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Leadership in the Public Sector

Complete your bachelor’s degree or earn a professional certificate through our 100% online program, which provides the ethical, theoretical and analytical skills required for effective public sector leadership.

Degree-Completion Program

Our B.A. in leadership in the public sector is a degree-completion program designed for students who have already completed some college coursework. It’s ideal for community college transfers, military personnel and their families, and other adult learners.

Here are a few quick facts about the program:

  • The LPS degree is a fully online undergraduate program, meaning that all necessary courses are available through distance learning.
  • You’ll have the flexibility to complete your bachelor’s degree at your own pace, without adhering to a rigid in-class schedule.
  • Through our program, we’ll help you change or advance your career — or continue on to graduate school. LPS alumni pursue careers in public and nonprofit organizations, as well as with private firms. Many seek advanced degrees in political science, public administration, nonprofit sector management and law.
  • Special Transfer Pathway for AAS Graduates. The Leadership in the Public Sector Program has transfer agreements with the Associate Applied Science (AAS) programs in 15 North Carolina Community Colleges. These bilateral partnership agreements provide AAS graduates from selected Public Safety or Criminal Justice Technology programs with a seamless pathway to transfer into LPS with a minimum of 45 credits. A list of participating community colleges can be accessed via community college partnerships.

    For specific information about transfer requirements, contact lps@ncsu.edu or contact the academic advisor at your community college.

Top Five Program

LPS is ranked #4 in online undergraduate programs in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Certificate Program

Want to add to your existing academic experience? Are you unsure about whether to pursue a full degree? Are you ready to change courses in your career, but need some help to make a transition?

Expand your leadership knowledge and enhance your career prospects by completing our undergraduate certificate. Three required courses and two elective courses allow you to survey leadership theories; conduct research and evaluate applied practices; and learn the skills, methods and techniques for effective leadership in public and nonprofit organizations.

This certificate program is entirely online and available only for non-traditional or non-degree-seeking students. In order to enroll in the certificate program, please contact an LPS advisor. You cannot be currently enrolled at NC State, and you must maintain at least a B- average to remain in the program.

Virtual Tour

Hear from LPS students, faculty and advisors through a series of short videos highlighting our program and campus. Learn about the resources at your disposal and get to know our community.

Why LPS?

The Leadership in the Public Sector (LPS) program will give you the knowledge and skills you need for success in government, education, nonprofit organizations and the public sector, as well as credentials that will prepare you for graduate school.

Respected

Earn your degree or certificate from a highly-respected university. Our degree and certificate options include instruction by NC State’s prestigious faculty.

All classes are available online, allowing you to complete your college degree from anywhere in the world. The online format is easy to follow. NC State provides readily available technical support for any problems that may arise.  

We offer multiple options for continuing your education through the LPS certificate or bachelor’s degree completion program. Complete either option at your own pace.

Students receive personalized guidance and advising.  As a prospective student, you can contact the LPS advisor to receive a pre-application assessment and/or view a video about credit transfer.  Once admitted, you will receive an individual orientation with the LPS program advisor. 

Veterans and active-duty personnel, leverage your benefits and add academic credentials and education to your military experience. Our program’s structure allows you to advance your military career or prepare for the transition to the civilian sector, no matter where you are stationed or deployed. You or your family members can earn a B.A. degree that is identical to any other NC State University degree or you may complete the certificate program. The NC State community prides itself on its longstanding military history and its continuing support of the military. Veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families will find themselves in a supportive environment at NC State.