Overview
Earning a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) allows professionals to better serve their communities whether it’s through managing health services, social service programs, or anything in between. Most public administrators do this work for government entities (working for private businesses or non-profits is possible), which means that their daily operations and initiatives directly impact the public and its access to valuable resources. In that sense, public administrators hold significant responsibility, and many pursue a master’s program which opens the path to becoming more effective leaders for their communities.
The core curriculum of a master’s program is designed to grant students an advanced understanding of public administration. For example, courses in policy analysis, public finance, and ethics give students the opportunity to fine-tune and ultimately master the key skills necessary for managing public service programs and activities. Concentrations in everything from environmental policy, public health, and emergency management ensure that degree holders can specialize in areas that are critical to the overall well-being of the communities they serve. Focused training like this opens a path to being a decision maker that upholds social justice and equity.
Programs are designed to give students advanced training in the core concepts and practical skills they’ll need for successful careers, and graduates also have higher rates of employment.
Many universities offer online programs with flexible scheduling. The best bet is to make a list of accredited programs that best match your particular scheduling needs.
There are a variety of roles that graduates obtain — jobs in energy management, government agencies, and health services are common choices.
The cost of an online MPA ranges between $7,000 and $72,000. Like most graduate programs, actual costs will depend on the specific school.
Most MPA programs require applicants to meet the general standards for graduate school acceptance. The specifics vary between schools, but standard requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university, a sufficient GRE score, and recommendation letters.
The skill to implement solutions as part of an organization is a skill that is often overlooked, but it forms the foundation of most MPA programs. As more communities seek to grow and improve conditions for the public, more trained professionals will be needed — the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that demand for public administrators is growing faster than the national average for all other jobs. In that sense, investing in an MPA is a wise choice that will lead to rewarding and beneficial work.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
