Certificates, Degrees and Job Opportunities in Public Administration

The University of Maine at Augusta describes Public Administration degrees as a gateway to careers in non-profit work or public service. "The Bachelor of Science in Public Administration is a professional degree designed to prepare students for administrative careers in government and nonprofit organizations. For those already employed, it provides an opportunity to improve administrative skills and enhance career prospects and mobility.

A typical public administration degree includes the study of "public sector institutions, the central functional areas of modern administration, and a range of valuable and relevant analytical skills." These degrees are meant to teach a thorough understanding of modern business and non-profit organizations, plus "a sensitivity to political realities, a grasp of management methods, and a knowledge of the analytical tools ..."

Public administration is a popular field of study that appeals to people interested in the wide-reaching field of public service. This can include services provided at the local and state level, public health and safety, education, and local government.

An education in public administration is available as a postsecondary certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate. Keep in mind that the GI Bill can be used for non-degree-seeking certificate programs through approved institutions.

Public Administration Degree Job Opportunities

There is a wide range of opportunities, from government jobs to private-sector jobs. There are also opportunities for self-employment by starting your own business or working as a consultant. Job opportunities with a certificate or degree in public administration include:

Administrative Assistant
Auditor
Program Analyst
Benefits Administrator
College Administrator
Human Resources Administrator
Public Administrator
Administrative Services Manager
City Manager
City Planner
Education Administrator
Director Of Education
Non-Profit Manager
Government Office

Postsecondary Certificate in Public Administration

A Postsecondary Certificate in Public Administration is a great starting point for those interested in starting down this career path. Certifications can offer students an opportunity to fast track their education and gain on-the-job knowledge through internships to complement their academics. Public administration jobs require a strong professional skill set to navigate and manage the complexities of local government and related positions.

Associate Degree in Public Administration

Students can earn an Associate Degree in Public Administration and learn the skills necessary to run an administrative staff or department. An associate degree in public administration will typically introduce students to the basics of financial accounting, human resources, organizational management, problem-solving, ethics, and budgeting.

Jobs you can obtain with an Associate Degree in Public Administration include:

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks– produce financial and other records for organizations and check financial records for accuracy. Median annual salary: $41,000.

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration

Students can earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration for career advancement, including supervisory positions. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees with a bachelor’s degree earn twice as much as their counterparts without a postsecondary education. Although programs vary, students typically learn about:

Local government operations
Public budgeting
Fostering a positive working environment
Maintaining a work culture of efficiency
Public policy formulation, interactions, implications, and impacts
Ethical leadership
Management skills
Principles of finance for profit and nonprofit operations
Research-based public administration practices
Identifying, analyzing, evaluating, and implementing effective administration
Formulating new and expanded government and nonprofit programs
Reevaluating and eliminating underperforming or obsolete programs

>> Search VA-approved schools offering a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration. Go here.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s in Public Administration

Medical and Health Services Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. Median annual salary: $101,000.
Human Resources Managers ensure the smooth operation of the company or organization's administrative functions. They also help bridge the challenges and differences between management and employees. The median annual salary is $117,000.

Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA)

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees with a graduate degree earn approximately 40% more than their counterparts with an associate degree. Those with a graduate degree will earn more than twice as much as those without a postsecondary education. This translates to an additional $2 million more in lifetime earnings for an average American.

Earning an MPA will help a student refine their leadership skills and communication skills. A graduate program in public administration can help students advance their administrative, managerial, or supervisory careers. Careers can span an array of opportunities in state, federal, and local government, as well as private and nonprofit organizations.

Earning an MPA is also an excellent option for undergraduate degree holders to advance their careers and salary in related fields such as legal studies, human services, emergency management, homeland security, and criminal justice.

>> Search VA-approved schools offering a Master’s in Public Administration. Go here.

Jobs with a Master’s in Public Administration

Urban and Regional Planners– develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize facilities. Median annual salary: $74,000.
Postsecondary Education Administrators– oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Median annual salary: $122,000.

Doctorate in Public Administration

Earning a doctoral degree in public administration takes approximately three additional years of schooling. This degree can be earned as a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or as a DPA (Doctor of Public Administration). Both pathways are similar, and provide students with a strong foundation for teaching and research positions. Careers with a doctorate degree in public administration include college professors, research and publication, and senior leadership positions.

Jobs with a Doctorate in Public Administration

Postsecondary Teachers– public administration teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. Median annual salary: $102,000.
Political Scientists– study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. Median annual salary: $122,000.
Chief Executives– formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations. Plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management. Median annual salary: $194,000.

>> Ready to earn your degree in public administration? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

Eastern Oregon University -Offers an online Bachelor in Public Administration. Eastern Oregon University is a Yellow Ribbon school.

American University - Offers an online Master in Public Administration and Policy. American University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Post University - Offers an online Master in Public Administration (MPA). Post University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

University of Central Florida - Offers an online Certificate in Public Administration and an online Master’s in Public Administration (MPA). The University of Central Florida participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

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