A Complete Public Administration Degree Guide: Subjects, Jobs, & Average Salaries
Public Administration (PA) is a field of study designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the public sector. It covers a broad range of topics that are essential for government operations, such as public policy, budgeting, and program development. Earning a Public Administration degree prepares you for a variety of careers, from local city management to federal agencies.
Public Administration graduates are the backbone of many government initiatives that affect our everyday lives. They might be involved in crafting social programs that support vulnerable populations, managing complex infrastructure projects to improve our roads and bridges, or creating environmental regulations to protect our air and water quality. Their expertise is crucial for ensuring the government runs efficiently and effectively to serve the needs of citizens.
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration (PA)
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Science (BS) in Public Administration is a four-year undergraduate degree program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to work in the public sector. Here’s a breakdown of the program:
Core Curriculum
- Public Policy Analysis: This explores the creation, implementation, and evaluation of public policies. You’ll learn to analyze policy issues, identify stakeholders, and assess policy effectiveness.
- Public Administration Theory and Practice: This dives into the structures and functions of government agencies, budgeting, human resource management, and administrative procedures.
- Public Law and Ethics: Courses cover legal foundations of government, administrative law, and ethical considerations in public service.
- Economics and Statistics: Develops skills in economic analysis, data analysis, and research methods to understand and evaluate public programs.
- Public Budgeting and Finance: Explores government budgeting processes, financial management, and resource allocation within public agencies.
- Communication and Negotiation: Sharpens written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills crucial for collaboration and conflict resolution in the public sector.
Jobs and Positions
A Public Administration degree opens doors to a wide range of positions in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and even some private companies involved in public service projects. Here are some examples:
- City Manager/Planner: Oversees municipal operations, manages budgets, and develops long-term plans for growth and development.
- Policy Analyst: Researches policy issues, drafts proposals, and evaluates the impact of existing policies.
- Grant Writer: Secures funding for public programs by writing compelling grant proposals.
- Human Resources Specialist: Recruits, hires, and trains employees within government agencies.
- Budget Analyst: Analyzes financial data, prepares budgets, and oversees spending within a department.
- Program Manager: Develops, implements, and manages public programs to address social, economic, or environmental issues.
- Non-Profit Administrator: Leads and manages non-profit organizations focused on social welfare, education, or healthcare.
- Urban Planner: Develops and implements plans for the growth and development of communities, taking into account factors such as transportation, housing, and environmental concerns
Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA)
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a professional graduate degree designed to further develop the skills and knowledge of individuals seeking leadership roles in the public sector. Here’s a breakdown of the program:
Core Curriculum
- Advanced Public Policy Analysis: This dives deeper into policy analysis methods, considering economic, social, and political factors. Students learn to design and evaluate policy interventions.
- Public Administration and Management: Explores advanced topics in organizational theory, leadership, strategic planning, and performance measurement in public service.
- Public Budgeting and Finance: This builds on undergraduate coursework, focusing on complex financial management issues, cost-benefit analysis, and program budgeting.
- Public Law and Ethics: Advanced courses delve into legal frameworks for public decision-making, ethical dilemmas in public service, and strategies for promoting transparency and accountability.
- Research Methods: Students gain expertise in research methodologies essential for data collection, analysis, and evaluation of public programs.
- Electives: Many programs offer a variety of electives allowing students to specialize in areas like healthcare administration, environmental policy, non-profit management, or urban planning.
Jobs and Positions
An MPA degree opens doors to leadership and management positions in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and some private companies involved in public service projects. Here are some examples:
- City Manager/Administrator: Oversees all aspects of local government operations, including budgeting, personnel, and service delivery.
- Policy Director: Leads policy development and analysis within a government agency or non-profit organization.
- Program Director: Manages the implementation and evaluation of public programs to achieve desired outcomes.
- Grant Administrator: Oversees the grant application process, manages grant funds, and ensures compliance with funding requirements.
- Public Finance Director: Provides financial leadership, oversees budgeting, and manages financial risks within a government agency.
- Management Consultant: Advises public sector organizations on improving efficiency, effectiveness, and performance.
- Non-Profit CEO/Executive Director: Provides leadership and strategic direction for non-profit organizations.
Employment rate for public administration graduates
The data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 25% of graduates earn less than $26,000 annually, maintaining an unemployment rate of 4.60%, and placing it 123rd out of 171 majors in terms of job stability.
The career outcomes data from the University of San Francisco’s MPA program shows strong employment prospects, with 96% of students graduating within 4 years and 96% persisting to degree completion. Their graduates have found roles in government (40%), nonprofit (27%), and other sectors.
Key Aspects
The academic rigor of the major is moderate, with a difficulty rating of 2.94 out of 5, ranking it 52nd out of 118 in terms of challenge. These statistics paint a picture of a field that, while not among the highest-earning initially, offers robust opportunities for further education and a balanced gender representation.
Gender diversity is notable, with women making up 54.2% of the graduates. Furthermore, a significant proportion of graduates pursue advanced education: 38.8% obtain a master’s degree, 5.8% achieve a professional degree, and 2.1% go on to earn a PhD.
