If you are drawn to the idea of a career in public service, you may be wondering, should I get a master's in public administration? Is a public policy degree worth it?
Contrary to common misconceptions, an MPA doesn't limit you to government work. Graduates with an MPA can find success in various fields, including nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, research institutions, and international organizations. The skills developed in an MPA program, such as policy analysis, strategic planning, and project management, are highly transferable across multiple sectors.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking at the benefits of studying public administration.
First, before answering the question, "should I get an MPA?", consider things like your passion for public service, your desire to make a positive impact, and your interest in developing the skills necessary for effective leadership. With an MPA, you will have a myriad of career paths that can allow you to make real, tangible changes in the lives of others.
Also, take the time to research MPA programs, speak with professionals in the field, and assess how an MPA would align with your long-term career goals. You'll be better equipped to make an informed decision.
Below, we explore some of the top MPA degree benefits to help you determine whether an MPA is the right path for you.
Why get a master's in public administration?
Pursuing a master's in public administration can be a transformative step in your career journey, offering a range of benefits from skill enhancement and leadership development to versatile career options. An MPA can also be a powerful tool that equips you to navigate the complexities of public administration and contribute meaningfully to the betterment of society.
If you are wondering, "is public administration a good degree for me," consider your primary motivations. While having an MPA can boost your earning potential, it can also have a significant impact on your ability to make a difference in the world.
With an MPA, you'll be better positioned to influence decision-making at a higher level. If you're passionate about driving positive change in your community, an MPA can provide you with the tools and knowledge to effect real change.
In today's political, environmental, and social climate, public policy leadership is needed more than ever. From healthcare reform to environmental sustainability, public administrators are instrumental in shaping policies that address major societal challenges. If you're considering a career in public service, policy analysis, or government management, obtaining an MPA may be a valuable step toward achieving your goals.
Is a master's in public administration worth it?
Another key consideration in answering the question, should I get a master's in public administration, is the expense and potential long-term return on your investment.
Depending on the industry, advanced degree holders can earn as much as 30 percent more than those who have only a bachelor's degree. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), people with a master's degree earn a median of $81,848 annually. In addition, about half of the jobs that pay over $94,000 typically require a master's or doctorate, according to the BLS.
Getting an MPA will not only lead to higher earning potential, it will also provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a competitive candidate for higher-level management and leadership positions. The BLS projects employment for some public administration roles, such as medical and health services managers, to grow at a rate that is more than four times the projected figure for all occupations nationwide.
What is a master's in public administration good for?
One of the significant advantages of an MPA is its versatility. Graduates can find employment in various sectors, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, education, and more. With an MPA, you're not limited to a specific field; rather, you can apply your expertise to various areas where public administration principles are essential.
Diverse Skills and Career Paths
An MPA program equips students with a diverse range of skills, including policy analysis, budgeting, strategic planning, leadership, and public communication. These skills are not only relevant to government roles but are also in demand across nonprofit organizations, international agencies, and even the private sector. The comprehensive skill set gained through an MPA program can open doors to a wide array of career opportunities.
With an MPA, you will have the ability to work in any executive branch of government, with nonprofits, or within the business world. With courses in budgeting, economic analysis, and human resource management, you will learn the essential skill of ensuring that public services are run efficiently and effectively.
This broad field offers graduates many career options, including roles as diverse as social services, disaster management, project management, local and state government management and non-profit advocacy. Roles such as city manager or chief financial officer typically require a graduate degree and can offer salaries far above the national average. A master's in public administration gives you the skills that could ultimately lead to greater financial rewards over a lifetime.
MPA programs also emphasize leadership development, helping students hone their abilities to guide teams, manage resources, and navigate complex bureaucratic landscapes. Whether you aspire to lead a government agency, head a nonprofit organization, or manage a public-private partnership, the leadership skills cultivated through an MPA can prove indispensable.
Networking Opportunities
MPA programs often bring together a diverse group of students with varied backgrounds and experiences. This creates a rich environment for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. The relationships you build during your MPA studies can be invaluable as you progress in your career, providing you with connections that span different sectors and industries.
An MPA program also provides students with a deep understanding of how policies are crafted, implemented, and evaluated. This knowledge is not only beneficial for those working directly in policy roles but also for individuals who want to contribute to informed decision-making within their organizations.
Civic Engagement
If social justice and civic engagement are important to you, both are often emphasized in an MPA program, along with ethical leadership. If you're driven by a desire to create positive social impact, an MPA can provide the knowledge and tools needed to address pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, environmental sustainability, and healthcare access.
Pursuing a master's in public administration can be a transformative step in your career journey, offering a range of benefits from skill enhancement to versatile career options. As you contemplate whether an MPA is right for you, consider your passion for public service, your desire to make a positive impact, and your interest in developing the skills necessary for effective leadership.
An MPA is an excellent choice for professionals who are looking to develop skills related to communication, relationship-building, program management, and strategic decision-making. Graduates of MPA programs are able to combine practical experience with coursework taught by professors with experience in the world of public affairs. They often go on to positions where they tackle some of the greatest humanitarian challenges in the world and discover firsthand how theories they learned in the classroom translate into real-world solutions.
Learn more about the University of Miami online Master of Public Administration.
For up-to-date salary estimates, run a search for your desired position on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
