Master’s Degrees in Public Administration
Public administration is one particular area of study that is known for living up to its name; in essence, the practice of public administration is the effort by public servants to serve in a manner that positively advances a government’s policies and impact on the people it serves.
What is this degree/program of study about?
The typical master of public administration carries its own acronym – MPA – although joint degree/concentration programs do exist that incorporate the study of public administration, namely the master of science in political science and public administration. Others include MPA degrees with concentrations in policy analysis, health policy, nonprofit management, homeland security policy, criminal justice, governmental management, state and local government, public personnel management, and public policy. All attempt to carefully balance advanced business coursework with curriculum aimed at preparing individuals for work in the public sector.
What does it take to earn this degree, and what will it result in for graduates?
Once admitted, typical coursework may include project management, risk management, finance, labor relations, public policy, organizational leadership, and economics, among other topics. Career opportunities, post-graduation include the possibility of serving as an urban planner, legislative adviser, or policy analyst; the field of urban planning generally carries a median income of more than $59,000 annually (BLS.gov).
