Public service begins with people, and so does your education at the UCF School of Public Administration. Our degree programs are designed for students who care deeply about their communities and want to create a lasting impact in government, nonprofits, planning, emergency management and more.
Whether you’re earning an undergraduate degree — or adding a certificate or minor to strengthen your expertise — you’ll find flexible options to learn in-person, online or hybrid. Based at UCF Downtown, our programs place you in the heart of Orlando with access to real-world opportunities right outside the classroom.
Wherever your goals take you, we’re here to help you serve with purpose.
Programs
Be at the forefront of natural and human-made disaster response. Learn mitigation strategies and how to assist communities in preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies.
Emergency Management, BA
Emergency Management, BS
Emergency Management, minor
Emergency and Crisis Management, certificate
Through courses like volunteer management and resource development, you’ll gain the technical and logistical skills needed to become a nonprofit professional.
Nonprofit Management, BA
Nonprofit Management, BS
Nonprofit Management, minor
Nonprofit Fiscal and Resource Development, certificate
Prepare for a career in the public sector with courses designed to help you face challenges and meet the needs of local government, growth management, the environment and more.
Public Administration, BA
Public Administration, BS
Public Administration, minor
Public Service, minor
Community Innovation, Communication and Engagement, certificate
Community Planning, certificate
Cross-Sectoral Leadership, certificate
Public Administration, certificate
Public Service, certificate
Advance your education in urban planning and community development in one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the nation with a focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
Real-World Lessons in Public Service
“At the School of Public Administration, we bring the real world into the classroom. Local leaders and elected officials regularly join us as guest speakers, and our students have the opportunity to travel to Tallahassee to meet with state legislators — an experience that often proves transformative. Our graduates go on to serve in a wide range of roles — from nonprofit directors and emergency managers to city planners and policy analysts. The career possibilities are vast and meaningful.”
Stephanie Krick, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Programs Director
Advising
Start your public service education with confidence. Our academic success coaches guide you through tailored course plans in programs like Emergency Management, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Urban and Regional Planning and more. Whether online or in-person, they’ll work with you to map your path to graduation, aligning coursework with your career goals — be it leading nonprofits, helping communities recover from emergencies and disasters, managing in a local government, or designing communities.
Undergraduate students have an assigned Academic Success Coach who can provide guidance on academic planning, connect you with resources and answer questions about your UCF journey. Appointments can be scheduled on campus, virtually or over the phone.
Prospective, minor and certificate students may request an appointment by emailing ccieuginfo@ucf.edu.
Undergraduate FAQs
What is the difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS)?
The Bachelor of Arts requires students to take one year in any foreign language in addition to the standard program requirements. The Bachelor of Science requires students to take six credit hours in technical electives.
Can I complete my program fully online?
While most courses are offered both face-to-face and online, there are a few courses that require students to come to campus. Check the UCF Catalog for more information.
Do I have to complete an internship?
Students enrolled in a bachelor’s program are required to complete PAD 4942: Internship Orientation and PAD 4941: Internship. Students can choose between a 3- or 6-credit-hour internship.
Who is my assigned advisor?
Your assigned advisor is listed within your myUCF account. You can also find out which advisor manages your degree program above.
How do I know what courses to register for?
Students can review which classes they need to take by logging into their myUCF account. The myKnight audit provides a record of which courses you’ve completed and what is still needed to finish the degree program. For help choosing classes or planning ahead, students can email or schedule an appointment with their assigned advisor.
When can I register for classes?
All dates and deadlines, including registration times, can be found in the UCF Academic Calendar. Students can also log into myUCF to look for their specific enrollment appointment date.
When and how do I submit my intent to graduate?
The intent to graduate request should be submitted the semester prior to your expected graduating term. To file your intent to graduate form, log into myUCF and go to the Student Self Service menu tab. Click on the dropdown box labeled “Other Academic,” select “Intent to Graduate: Apply” and click on the icon to start your application.
If I am not declared in a program within the School of Public Administration, can I still take PAD courses?
Yes; however, the request will not be considered until a week or two prior to the start of the upcoming semester. Please note that enrollment is not guaranteed and is based on available seats. Students declared in a program within our school have priority for enrollment into any PAD course.
Scholarships
Each year, the College of Community Innovation and Education awards scholarships to undergraduate students who are driven to serve, lead and make a difference. Thanks to the support of generous donors, these scholarships recognize your academic success, leadership potential and commitment to your community, while helping to ease the financial burden of tuition, books and more.
Explore opportunities designed just for School of Public Administration majors and be ready to apply when the scholarship window opens each spring.
Applications are open January through March.
