What is Public Administration?

<h3 id="section---PublicAdministration">Public Administration</h3> <p>Public administrators perform a wide range of functions, including managing city budgets, developing policy and legislation, implementing policies, and analyzing data to determine public needs. These functions provide for the well-being of citizens. Public administration is the responsibility of governmental agencies. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About This Occupation</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2021)</b> </td><td> $78,500 (<i>for urban and regional planners</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</b> </td><td> 4% (<i>for urban and regional planners</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Work Environment</b> </td><td> Office setting</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Similar Occupations</b> </td><td> City planner and manager, government official, marketing manager</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---DegreesInPublicAdministration">Degrees in Public Administration</h3> <p>There are several different routes you may choose to prepare for a career in public administration. Most positions require some business or management skills and a college degree. Programs may focus on a specific area of public administration, such as public policy, public finance, program development, public relations, or labor relations. Bachelor's degree programs prepare students for entry-level careers working with government agencies or non-profit organizations. Master's degree programs prepare students for management-level positions where they develop and implement public programs. Doctoral degrees are usually focused on the academic study of public policy and public administration. Popular degree choices include: </p> <ul><li>Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration </li><li>Master of Public Administration </li><li>Master of Public Policy </li><li>Master of Business Administration in Public Administration </li><li>Ph.D. in Public Administration </li><li>Ph.D. in Public Policy </li></ul><h3 id="section---CareersInPublicAdministration">Careers in Public Administration</h3> <p>With a degree in public administration, you will be prepared for a variety of public service careers. The American Society for Public Administration (<i>www.aspanet.org</i>) and other professional societies may provide some assistance for researching career options and job openings. Most public administration jobs are either in the government sector or with non-profit organizations. Government jobs include those in policy formation, budget management, and analysis or serving a particular constituent group. Non-profit careers may involve creating policy, developing and implementing programs or fundraising. Career choices include: </p> <ul><li>Executive director </li><li>Program director </li><li>Finance manager</li></ul>