What can you do with a public administration degree?

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Someone who has earned a degree in public administration or public policy is qualified to work in the fields of setting, implementing and evaluating regulations and policies at federal, state, regional and local levels of government or in non-profit and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The list includes a host of different agencies in the public service sector, such as health care, education, environmentalism, animal welfare, political activism, culture, disaster relief, urban planning, social welfare, law enforcement and many others. Often, governmental and non-governmental work in these areas overlaps or complements each other.

Public administrators are relied upon to search for solutions to broad and pressing issues known as “wicked problems,” which include global climate change and its causes; adequate food, energy and safe water supply to populations in developing nations; security against terror threats; urban decay; prisoner rehabilitation; worldwide health epidemics such as AIDS; and education and health care for impoverished populations.

A degree in public administration focuses on management skills useful in organizational governance, finance and administration, research and development, marketing, public relations, human resources development and grant writing, for example. Information technology is playing an increasing role in the work of public administrators, so degree programs also aim to give students familiarity with online and software resources pertinent to their future career. Degrees or concentrations in business management or political science are often worthwhile as well to a career in public administration.

Generally, public administrators do not need any certification or licensing, but there are certifications available in project management that are particularly suited to those working in international frameworks.

Examples of typical careers available in public administration include: federal or state government policy adviser or budget analyst; county or municipal government manager, planner or executive assistant; supervisory or managerial positions within social services agencies; industrial compliance coordinator; grant and contract specialist; educational program evaluator; public safety project manager; transportation services coordinator; and court administrator.

In addition, there is a wide range of jobs available for public administrators in associations for the advancement of special interests such as trades, professions and political or religious agendas. Within associations, top-echelon positions available to people holding advanced degrees in public administration are chief financial officer, director of administration, director of education and certification, director of governmental relations, director of international activities, director of marketing and director of publishing.

The American Society for Public Administration offers a comprehensive online career center at publicservicecareers.org in cooperation with the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management and the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. Jobs are categorized according to the level of education achieved.

There are certificate, undergraduate and graduate degrees offered in public administration, some of which are available through online study programs geared to those already in the working world. Because of rising competition for jobs in the public sector, many experts advise candidates to earn at least a bachelor’s degree and preferably a master’s degree. Undergraduate degrees should provide a good grounding in issues of public administration, policy formulation, financial planning and problem-solving, program development and implementation, evaluation methodologies, labor relations, leadership skills and critical thinking.

Master’s programs in public administration – leading to an MPA degree – usually can be completed in three years or less. Those earning a master’s degree will have course work supplemented with hands-on experience in major areas such as government management, non-profit management and public health management. Courses are on a more advanced or specialized level, providing a basis for duties like grant-writing, advocacy and human resources development.

People striving for careers in the top echelons of public administration often opt for a Ph.D. program where they can engage in original research and present their findings to a wide audience.

Resource by Will

I am the editor for TheFreeResource.com, and owner of LinchpinSEO, a small business content creation company. The Free Resource has a select community of talented writers, teachers, and business people (and we are always looking for more) that bring you the most trusted resources on the web and credible articles about many topics.

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