Public Administration
The Bachelor of Science in Public Administration (BSPA) at the College of Coastal Georgia prepares students for careers that make a difference. This degree offers an excellent pathway for driven civic leaders who want to manage and direct operations in public or nonprofit organizations by providing leadership, maximizing resources, and developing programs that benefit their communities.
Moreover, our experienced faculty bring real-world expertise through a hands-on, practical curriculum. Students choose from three concentrations – Cyber Defense, Political Science, and Public Management. Additionally, students participate in service-learning projects and complete a senior-level internship. This combination of faculty expertise and a curriculum unique to the state at the undergraduate level prepares graduates for success as public leaders.
Program Highlights
Fully Online Flexibility
Complete your degree on your schedule, balancing work, life, and academic commitments.
Expert Faculty Guidance
Engage in service-learning projects and a senior-level internship to apply your skills in real-world public service settings.
Three Concentrations Available
Customize your degree with Cyber Defense, Political Science, or Public Management concentrations to match your career goals.
Leadership & Decision-Making Skills
Develop essential skills for managing public and nonprofit organizations effectively.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the BS in Public Administration gain the skills and credentials to pursue rewarding roles such as:
- Public Manager
- Nonprofit Director
- Policy Analyst
- Community Development Coordinator
- Government Program Specialist
Ultimately, this program prepares students to excel as skilled professionals and effective leaders, capable of making a meaningful impact in government and nonprofit organizations.
Ready to take the next step?
Have questions? We have answers!
What classes will you take?
Concentrations in Public Administration
The Cyber Defense concentration teaches students how to protect public sector information by integrating cybersecurity principles with policy development, risk management, and strategic decision-making.
Students in the political science concentration of the Public Administration degree gain valuable insight into how laws, institutions, and political dynamics shape real-world public service – preparing them for impactful roles in government, nonprofit leadership, and policy analysis.
The Public Management concentration focuses on leadership, management, and organizational theory.
Contact Information:
Dr. Heather Farley
Associate Professor of Public Management
Heather Farley is Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, Public Policy & Management in the School of Business and Public Management at the College of Coastal Georgia. Dr. Farley has been teaching at the College for more than 10 years in the areas of policy, public management, and sustainability. She also serves as the Director of the College’s Honors program. In addition to her teaching role, Dr. Farley has served as the Sustainability Coordinator at the Sea Island Company, has held roles in advising and admissions at The College of Coastal Georgia, and was the Sustainability Coordinator at Northern Arizona University.
Dr. Farley earned her Ph.D. in Political Science (Environmental Policy), her M.A. in Public Policy, and a graduate certificate in Public Management from Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ). During her graduate studies, she also served as the full time Sustainability Coordinator for the University and helped develop the institution’s 2020 carbon neutrality strategic plan and goal. She also has a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston (Charleston, SC); it was this course of study that sparked her passion for sustainability, the environment, and policy. In 2020, Dr. Farley published a second edition of her co-authored book titled Sustainability: If it’s Everything is it Nothing? She has presented her research and work at both national and regional conferences including: Western Political Science Association, American Society for Public Administration, Southern Political Science Association, Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences, and the Dimensions of Political Ecology conference.
In addition to her professional positions, Dr. Farley is active in her community through organizations such as the Green Scene of Coastal Georgia and other community organizations.
Coastal Alumna Earns Masters Degree
Mi’chelle Armstrong graduated from Coastal Georgia in 2021 with her B.S. in Public Administration, and just recently earned her Master of Business Administration in Operations Management from Georgia State University. Armstrong acknowledges Coastal Georgia’s Dr. Heather Farley as a major factor in her success.
[Her] mentorship during my time as an undergraduate was invaluable in helping me to find my direction and develop my skills and knowledge in public management and business administration. Had it not been for [her] efforts and taking an interest in me, I don’t know that I would have accomplished all that I have thus far on my journey.
-Mi’chelle Armstrong