The Public Administration Program at Flagler College Dr. Joe Saviak

Our Mission Local governments asked Flagler College to offer this public service to help their employees complete their college education. The Public Administration Program was started in 2003 by Flagler College to specifically meet the academic and professional needs and goals of individuals who work in local and state government in Northeast Florida. We teach the subjects and skills needed for success in the public sector. Students completing the program will be awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration. Local governments in our region are placing a priority on having an increasingly educated workforce.

Exceptionally Affordable The Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) makes a high quality education at a nationally recognized private college exceptionally affordable to you. The Florida Resident Access Grant pays 83% of your annual tuition. For the academic year, total out of pocket tuition for students who qualify for the FRAG is $500 for two semesters or 24 credit hours of coursework. Almost all students who apply will qualify for the FRAG. To start with us in January, it would be $250 for the spring semester. Many agencies also offer tuition reimbursement to cover your $500 making tuition essentially free for you. Normal tuition at Flagler College is $15,200 a year. Our students personally pay $500 in tuition. You will receive a $38,000 education at a prestigious private college for $500 a year. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you.

Quality and Reputation Flagler College ranks in the top tier of Southern baccalaureate colleges in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges.” The Princeton Review lists Flagler College as among “The Best 377 Colleges” in America. Faculty members possess advanced academic degrees and extensive public sector experience. Our curriculum has been designed specifically to meet the educational and career objectives of public sector professionals. Examples of courses in the Public Administration curriculum include management, program evaluation, public budgeting, human resources, administrative ethics, public policy and grant writing. Students report that their coursework directly enhances their ability to perform their current jobs and prepares them for the promotional opportunities of tomorrow. What is learned in the classroom directly translates to the workplace.

Quality and Reputation Our program is recognized for its value to the region by elected officials, community leaders and senior public administrators who send us students each year. Our program is not abstract or theoretical – our program takes a practical approach - in class, we deal with the real world issues that you deal with every day. We know that our students may not have been in a college classroom for many years. We provide you with the resources, assistance, and support needed to succeed. If we ask you do something, we will show you how to do it. It’s not a “sink or swim” type program. If you enroll with us, we want you to graduate with us. Students who bring a positive attitude and a willingness to work have what it takes for success in our program. We also have fun in this program too – we have plenty of memorable moments and lively class discussions. You will become good friends and make valuable professional contacts with other students in your class.

Convenience We understand our students’ schedules. Classes are conducted in the evenings and on select Saturdays. You are in classes two evenings a week and four Saturday mornings every 8 weeks. You pick either Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday evening classes. Students will often request the same night as their friends or co-workers so they can ride over together on class nights. You are off during the summer. This is an accelerated program for working professionals. You are done in only 5 semesters – our students tell us that it goes by quickly. At most colleges or universities, you would take 2 classes every 16 weeks and it would take you 5 years to finish – with our program, you are done in 5 semesters!

Our Students Our students represent the best success of our program. Our students report that the education they receive enhances their effectiveness on the job. We have many students and alumni who credit their Flagler degree with helping them achieve promotions. Our students also inform us that our program helped ensure their success in graduate school. We also have alumni who have gone on to second careers thanks to their Flagler degree. All alumni and students share with us the strong sense of personal accomplishment they feel by earning their four year degree.

So How Can I Get Started? The good news is you can achieve your professional goal and personal dream of completing your college education and you can start TODAY! Classes start August 19th. We accept students each semester both Fall and Spring. We are accepting applications now – I would encourage you to apply. Admission is open to public sector professionals who have earned an Associate of Arts degree, an Associate of Science degree, or 60 transferable college credits in which a grade of C or better was earned. We have information folders for each with you which contain an application for admission. Law enforcement and fire training –can provide you with up to 15 hours of credit towards your required electives. Military classes - up to 4 hrs. Thursday August 15th at 6 p.m. – New Student Orientation. You can complete your paperwork and give it to us today or mail it to us in the coming days. There is also a one time $30 application fee.

Conclusion We offer you a way to earn a four year college degree which is high quality, low cost, and conveniently scheduled. We would love to have you as students. We are happy to take questions from you as a group and we will stay after and speak with you individually. We have alumni and students from your community who are going to share their experience in our program with you. After our alumni speak, we will open it up for your questions.

Achieve Your Dream. Advance Your Career. At Flagler College.