Are you interested in changing social policy and helping to influence major decisions within the local, state, and federal government? If so, a degree in public administration might be the right fit for you. In an online public administration degree program, students examine different types of policies and programs within the government in order to push for change within their community. With all of the distance learning colleges across the nation, it is easy for you to take classes online to achieve an associates, bachelors, masters, and even a PHD in public administration from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace.
The skills you will learn in a public administration degree program will be valuable for many different career paths. You will learn how to methodically solve problems, interpret data, critically think, and research, write, and evaluate public policy. Those who graduate with a bachelor’s in public administration typically go on to find employment as a county clerk, social worker, budget analyst for businesses or government entities, nonprofit manager, and sometimes as a lobbyist.
If you choose to go on to graduate school, your employment opportunities will tend to increase the more education you achieve. There are many different online graduate degree programs depending on which career path you choose, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), and a Master of Public Administration (MPA). There is also a doctorate in public administration, which is a highly advanced degree focusing on public policy that you can get after you obtain a master’s. Some people also apply to law school after graduating with a bachelor’s and a master’s as well.
Those who do achieve a master’s degree in public administration find jobs in government agencies, nonprofits, and private businesses. Most often, MPA graduates find work as a city administrator, program specialist, legislative advocate, city or county planner, and department analyst, making an average salary of over $50,000.
No matter which path you choose, there are many options for those who get a degree in public administration online. Be sure that before you begin your degree program that you research different online schools you are interested in to ensure they have proper accreditation and offer classes that will help further your career goals.
