It can be argued that public administration is the backbone of our society, impacting virtually every individual and organization that operates within it. But public administration doesn’t function without the dedicated public servants who operate these systems, both in government and nonprofit sectors.
Competent and ethical leadership by public administrators can make or break societies at local, regional and national levels. That’s why Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees are so important — they equip current and future leaders with the mindset to make a positive difference on behalf of the communities they serve.
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is a specialized professional graduate degree designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public service. The program is similar to a Master of Business Administration (MBA), but is specifically tailored to the public sector and the services it provides.
The curriculum of an MPA program includes traditional business and finance courses integrated with public policy studies that equip students to hold high-level positions in the public and nonprofit sectors. The degree was built for people who aspire to enact change, which is why students learn skills relevant to government, nonprofit and charity work.
MPA degree benefits are numerous, especially for individuals who want to advance their career along with their impact. An MPA helps students cultivate a unique set of in-demand interdisciplinary skills, which can significantly boost their professional profile and lifetime earnings.
But the degree is so much more than a gateway to a well-paying career. It’s a highway to impact — empowering graduates of all backgrounds to give back to their communities, improve cities, and implement policies and programs that uplift all citizens.
Public servants wield great influence, so it’s important that these professionals have a strong code of ethics and a sound moral compass. MPA programs strive to impart both of these attributes in their students. By focusing on topics such as communication, relationship-building, program management and strategic decision-making, students can develop the knowledge, skills and ethics to become honest and effective leaders.
Students in an MPA degree benefit from a specialized program that prepares them for a variety of career paths based on their unique interests. A few of the many potential careers include the following.
Urban planners in public administration are professionals responsible for developing plans and programs for land use in towns, cities, counties and metropolitan areas. Their primary role is to guide community development and revitalization by analyzing various data sources regarding economic, social and environmental factors. Urban planners work with public officials, community members and other stakeholders to create plans that accommodate population growth, improve communities, enhance sustainability and foster economic development.
Urban planners earned a median annual salary of $79,540 as of May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Human resources (HR) managers in public administration are responsible for overseeing the recruitment, selection, training and development of government and nonprofit employees. They ensure the workforce is effective, diverse and well-managed, aligning HR strategies with the goals and policies of the public sector organization.
The median annual salary for HR managers was $130,000 as of May 2022, according to the BLS.
Public administration budget analysts are professionals tasked with developing, analyzing and overseeing government budgets. They evaluate funding needs, estimate future financial requirements and ensure the allocation of financial resources aligns with the goals and priorities of government agencies.
The median annual salary for this role was $82,260, according to the BLS.
A fundraising manager in public administration devises and executes strategies to generate funds for government-related entities. They engage with donors, organize campaigns and manage events to attract financial support. Additionally, they monitor fundraising activities, ensure compliance with legal fundraising requirements and report on progress to stakeholders. Their role is pivotal in acquiring the resources necessary for public programs and initiatives.
These professionals earned a median annual salary of $125,620, per the BLS.
A social and community service manager in the field of public administration oversees programs and organizations that provide community services. Their role involves coordinating and supervising social service programs and community organizations. They manage staff who provide social services to the public, analyze the effectiveness of programs, identify community needs and develop strategies to ensure that programs serve those needs effectively.
This job title had a median annual salary of $74,240 as of May 2022, according to the BLS.
At Augusta University Online, we’re committed to cultivating the next generation of public leaders — even if they don’t have the bandwidth to drop everything and become full-time, on-campus students. That’s why our online MPA degree program is built to be flexible for working professionals to take the next step in their career, all at an affordable cost per credit hour.
The online program comprises seven core courses, alongside a selection of electives slightly more focused in scope. This accounts for 21 hours of core classes and 15 hours of electives. Students aiming for a swift completion can finish the 36-credit-hour program in as little as 18 months. This can be accomplished by taking three courses per semester, including summer classes, across four semesters. Those with full-time work commitments may opt for a lighter course load of two classes per semester.
The program also incorporates an optional Nonprofit Leadership certificate and a Criminal Justice (CJ) concentration, which can be fulfilled through the elective courses. The dynamic curriculum is often reported to be transformative for students, especially through the Program Evaluation course that enables students to apply their learnings directly within the community through hands-on projects.
The stakes of our graduates’ work is high, which is why we take our role of educating ethical public servants seriously. An AU Online MPA student receives personalized attention, timely insights and an enduring skill set that allows them to confidently pursue their goals. We provide a student-centered learning environment that propels students to make a difference they’re proud of.
If you’re ready to embrace your place in our nation’s public administration system, the Augusta University Online Master of Public Administration can be your launching ground. Our flexible courses, affordable tuition rates and expert instruction can result in a highly distinctive educational experience. Learn more about the program today!
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Budget Analysts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Human Resources Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social and Community Service Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Urban and Regional Planners
