Public Administration Degrees
Public service careers offer some of the most rewarding job opportunities, with healthcare, the environment, international aid, national security and elder services representing just a small sampling of the areas in which individuals can choose to make a difference. Graduates of public administration programs are prepared to work as managers in these types of government and non-profit organizations. Public administration programs are similar to business management programs but cover topics such as public policy, non-profit finances, political issues and program evaluation in addition to the more standard business subject areas.
Graduates of a public administration program will be well-prepared to advance their career in their current field or to change their career direction. The array of local, state and federal government agencies as well as non-profit institutions in which graduates can work is vast and spans all public service areas.
Degree Options
- Bachelor's Degree – A bachelor's degree will qualify graduates for various positions in local, state and federal government and non-profit institutions and will prepare them for future career advancement.
- Master's Degree – Master's degrees in this field are the most common degree earned and prepare graduates for management positions in government and non-profit organizations.
- Doctoral Degree – Graduates of a doctoral program will be ready to conduct research and teach at the university level or become a policy consultant or senior level manager.
Schools
Many business colleges and business departments of universities offer degree programs in public administration. Although not as prevalent as business administration programs, they are widely available at both campus-based schools and at high-quality online schools.
Coursework
Coursework in a public administration program will include courses similar to those described below:
- Managing Financial Resources – Explores the budgetary process and how it is related to financial control, program performance and policy decisions.
- Intergovernmental Relations – Students analyze political, administrative and fiscal relationships among the levels of government in the US.
- Program Evaluation – Students learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of programs using social science methodologies.
- Non-profit Management - Topics include the role of boards, volunteers and the chief executive in regards to governance, fundraising and planning.
- Administrative Law in the Public Sector – Introduces administrative law concepts including how agencies are granted powers and how they exercise their powers through the creation of laws and rules.
Aptitudes and Interests
Working as an administrator in the public or non-profit sector requires dedication to public service and sincere interest in the organization's mission. Administrators need to have strong leadership, organizational and communications skills. Management positions are typically filled by those who have relevant experience in the same type of organization.
Career Options
Graduates of a public administration degree program can work in management a vast array of government institutions and non-profit organizations. Below are a few examples:
- Health Services Manager
- Social Services Manager
- Police and Detective Manager / Police Chief
- Fire Fighting Supervisor / Fire Chief
- Non-profit Chief Executive
Related Majors
- Business Management/ Administration - Focus is on management skills needed in for-profit companies.
- Education Administration - Focus is specific to school administration.
- Criminal Justice Administration - Training is relevant to administrative positions in police, correctional and security institutions.
- Fire Service Administration - Programs lead to administrative positions in fire fighting institutions.
- Health Care Administration - Education is focused on administration of health care institutions.
- Public Policy - Emphasis on problem solving and analytical skills in addition to leadership skills.
How To Evaluate Public Administration Degree Programs
Below are some important considerations when choosing a public administration degree program:
- Concentrations – Some programs offer concentrations in areas such as criminal justice, finance, health care or local government while other programs offer one standard curriculum.
- Dual Degrees - Some schools make it easy to pursue dual degrees in such areas as international studies, public health or law.
- Flexibility - While some programs are intended for full-time students, other programs provide classes online or during evenings and weekends to cater to working students.
- Costs and Tuition Reimbursement - The tuition, fees and other expenses can vary significantly between programs. Working students should verify the program qualifies for tuition reimbursement, if available from their employer.
- Accreditation - Schools must be accredited by one of the six regional accreditation agencies.
Resources
The American Society for Public Administration
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
National Academy of Public Administration
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