People who enter the public administration field make a huge contribution to their communities by ensuring that policies are created and effectively implemented. According to Data USA, in 2017 alone, there were 17,379 degrees awarded to public administration students around the country, poising them to enter a workforce that is 700,000 members strong. From working with nonprofit organizations to government agencies and other social and civil institutions, public administration graduates can choose from a variety of fast-growing fields. This guide will give students an idea of what it’s like to earn a public administration degree, from examining the career paths that public administration graduates can pursue and the salaries they can earn to the top specializations available. Keep reading to find program information, collect resources, and learn what you can do with a degree in public administration. Show
What Is Public Administration?Public administration focuses on leadership development that contributes to the needs of a community—whether people work in government agencies or nonprofit organizations. When people enroll in a degree program in public administration, they can expect to concentrate on the following core elements:
Top Public Administration CareersSince public administration is such a broad discipline, students who earn these degrees are prepared to use their knowledge and skills in a wide variety of careers. This section explores the top public administration careers and includes information on the daily responsibilities of professionals and the salaries they command. Public Administration Careers & Salary Potential
Where Can You Work with a Public Administration Degree?Economic AdministrationThis area of public administration is responsible for ensuring that those in a community experiencing economic hardships are able to receive the help they need from the state or local government. People in economic administration jobs use their understanding of governmental accounting, economics, administrative law, and intergovernmental relations to create policies and programs that assist the public financially. Environmental QualityEnvironmental quality is addressed in public administration by bringing public and private sector experts together to address issues related to natural resources, climate change, and land management. These professionals may work for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit companies.
Housing Programs, Urban Planning, & Community DevelopmentHousing programs, urban planning, and community development professionals are tasked with balancing the needs of all stakeholders in a community, from residents to business owners to developers. In order to do this, they consider ways to keep housing affordable, encourage diversity within a community, and increase economic activities. Human ResourcesPeople who pursue this area of public administration are well-versed in human resource management in the public sector. Their work may include monitoring and making recommendations about productivity, creating budgets related to human resources activities, and addressing concerns related to conflict resolution and disciplinary procedures. EducationThose who focus on education use their expertise to develop resources and policies that help students—whether they are in primary, secondary, or postsecondary schools. These professionals may conduct research, help craft education policy, or participate in education fundraising activities. Executive, Legislative, & General Government SupportThose who specialize in executive, legislative, and general government support are responsible for overseeing public programs and services administered by local, state, or federal government agencies. They also may be involved in creating and enforcing policies related to these resources. Justice, Public Order, & Public SafetyFrom jails to courthouses to police stations, those involved in justice, public order, and public safety ensure that law and order are upheld. People in this profession may be involved in crime prevention, criminal prosecutions, animal control, safety in public parks, or forensic investigations. National Security & International AffairsThe national security and international affairs area of public administration focuses on the use of leadership skills to address issues in foreign relations, counterterrorism, security, and peacekeeping. People who focus their careers on this combine expertise on technology, international law, and communication in order to deal with the ethical and legal challenges they face. Research, Science, & TechnologyPeople who focus their work on the research, science, and technology aspect of public administration help to advance the field by giving professionals new knowledge and tools to help them do their jobs effectively. By conducting public administration research, professionals can help advance science and technology, industry policies, and best practices used by people in the field. UtilitiesThe utilities specialization involves managing all of the operations of public utilities in a specific community. People who are part of this public administration area may be responsible for creating budgets for public utilities, ensuring the water supply in a community is safe, and contributing to policy related to how utilities serve the public. Earning a Degree in Public AdministrationWhen looking for a public administration degree program, it’s important for prospective students to keep in mind that, depending on the school, the program may be called something other than “public administration”, even though the curriculum covers the same material and teaches the same skills. This section provides information on some of the different types of degree programs that can lead to a career in public administration. Degree Options in Public AdministrationAlthough many schools offer public administration degrees, those who want to enter this career may find the same training in a program that is called something else. The following are examples of the degrees available to prepare students for a public administration career:
Where Can You Earn a Public Administration Degree?Public administration degree programs may be found in different departments of a college or university—particularly if the program has a different name. Some examples of the departments that offer degrees that train public administration professionals include public administration, public health, urban studies, public affairs, and political science. Can You Earn a Public Administration Degree Online?Depending on the school, it is possible for students to earn a public administration degree online. In some cases, students may be able to earn this degree entirely online. In other cases, students may be required to complete some work on campus while they complete other coursework online. Visit our public administration page to get more information on these programs and find the best schools in the country. What Skills Will You Learn in a Public Administration Degree Program?Public administration degree programs can provide a number of valuable skills that students can use throughout their careers. The following are some examples of the skills public administration graduates have when they complete their degrees:
Public Administration Career ResourcesAmerican Society for Public Administration:The ASPA is dedicated to advancing the public administration industry by providing professional development opportunities, association-wide events, and publications. In addition, the organization offers awards to recognize excellence among public administration workers. Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management:This organization promotes public policy and management through education and research. Brookings Podcast Network:These podcasts from the Brookings Institution cover various topics in public administration. Government & Public Administration Career Cluster:Readers can get information on various public administration careers on this O*Net page. National Academy of Public Administration:Founded in 1967, the National Academy of Public Administration is dedicated to helping professionals in the field perform the duties of their jobs effectively and efficiently. Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration:The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, or NASPAA, is a group that promotes the public administration industry by setting standards for the education students receive in this discipline. PA Times:Published by the American Society for Public Administration, the PA Times covers news and commentary related to public administration, management, research, and service. Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society:With 160 chapters around the world, Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society works to encourage and build leadership among public affairs and administration students. Public administration:This Encyclopedia Britannica page provides a historical look at the public administration field. Public service:This page includes an overview of different public service careers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. What do you do with public policy?What kind of jobs can you get with a public policy degree? Graduates can work as policy analysts with state or federal agencies. They can also work as administrators for local governments. Graduates can also begin careers in academia, business, and public relations.
What is the difference between political science and public policy?Political science studies politics. Public policy studies what governments do. So, one studies how societies govern themselves--form governments--the other studies what these governments do.
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