee: $45
  • Technology fee: $43 per credit
  • Parking fee (evening class participants only): $25 per semester

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

The following will be needed when you have applied for admission so we can get you accepted into the graduate program:

  • Official transcripts showing a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
    • Graduated from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
    • Have your transcripts sent to:
      Office of Admissions
      University of Mary
      7500 University Drive
      Bismarck, ND 58504
    • Or request to send electronic transcripts to [email protected]
  • Application/enrollment fee - This will be collected at the time you fill out the online application.

Get Started Today

Apply Online