What Are Popular Jobs and Careers in Public Administration?

If you're looking for a versatile degree that you can use in many different sectors, you might consider a bachelor's degree in public administration.

With this degree, you can start a career in government, social services, education, and even business, taking on many different roles.

Keep reading for all the details on the many career paths and job opportunities you'll gain with a degree in public administration.

Government

Many people with public administration degrees work for federal, state, or local government departments, typically in administrative roles.

City Manager

City managers oversee the administration of local government, including supervising departments and budget management.

As a city manager, you're also responsible for urban development and infrastructure, setting standards consistent with city regulations.

The city manager is typically hired by and reports directly to the mayor or the city council.

Housing Director

Housing directors and housing specialists oversee public housing in a city or state and ensure people have access to affordable housing.

This could also mean coordinating with nonprofit organizations that work with the homeless to transition them to permanent housing.

The housing director is typically the head of the public housing agency, with housing specialists hired by and reporting to the director.

Emergency Manager

When communities face disasters, the emergency manager is responsible for coordinating the response.

Emergency managers work with state and local government agencies to ensure people have access to the resources they need.

Emergency managers exist in local, state, and federal government agencies and are typically hired by executive appointment.

Social Services

A public administration degree can translate into work in social services, although many roles require additional education or licensing.

Social Worker

Social workers work directly with members of the general public to help them qualify for and access social benefits.

They may also coordinate with nonprofit agencies and other charities to get additional assistance for people who need it.

Social workers typically work for city or county social services departments, but some work in schools or in nonprofit organizations.

Counselor

While most counselors have a degree in psychology or a related field, a degree in public administration is helpful for some counseling roles.

Counselors with public administration degrees typically work alongside social workers for government departments or agencies.

Becoming a counselor typically requires state licensing and may require additional education beyond your public administration degree.

Nonprofit Administrator

A degree in public administration is perfectly suited for work in an administrative capacity for a nonprofit organization.

This includes, ultimately, working as the executive director in charge of the entire nonprofit organization and its operations.

Executive directors are normally hired by the organization's board of directors, while other administrators are hired by the executive director.

Education

People with public administration degrees who work in education typically have a master's degree as well as an educator's license.

Superintendent

The superintendent leads a public school district and sets policies and procedures for the district as a whole.

Superintendents may also be responsible for hiring principals and other administrative positions in schools.

The superintendent might be appointed by the city or state board of education, although some superintendents are elected.

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum developers work within a school district administration to determine what will be taught in classes at each grade level.

They might also be responsible for choosing the standardized tests that measure student progress for that district.

Curriculum developers may be hired by either the superintendent or the local school board, and typically report to both.

Educational Planner

Much like a curriculum developer, an educational planner is responsible for guiding the direction of public schools.

However, an educational planner is more concerned with policy issues and the school as a whole than with specific curriculum.

Educational planners are typically hired by either the district superintendent or the local school board, and typically report to both.

Business

There are many roles in private businesses that a degree in public administration can prepare you to take on.

Human Resources

With the focus on regulation that comes with a public administration degree, a position in human resources is a great career option.

People who work in human resources are typically responsible for ensuring the business is compliant with employment regulations.

The human resources department is typically staffed by business executives, with the director reporting directly to the executive board.

Marketing Analysis

Public administration degree coursework involves a lot of statistical analysis, which makes this a great background for marketing.

Instead of analyzing public statistics, you analyze private business and industry data to determine target audiences for products and services.

Many marketing analysts work for several clients through a marketing firm while others are employed directly by a single company.

Staff Training and Development

People with degrees in public administration also work well in roles where they are responsible for staff training and development.

This job could involve updating staff on the latest regulations and compliance issues related to those regulations.

Some companies outsource their training to larger training firms, while others hire someone to do this work for them in-house.

Communications

A public administration degree provides a strong background for people who want to work in media or do communications work for a nonprofit.

Broadcast Analyst

A broadcast analyst is the person who presents their opinion and analysis on policy issues that are currently in the news.

Many broadcast analysts are more like freelance consultants who may work for many different outlets as well as print publications.

Other broadcast analysts are hired exclusively by a single network to provide continuous analysis and coverage of policy developments.

Media Specialist

Media specialists are marketing professionals that sell products and services through social media platforms.

This requires a similar level of analysis as marketing analysts in the private sector, although media specialists can work anywhere.

While many media specialists do work for private businesses, some also work for nonprofits, schools, churches, and other organizations.

Nonprofit Public Relations

Nonprofit organizations need a person to get the word out about their services and accomplishments through public relations.

In this role, you're responsible for preserving the reputation of the nonprofit organization you work for.

People in nonprofit public relations might also spread the word about fundraising and help with donation drives and other efforts.

Learn More About Public Administration Degrees

If you're interested in serving the general public, a bachelor's degree in public administration can help you start a fulfilling career.