Public administration can be defined as the implementation of policy by civil servants within an official government's executive framework. Public administrators manage nearly every aspect of public service at the federal, state and local levels offering the opportunity to help shape the future.
A public administration degree provides an academic background for individuals pursuing a career in both government and non-governmental/nonprofit organizations. There are several areas of overlap between these pursuits, so an education which combines both will give you competitive strength and allow you to move into either area, according to your own career interests. For example, you may start your career in fundraising for a nonprofit organization, and later become a member of a governmental grant-awarding body. A public administration degree or public policy degree gives you great flexibility in changing career titles.
Like a regular degree in management, a public administration degree can focus on organizational governance, finance, and administration. With this specialization you can look into jobs in local, state, or federal government; in public service sectors such as healthcare and animal welfare; or nonprofit organizations such as arts or international relief agencies.
The one thing all these potential jobs share is motivation — you won't be working for the "bottom line." Your focus will be on intangible factors such as providing services, setting and implementing policies, or the evaluation of social programs. You may be involved in research and development, marketing, financial planning, public relations, or human resource development.
A college degree is increasingly important in public administration. You'll need to have a solid background in computer software applications, but because public administration involves so many "soft" skills, this is an area that is least susceptible to technology advancements. Human contact, judgment, intuition and compassion are not duties that computers can replace. Job titles include:
- Public Policy Analyst
- City/ County manager
- Senior administrative analyst
- Civic Engagement Coordinator
- Media Coordinator
- Recruiter
- Manager of Member Services