If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of others while also making a name for yourself, a career in public administration could be your calling. With a public administration degree, you could gain the essential skills and foundational knowledge needed in this challenging yet rewarding field.
Whether you are interested in working in the private sector, public sector, or even a nonprofit, it is crucial to understand what a public administration degree entails.
Key Takeaways
- Gain versatile leadership skills: An MPA provides the opportunity to build policy-analysis, strategic planning, and team management capabilities that apply across public, private and nonprofit sectors.
- Align your mission with career advancement: If you’re motivated by service and community impact, an MPA can support your goals—but only if you’re committed to the field of public administration.
- Understand what the degree entails: MPA programs tend to be 36–45 credit hours, and demand solid commitment given their depth in subjects like budgeting, ethics, policy and organizational theory.
- Weigh pros vs. cons: The degree offers potential for broadened career opportunities and stronger credentials—but it also requires significant investment in time, money and focus.
- Choose the right fit: Not all graduate business-style degrees are the same. If your goal is public service or governance rather than corporate profit-driven roles, the MPA is a stronger match than, say, an MBA.
What is Public Administration and Why it Matters
Generally speaking, public administration refers to a line of work where public policies are researched, created, changed, and implemented. The ultimate purpose of public administration is to make decisions that benefit the greater good.
The Role of Public Administration in Government & Non-Governmental Sectors
Public administration extends into the public and private sectors. In the public sector, public administration in governance is carried out at the local, state, and federal government levels to provide services to citizens, represent the best interests of the people, and bolster the economy.
Some common public administration roles at the government level include:
- Fiscal administration
- Public policy and program administration
- Emergency management
- Public services and public affairs
- Criminal justice administration
With this in mind, you might be wondering, “What is a public administrator?” The reality is that most people who work in this field have more specific job titles than “public administrator.” Most often, you will see such roles as:
- Government relations analyst
- Education funding analyst
- Budget analyst
- Environmental policy analyst
- Agency administrator
However, public administration extends well beyond traditional government roles into organizations such as:
- Nonprofit organizations
- NGO’s (non-government organizations)
- Healthcare systems
- Philanthropic foundations
- Private-sector companies
These organizations often face similar challenges—coordinating large teams, managing limited budgets, evaluating programs, navigating complex regulations, and responding to community needs. Public administration provides the tools and frameworks to address those challenges proactively and ethically.
As a result, public administration professionals are increasingly found in the following roles:
- Social services
- Environmental initiatives
- International development
- Emergency response
- Human rights advocacy
- Corporate social responsibility
Whether they work inside a city agency or at a mission-driven nonprofit, their goal remains consistent: to help organizations operate more effectively while driving positive outcomes for the communities and stakeholders they serve.
How the Field of Public Administration Has Evolved
Considering studying public administration or pursuing a career in this realm? It is critical to know the this discipline as it has changed and grown over the years.
Foundations of Public Administration
Public administration as a field has evolved greatly over the past century or so, beginning with a period known as the politics-administration dichotomy between 1887 and 1926. During this time, Woodrow Wilson argued for a separation between political activities and administrative activities. Under this view, elected officials were the ones who should handle high-level decision-making, whereas public administrators would be responsible for day-to-day operations and policies.
Shifts in Public Administration Approaches Over Time
By the mid-1900s and in the wake of World War II, public administration was fledgling as a discipline. Many of the concepts laid out by Woodrow Wilson were more difficult to put into practice than anticipated, especially on a large bureaucratic scale. It was not until a few decades later that public administration and public policy re-emerged and attracted attention as a discipline. Since then, a greater focus on concepts like evidence-based policymaking and collaborative governance has made it possible for public administrators to provide services and policies that reflect the people’s best interests.
Different Types of Public Administration
Public administration typically focuses on the different roles of government in providing public services and implementing policies for the greater good. In Woodrow Wilson’s publications in “The Study of Administration” (1887), he claimed there are three different kinds of public administration theories as follows:
Classical Public Administration: Structure and Efficiency
In this type of public administration theory, efficiency and merit-based work are prioritized. This system involves a very explicit definition of roles, responsibilities, and objectives for all public administrators. This theory of public administration was utilized in the United States government throughout most of the 20th century until about the 1980s when it was replaced by new public management theory.
New Public Management: Business Principles in Government
By the 1980s, classical public administration was largely being replaced by a novel concept known as new public management. With this public administration model, the role of the public administrator became more business-like, with local agencies gaining more independence in how they provided public services to citizens and how they handled public affairs.
Postmodern Public Administration: Complexity & Collaboration in Action
Lastly, postmodern public administration theory more closely examines the finer workings of government entities, particularly as they are linked to the capitalist model.
Why Pursue a Public Administration Degree?
If you are interested in working in public administration, you would most likely want to pursue some sort of degree in the field. There are a variety of degree types offered in public administration (more on that later) that could help you develop the skills you need to work in this dynamic industry.
What Skills You Could Gain Through Public Administration Education
The precise public administration skills needed to be a successful administrator vary depending on the exact role. In general, however, those working in public administration should have strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including solid communication and collaboration abilities when working with others. Public administrators may also need to strong analytical skills, especially when scrutinizing and researching potential policies or analyzing budgets.
At Post University, Master of Public Administration program chair Cynthia Anger, MPA, JD shared her insight on the mindset and skills she sees as important for this career path:
“What makes students in the public administration program different from others is that they are all very focused on improving the lives of people in their communities. The faculty is committed to helping students develop critical thinking skills so that they can lead change.”
A public administration degree program will cover these and numerous other skills needed to work in this field, such as:
- Policymaking
- Program analysis
- Strategic planning
- Team management
Ideally, a public administration degree program follows a project-based approach that allows students to build the foundation of insights and practical skills necessary to work as effective public administrators.
How a Public Administration Degree Prepares You for the Public, Nonprofit and Private Sectors
If you have plans to work in the public sector, then a public administration degree program could help prepare you for this line of work with studies on everything from ethical leadership and management practices to data-based policy planning and much more. A focused public administration degree should empower you to:
- Apply principles of finance to public operations.
- Analyze policies and assess how they could impact populations.
- Implement new public services or other programs.
- Consolidate or eliminate wasteful or ineffective programs to maximize budgets.
Degree Options in Public Administration
What is a public administration degree? Depending on your current level of education and your future professional goals, there are several different types of public administration degrees you may want to consider. Ultimately, the option that is best for you depends on how much time you are prepared to spend in school, what kind of job you aspire to land, your specific interests, and your highest level of education.
Associate Degree in Public Administration
If you are looking to obtain a degree in public administration in the least possible amount of time, an associate degree may be an excellent starting point. This program usually requires two years to complete and could provide you with the basic skills and understanding needed for many entry-level jobs in the field. Meanwhile, you do not need an existing degree to be evaluated for admission to an associate program (though you need a high school diploma or equivalent).
Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration
Another degree option to consider is a bachelor’s degree in public administration, which typically consists of about 120 credit hours and is designed to be completed in about four years (assuming you are enrolled on a full-time basis). This type of degree program is ideal for preparing students for work in public policy, public budgeting, planning, and project management.
Have an existing associate degree in public administration? You may be able to roll those credits into a bachelor’s degree program (though this may vary from one school to the next).
Master’s Degree in Public Administration
If you already have an undergraduate degree, whether in public administration or a completely unrelated field, you may want to pursue a more advanced degree instead. A Master of Public Administration (MPA) may be suitable for those who wish to gain a more in-depth understanding of specialized public administration topics ranging from human resource management and administrative law to organizational theory and more.
These programs generally consist of around 36 to 45 credit hours (depending on the school) and could be completed in a couple of years. However, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in order to be evaluated for admission to a master’s degree program.
Doctoral Degree in Public Administration
Finally, a doctoral degree in public administration may be an ideal selection for those who already have an advanced degree under their belt but want to further their studies and specialize in a niche area of the field. These degrees may take several years to complete in addition to a master’s degree program, and admission requirements are often stricter.
Some who obtain doctoral degrees in public administration may go on to teach in the field or consider roles as city managers, research directors, and advanced policy analysts.
How to Decide if an MPA is Right for You
Choosing to pursue a Master of Public Administration is a meaningful commitment—one that can shape your professional identity, your long-term goals, and even the way you view public service. If you’re weighing whether an MPA aligns with your aspirations, it can help to look closely at a few key considerations.
Clarify Your Career Goals
Start with where you want to go. An MPA is designed for individuals who want to lead in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and civic-minded private-sector roles. If you’re energized by the idea of improving systems, designing policies, or guiding teams that serve the public good, an MPA can be a strong match. But if your goals lean more toward corporate leadership, finance, or traditional business operations, a business-focused degree may be a better fit.
Think About How You Want to Make an Impact
MPA programs attract people who see themselves influencing change—whether that’s at the local, regional, national, or global level. If you’re motivated by service, community development, equity, or organizational effectiveness, you’ll likely find the curriculum both energizing and relevant. Consider what kind of impact you hope to make and whether public administration complements that vision.
Evaluate Your Readiness for Graduate-Level Commitment
Like any graduate program, an MPA requires time, focus, and resilience. Coursework often involves policy analysis, budgeting, strategic planning, ethics, and organizational leadership. Think about your bandwidth, your support system, and whether now feels like the right time to take on this level of academic work.
Consider the Return on Investment
While the intrinsic benefits of the degree matter, it’s also important to understand the practical ones. MPA graduates may have the opportunity to access broader career pathways, stronger earning potential, and opportunities for advancement into management or director-level roles. Research the types of jobs you want and whether the MPA is commonly required or highly preferred in those fields.
Reflect on Your Personal Strengths
People who enjoy problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking often find the field rewarding. If you naturally gravitate toward analyzing issues, navigating complex systems, or helping organizations run more effectively, an MPA can help you sharpen those strengths and apply them on a larger scale.
Take the Next Step Toward Leadership With Post University’s Online MPA
If you’re ready to lead in public service—or you’re exploring how you can make a greater impact in your community—an MPA could be a solid way to move forward. Post University’s online Master of Public Administration program is designed for working adults who want flexibility, meaningful coursework, and support at every stage of their journey.
Our program blends practical leadership training with real-world policy and organizational insight, helping graduates prepare themselves with skills applicable to various roles across government, nonprofit, and mission-driven private-sector organizations. With dedicated faculty, immersive learning experiences, and one-on-one support, you’ll have access to the tools you need to drive change where it matters most.
If you’re ready to grow as a leader—and make a difference that goes beyond your job title—Post University is here to help you get started. Explore the online MPA program today and discover how you can turn your passion for service into a purposeful, future-focused opportunity.
Thank you for reading! The purpose of this blog is to provide general information to the reader, and as such, this information may not directly relate to programs offered by Post University.
Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from enrolling in or graduating from any Post program.