What is the Field of Public Management?

Important Facts About Public Management

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Education Options

Public management education programs offer a variety of general management skills. They can also teach you how to apply these skills to the management of nonprofit or governmental programs. Typical topics you might study in a public management program include marketing management, negotiation strategies, planning, philanthropy, public policy and economics.

Degrees

Some schools offer a major in public management that prepares you for entry-level positions in the field. Public administration is a closely related major, but no matter which major you choose, you might need to pursue an advanced degree to compete for jobs. Master's degree programs in public management are widely available. These programs prepare you to assume leadership positions in the field.

Certificates

If you've already begun a career in public management or don't want to devote yourself to a degree program, certificate programs are also available. Completing one of these certificate programs may lead to greater career opportunities. Some public management certificate programs require you to have earned a bachelor's degree prior to entry.

Career Options

Careers are available in several areas if you choose to study public management. With a bachelor's degree or certificate, you might find work in various departments of public organizations, including budgeting, public policy analysis, community development or human resources. After earning a master's degree, you are able to work as a manager or administrator of public programs. There are many organizations and governmental departments that require workers with these levels of training, including churches, hospitals, the U.S. Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as others. You can visit PublicServiceCareers.org to search for jobs in public management as well as other public job sectors.