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Public Administration Degree

A public administration degree can open the door to an interesting and rewarding career at public agencies and government offices. A master of public administration is a common degree sought by individuals seeking to become managers in the government as well as nongovernmental organizations, and non-profits. Many schools also offer a four-year undergraduate program that focuses in public administration.

Did you know? The most common way to get into politics is to start as an unpaid intern. An internship provides an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities and value to the team and can lead to a paid position on a legislator’s staff.

Public Administration Training and Courses

Public administration is the intersection of best management practices for businesses of varying sizes and the administration of agencies or government bodies. Students often take management and human resources courses in addition to studying about public policy development and implementation. It’s a targeted degree for those who want to work in the public sector, but career options extend beyond just government work.

Job Opportunities for Public Administration Degree Program Graduates

For example, employers include healthcare delivery systems, which can be public-private partnerships that work in cities and counties. They take advantage of federal, state and other funding to provide private medical services in hospitals and specialized care centers. In addition, public administration degree holders can find work in consulting firms or those who work frequently as contractors for the federal government.

Salary Expectations for Individuals with a Public Administration Degree

Due to the wide variety of jobs, salaries can vary due to both agencies efforts and the varying skill sets required by the public sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that legislators earn a median annual wage of $19,630 and the top 10% earn an median annual wage of $85,920 as of May 2011.¹

Career Advancement Opportunities in Public Administration

The prospects for advancement are high for those with both education and experience, with public administration employees able to move to larger government entities or to higher responsibilities if they wish to move. For some work, a master’s degree is a necessity, but one that can be accomplished through online coursework at a number of schools on a part-time basis.