Is a Public Administration Degree Right for Me?

Public administration degrees are often the right choice for people who have a passion for writing and promoting public policies to help their communities.

Public policy affects all people, and public administrators help plan and implement these policies to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.

To go into this field, many people earn a degree in public administration to prepare them to work with local governments and nonprofits to enact policy. If you like helping people and navigating social issues like homelessness and poverty, public administration might be the right degree for you.

What Is a Public Administration Degree?

A public administration degree is a program that is focused on the decision-making and problem-solving areas of public policy creation and implementation. Public administrators often work directly with local governments, either in government agencies or through a nonprofit organization, to craft policy that promotes public health and welfare.

Several types of degrees can prepare graduates for work in public administration, with many undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

If you want to pursue a bachelor's degree, there are Bachelor of Public Administration degrees (BPA) offered at many schools. Some also offer Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees with specializations in public administration.

Some students continue their education to the graduate level with a master's degree. The most common graduate degree in this field is the Master of Public Administration (MPA). An MPA program will go deeper into the topics covered in the BPA and provide graduates with a well-rounded knowledge base concerning leadership skills, policymaking, and project management.

MPA degree programs are accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). If your program doesn't have NASPAA accreditation, your degree might not be accepted by employers the same way.

What Does a Public Administration Major Study?

Public administration degree programs handle public policy on both ends of the development and implementation process. As a result, degree programs in this field cover specialized topics that can prepare graduates for effectively working with societal problems.

Some of the main topics and skills that the coursework for a public administration major will include:

urban planning
criminal justice and law
emergency management
social work
political science
policy analysis
business administration

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Public Administration

There are several reasons that public administration can be a rewarding career path, but some reasons might not be as obvious as others.

Ability To Work in the Public and Private Sector

Most degree programs prepare graduates to work in the private sector only, but a public administration degree includes coursework that will prepare graduates for work in both private and public management. Whether you want to work in government or with governments through nonprofits, a public administration degree will help you earn the skills you need.

Directly Help Your Community

For most people, the draw to public administration jobs is the ability to assist their communities. The field of public administration focuses on providing public services by helping inform policy and implementing it in a way that benefits people of all economic backgrounds. Whether it's coordinating fundraising efforts or directly working in local government, your work will have a positive impact on your community.

Broad Topics of Study

Public administration requires a diverse skill set, meaning that you'll need to study a variety of topics such as finance, social work, and more. Studying all of these topics is often more appealing than studying the same courses and information in differing depths.

Establish Yourself for Future Political Office

Although many public administrators work within local governments, they usually work in roles that aren't elected office like a city council position or mayoral role. However, with a background in public administration, people will position themselves well for a future in elected office in local office or even in the federal government as a representative or senator.

Prepare for a Job in News or Entertainment

In addition to working with people who need help, there is a demand for public administrators to discuss public policy efforts with those who might not need assistance but can help donate to fundraising efforts or help with nonprofit sectors. Having a degree in public administration can help prepare you to work as a policy analyst for news or entertainment channels to discuss policy in mass media.

Expand Your Leadership Skills

If you feel like you already have good leadership skills, a BPA or MPA can help you enhance your skill set and expand it. Having the skills required for a leadership role can translate to a variety of careers.

Good Salary Opportunities

Public administrators often earn fair salaries with high opportunities for growth, especially if they pursue public office at high levels. Most public administrators get into the field because they want to help the people who live in their communities, so financial compensation can be a good reason to consider this career.

Job Growth

Public administration is a growing field as more policies around healthcare and social services are enacted to promote the general welfare. As these policies become more common and popular, there will be an increased demand for people who can help write the policies and implement them. People with a background in public administration, such as social and community service managers, are projected to see an increase in demand over the coming decade according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job Opportunities for Public Administration Degree Majors

If you're looking to become a public administrator, you might what what career opportunities will be available to you. Most public administrators work in the public sector or with non-profits, but some private sector roles are popular with public administration degree holders.

Some of the most common and popular public administration career options are:

Public Administration Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

Deciding on any career can be a challenge, but there are several questions you can ask yourself to help determine if a degree in public administration is right for you and your career goals.

Do I have a passion to help people in my community?
Do I like reviewing policy and making recommendations to improve it?
Do I like explaining how policy can impact individuals or the community as a whole?
Do I enjoy studying budget, finance, healthcare, and social policy?