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Public Administration Courses

Public administration courses can help you learn policy analysis, public finance management, organizational behavior, and program evaluation. You can build skills in effective communication with stakeholders, strategic planning, and ethical decision-making in governance. Many courses introduce tools such as data visualization software, budgeting applications, and performance measurement frameworks that support the implementation of public policies and enhance service delivery.


Popular Public Administration Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Michigan

    Using Public Policy for Social Change

    Skills you'll gain: Policy Analysis, Policy Development, Social Justice, Advocacy, Public Policies, Political Sciences, Health Policy, Social and Human Services, Social Impact, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Program Evaluation, Public Administration, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Research, Problem Solving

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    177 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    O

    O.P. Jindal Global University

    Law, Governance, and Public Policy

    Skills you'll gain: Policy Development, Political Sciences, Governance, Policy Analysis, International Relations, Public Policies, Social Justice, Economic Development, Public Administration, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Case Studies

    Build toward a degree

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    13 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    O

    O.P. Jindal Global University

    Theories of Public Policy

    Skills you'll gain: Public Policies, Policy Development, Policy Analysis, Political Sciences, Advocacy, Environmental Policy, Behavioral Economics, Public Administration, Program Evaluation, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Governance, Systems Thinking, Economics

    Build toward a degree

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    6 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    S

    Starweaver

    Procurement for Governments

    Skills you'll gain: Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Purchasing, Sustainable Business, Governmental Accounting, Supplier Management, Corporate Sustainability, Business Risk Management, Public Administration, Governance, Digital Transformation, Request For Quotation (RFQ), Risk Management, Supply Chain, Business Ethics, Request for Proposal, Public Policies, Supplier Relationship Management, Regulatory Compliance, Stakeholder Engagement

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    20 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
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    T

    Tata Institute of Social Sciences

    Making Public Policies Work: The Last-mile Delivery

    Skills you'll gain: Public Policies, Policy Development, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development, Governance, Policy Analysis, Social and Human Services, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Program Implementation, Social Justice, Public Administration, Community Development, Diversity and Inclusion, Advocacy, Program Evaluation, Empowerment, Stakeholder Engagement

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    8 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    O

    O.P. Jindal Global University

    Leadership and Society

    Skills you'll gain: Crisis Management, Mediation, Negotiation, Conflict Management, Diplomacy, Leadership, Policy Analysis, Leadership Development, Social Justice, Business Ethics, Organizational Leadership, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Leadership and Management, Business Leadership, Public Policies, Strategic Leadership, Political Sciences, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Public Administration, Governance

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    32 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

    Democracia y decisiones públicas. Introducción al análisis de políticas públicas

    Skills you'll gain: Policy Analysis, Political Sciences, Public Policies, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Public Administration, Program Evaluation, Governance, Case Studies, Emerging Technologies

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.4K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University at Buffalo

    Improving Leadership & Governance in Nonprofit Organizations

    Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Governance, Consulting, Performance Measurement, Meeting Facilitation, Leadership and Management, Organizational Strategy, Report Writing, Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership, Performance Analysis, Management Consulting, Discussion Facilitation, Organizational Change, Philanthropy, Case Studies, Change Management, Public Administration, Strategic Leadership, Leadership Development

    4.4
    Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    280 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    P

    Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú

    Fundamentos de Políticas Públicas

    Skills you'll gain: Policy Analysis, Public Policies, Policy Development, Program Evaluation, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Social Impact, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Governance

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    17 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    C

    Coursera

    Creating Service Innovation Culture in Public Sector

    Skills you'll gain: Service Improvement, Innovation, Continuous Improvement Process, Change Management, Organizational Change, Service Design, Customer experience improvement, Public Administration, Organizational Strategy, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development, Case Studies, Business Strategies, Strategic Thinking, Technology Strategies, Leadership, Complex Problem Solving

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Preview
    Preview
    O

    O.P. Jindal Global University

    Democratic Governance and Policymaking

    Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Policy Development, Policy Analysis, Public Policies, Governance, Community Development, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Discussion Facilitation, Economics, Coordination, Sociology

    Build toward a degree

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Michigan

    Fundamentals of Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R

    Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Surveys, Tidyverse (R Package), Data Analysis, Demography, Public Administration, Policy Analysis, Public Policies, R Programming, Statistical Programming, Data Transformation, Data Cleansing, Data Manipulation

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    52 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Searches related to public administration

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123

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular public administration courses

  • Using Public Policy for Social Change: University of Michigan
  • Law, Governance, and Public Policy: O.P. Jindal Global University
  • Theories of Public Policy: O.P. Jindal Global University
  • Procurement for Governments: Starweaver
  • Making Public Policies Work: The Last-mile Delivery: Tata Institute of Social Sciences
  • Leadership and Society: O.P. Jindal Global University
  • Democracia y decisiones públicas. Introducción al análisis de políticas públicas: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
  • Improving Leadership & Governance in Nonprofit Organizations: University at Buffalo
  • Fundamentos de Políticas Públicas: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
  • Creating Service Innovation Culture in Public Sector: Coursera

Skills you can learn in Leadership And Management

Leadership (53)
Project Management (30)
Plan (25)
Planning (24)
Modeling (17)
Analytics (16)
Human Resources (16)
Decision-making (15)
Change Management (14)
Innovation (14)
Negotiation (14)
Human Resource Management (13)

Frequently Asked Questions about Public Administration

Public administration refers to the implementation of government policy and the management of public programs. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that public services are delivered effectively and efficiently, impacting the daily lives of citizens. Public administrators work to create and enforce policies that address societal needs, manage resources, and promote the welfare of the community. Understanding public administration is essential for fostering transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in government operations.‎

A career in public administration can lead to various roles, including city manager, policy analyst, public affairs specialist, and budget analyst. These positions often exist within government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies that interact with the public sector. Each role contributes to the effective functioning of government and public services, allowing individuals to make a meaningful impact on their communities.‎

To succeed in public administration, you will need a diverse set of skills. Key competencies include analytical thinking, communication, leadership, and project management. Familiarity with budgeting and financial management is also important, as is an understanding of public policy and governance. Additionally, skills in data analysis and technology can enhance your ability to make informed decisions and improve service delivery.‎

There are several online courses available that can help you learn about public administration. Notable options include Exploratory Data Analysis for the Public Sector with ggplot and various specializations focused on healthcare and church administration. These courses provide foundational knowledge and practical skills that are applicable in real-world scenarios.‎

Yes. You can start learning public administration on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many public administration courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in public administration, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

To learn public administration, start by exploring online courses that cover foundational topics. Engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments to reinforce your understanding. Additionally, consider seeking internships or volunteer opportunities in public sector organizations to gain practical experience and apply what you've learned in a real-world context.‎

Public administration courses typically cover a range of topics, including public policy analysis, organizational behavior, budgeting and finance, and ethics in public service. You may also explore areas such as human resources management, program evaluation, and the role of technology in public administration. These subjects provide a comprehensive understanding of how public organizations operate and the challenges they face.‎

For training and upskilling employees in public administration, consider courses that focus on practical skills and real-world applications. Specializations like Analytics in Healthcare Management and Administration can be particularly beneficial, as they combine administrative knowledge with data-driven decision-making. Such courses help employees enhance their capabilities and adapt to the evolving demands of public service.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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