Wondering whether a degree in public administration might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our advisors.
Phone: 530-898-5301
Email: politicalscience@csuchico.edu
In our public administration program, you'll learn the ways that government—public safety, healthcare, environmental issues, urban planning, and critical infrastructure—have evolved over time to address ongoing societal challenges.
Our highly engaged program helps you build the knowledge, experience, and professional skills that set our graduates up for long, successful careers in public service. This program is built for professionals already serving their communities, from firefighters and law enforcement officers to public agency staff, offering the flexibility to complete your degree without stepping away from your work.
Chico State’s Public Administration BA Online is the first and only fully online degree completion program of its kind in California’s CSU and UC systems, designed for working professionals and transfer students who want to advance their careers in public service. If you’ve completed your general education requirements, you can finish your bachelor’s degree entirely online through a streamlined 2+2 pathway designed for transfer students.
Service-Learning Mindset
Our immersive program covers everything from public and healthcare policy to grant writing and fundraising. We blend knowledge building with internships in local government agencies and nonprofit organizations, as well as community engagement opportunities and collaborative projects.
Meaningful Career Prospects
Our program has the highest on-time graduation rate of any on campus. Graduates go on to successful careers at the local (city and county), state, and federal levels, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for public service and leadership roles.
Many of our students are already working professionals such as firefighters, law enforcement officers, logistics coordinators at LAX, and other public servants, and this degree allows them to seek promotions or new opportunities.
The program features 11 career pathways including:
- firefighting
- city planning
- community health
- hospital administration
- EMS management
- parks and recreation
- environmental policy
- nonprofit administration
- social services
- public works
- law enforcement
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A public administration degree is essential for career advancement in law enforcement. The major is the main reason I came to Chico State.
Support That Moves You Forward
You’ll be supported every step of the way through dedicated advising, close faculty connections, and a cohort-style experience—so even in an online format, you’re never on your own. From enrollment through graduation, you’ll have access to guidance that keeps you on track and moving forward. It’s a program designed for flexibility and your success.
Designed for Your Life—and Your Next Step
This program meets you where you are—whether you’re advancing in your current role or finishing your degree to open new opportunities in public service.
100% Online, Built for Working Professionals
Complete your degree from anywhere while balancing work and life. Courses are designed with flexible scheduling to support professionals working in public service roles. You can continue serving your community while gaining the credentials to grow within it.
Turn Experience into Career Growth
Build skills in leadership, budgeting, policy, and management that help you move forward in your current role or step into new opportunities across government and nonprofit sectors. What you learn applies directly to real-world challenges, so you can make an immediate impact.
A Clear Path Forward
Finish your degree with this tailored online program and continue into Chico State’s Master of Public Administration program for even greater career advancement. With a clear next step built in, you can keep building momentum toward your long-term goals.
Related Programs
Political Science and Criminal Justice Department
Wondering whether a degree in public administration might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our advisors.
Phone: 530-898-5301
Email: politicalscience@csuchico.edu