Degree Spotlight

Masters of Public Administration

Public policy attracts anyone who wants to make a big difference in the world. Our public and private civil institutions are geared toward solving complex social problems ranging from taxation and poverty to industry regulation, and skilled people are needed to keep those organizations functioning. If you are interested in going far in public service, the non-profit sector or even business, a master’s degree in public administration could prepare you to get involved in significant decisions and functions that affect many people’s lives.

Skills and Demand

Skills and Demand for this Degree Being able to understand thefunctions and development of political Systems and different forms ofgovernment is a big part of many jobs that this degree prepares youfor. Some public admin grads need to understand how the non-profitsector works, with special knowledge of the individual issues theyhope to work on. They may help coordinate and administer publicservice programs, both in government and in community programs aswell as non-profits. Some graduates with this degree will work inlobbying and consulting, as a campaign staffer or with politicalActivist organizations. These skills can help you prepare for thosetypes of careers.

Potential Careers

Budgeting and Financial Analysis: The financial structure of government agencies, non-profit groups and political campaigns determine how they function and whether or not they’re able to accomplish their respective missions effectively. Knowing how to analyze a budget and balance various costs with your organization’s priorities is an essential skill.

Policy and Ethics: Governments and other organizations have been working on the theory and practice of crafting law, regulating economies and administrating all the complex layers of our society for a long time. You need to understand those principles so you can be an ethical and effective administrator, analyst or theorist.

Personnel Management: Much of the challenge of working in public policy comes from getting people to work together effectively. Your ability to manage different personalities and needs within an organizational structure will be a prerequisite to much else you’re trying to accomplish.

Public and Non-profit Management: When the goal of your organization is to achieve a public good rather than turn a profit, you have to manage everything with different priorities in mind. Studying public administration can help you understand the complex issues that charities and government face when trying to address society’s problems.

Written Communication: Whether you’re working for a non-profit, a government agency or some private organization or foundation, people working in public policy cannot avoid the many reports, proposals, grant applications and other documents that help communicate vital ideas throughout various organizations.

Salary and Prospects for Public Administration Master’s Grads

Because of the diversity of public and private sectorjobs that public administration prepares you for, salarycan differ greatly. Depending on the type oforganization you work for and what your level ofexperience is, your earnings will vary. Technically skilledor complex jobs tend to pay more, both in governmentand NGOs. Executive Director ($69,343) Non-Profit Program Coordinator ($41,960) Social Services Managers ($57,950) Human Resource Managers ($99,180) Political Scientist ($107,420)

The Future

Jobs for political scientists, other careers for grads withpublic administration degrees are on a course to growas fast as, or faster than, demand for other jobs. Gradswith these degrees also find their knowledge of policyand ethics, budget analysis and personnel managementin demand in business.

Whether you’re participating in the public policy spherefrom inside government or without, these careers andthe skills they represent will see strong growth.

Jennifer Cook writes on higher education, career developmentand the job market for Strayer University. When she isn’tcombing through labor statistics, you’ll find her scooping up thelatest news and debating politics online.

Sources: http://www.payscale.com/ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm