Is 45 Too Old to Get a Public Administration Degree?

There is no age limit when it comes to your education. Even at 45, pursuing a public administration degree can benefit your career, providing job stability and increased opportunities.

Public administration professionals develop and manage public programs and policies, helping to make a difference in their community and the lives of others. Enrolling in a public administration degree program, such as a public administration bachelor's degree program, is an excellent way to launch your career. But at 45, is it too late?

Being 45 is not too old to obtain a public administration degree. Your age should not limit your pursuit of a college education, and waiting until you are older can be worthwhile for career advancement or applying life experience.

Learn why earning your public administration degree in your 40s is an excellent idea and what career options you can pursue when you graduate.

Reasons To Earn Your Public Administration Degree at 45

Returning to school as a mature student is a great way to gain a competitive edge and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful public administration career. There are many excellent reasons to earn your public administration degree at 45, and a few are highlighted below.

Years of Experience

With your years of experience, you can draw from your existing expertise and apply it to a wide range of roles and responsibilities across various areas of public administration. The wisdom you have gained as someone in your 40s can be a valuable asset, helping you be a better student and navigate workplace dynamics.

More Job Offers

According to the Pew Research Center, earning a degree helps with upward job mobility and leads to higher income earnings. A college education encompasses workplace-related skills and provides the necessary knowledge for succeeding in public administration, opening you up to more job offers and opportunities for promotions.

Personal Development

Returning to school to pursue a degree in public administration at the age of 45 can fill you with a sense of pride and accomplishment. As an older adult learner focusing on personal development, you refine essential skills and increase self-awareness to pursue specific academic and career goals that younger students may not have.

What Will I Learn In a Public Administration Degree Program?

A public administration degree gives you the knowledge and competence to make a significant difference in the well-being and development of your local community and broader society. You will study public policy and analysis as you gain essential research and leadership skills and many offer specialization areas.

To give an example, the University of New Hampshire offers a Bachelor of Science in public administration that prepares individuals for careers in law enforcement and municipal management.

Courses in this online bachelor's degree in public administration cover topics such as:

Public Policy Development and Implementation
Introduction to Public Administration
Career Development and Life Planning
Public Sector Budget and Finance
Human Resources in the Public Sector
Introduction to Ethics
Change Management
Leadership Theory
Data Analytics
Statistics

Each program and school offerings are different, and you should research your preferred one for specific details.

What Can I Do With My Public Administration Degree?

Data USA reports annual income in the public administration sector as higher than the national average salary and consistent year-over-year job growth. Graduates with a public administration degree have the potential to pursue various careers, as indicated below.

City Manager

The role of a city manager includes overseeing all city operations and collaborating with city staff and council members to enforce decisions and laws. They also oversee daily processes and procedures, ensuring a smooth experience for city residents while making sure rules and regulations are appropriately followed.

Urban Planner

An urban planner manages community growth and expansion, ensuring new projects meet standards and set goals. They collaborate with various professionals, such as government officials and developers, to evaluate the impact of planning and development on the community and environment.

Budget Analyst

A budget analyst helps plan the finances of organizations, including government offices and universities. They study and analyze program costs and spending and gather the essential data necessary for preparing financial reports for government officials and executives.

FAQs About Starting a Public Administration Degree at 45

Explore these most asked questions and answers to help you get started today on earning your public administration degree at 45 and meet your career objectives.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Public Administration Degree at 45?

Starting your public administration degree at 45 is beneficial for embarking on a career path in a rewarding field where you can make a positive difference in the lives of others. It increases your income and provides access to job options often unavailable to those without a degree. Mature adult learners can leverage decades of knowledge and experience while enhancing their existing skills and personal development.

Can I Complete My Public Administration Degree Online?

Yes, you can complete your public administration degree online. With the growing popularity of convenient distance education, many colleges provide adult learners in their 40s with the flexibility to get a degree without leaving home.

Examples of accredited colleges offering online public administration degrees include:

Can I Apply Life Experience Credits To Earn My Public Administration Degree?

Yes, you can apply life experience credits to a public administration degree. For example, the University of New Hampshire allows prospective students to receive credit for their prior learning. They can get up to 30 credits toward an associate degree and 60 credits toward a bachelor's degree. This includes not only previous college courses but also professional training and other college-level knowledge they have acquired.