Public administration careers require different types and levels of education. Most positions require a bachelor's degree, although a master's degree is recommended for many management-level positions. Read this article to learn more about what education and training is needed for a career in public administration.
Postsecondary Education
A number of colleges and universities offer public administration programs and career training. The focus of these degrees may vary; however, most have a similar core curriculum. Students in these programs learn about public administration theory, legal issues, ethics, financial management, research, analysis, and organizational behavior. Once the core subjects are covered, students may seek specialized training.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutTheEducationNeededForACareerInPublicAdministration">Important Facts About the Education Needed for a Career in Public Administration</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Common Courses</td><td> Legal Basis of Public Administration, Public Managerial Economics, Budgeting and Financial Management, Public-Private Partnerships</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degrees/Certificates</td><td> Undergraduate certificates, and associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degree Field</td><td> Besides public administration, degrees in social work, urban studies, or a related field are common</td></tr>
<tr><td>Concentrations</td><td> State and local administration, international management, policy analysis, public financial management</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Numerous schools offer online programs</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td> Non-profit administration, college administrator, consultant, benefits administrator, political campaign worker, public health administrator</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$99,290 <i>(administrative services managers)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>7% <i>(administrative services managers)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CoreRequirements">Core Requirements</h3><p>These five core topics are typically covered in a public administration program:
</p><ul><li><b>Theory of public administration:</b> Students gain an understanding of the role and responsibilities of public administration and policy formation.
</li><li><b>Law and ethics:</b> Students examine current issues in law and ethics and how they relate to public policy.
</li><li><b> Financial management:</b> Courses cover topics ranging from budgets and forecasting to fundraising.
</li><li><b>Research and analysis skills:</b> Students are trained in various methods of collecting data, as well as analyzing the data and applying it to the public arena.
</li><li><b>Organizational behavior:</b> Different management and administrative theories are covered.
</li></ul><h3 id="section---Specializations">Specializations</h3><p>The training for non-profit organizational jobs differs from that of governmental positions. Different colleges and universities may offer programs with training and education specific to a certain concentration. Some programs focus on public policy, while others teach public health management or homeland security. Specialized degrees in public administration include the following:
</p><ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
</li><li>Bachelor of Arts in Emergency Management
</li><li>Master of Science in Non-Profit Management
</li><li>Master of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
</li><li>Master of Public Policy
</li><li>Master of Science in Human Services
</li><li>Ph.D. in Public Policy</li></ul>
