If you’re working in the public or the nonprofit sector, you may be ready to move up in your career and become a leader in your field. If you aspire to work in one of those sectors, you may be looking for a way to boost your relevant qualifications. Either way, new credentials can lead to new opportunities. Some government agencies and organizations require a graduate-level degree for advancement. A degree such as a Master of Public Administration (MPA) can make all the difference, positioning you for coveted managerial and directorial roles or helping you transition into either of these rewarding sectors. In short, in addition to expanded knowledge, this degree can bring you greater responsibilities in a new role, greater respect from peers, colleagues, and superiors, and greater compensation prospects. 

What Kind of Job Can I Get With a Public Administration Degree? 

The public and nonprofit sectors both have a wide range of positions that require the expertise that an MPA degree can provide. That means there are many possibilities when it comes to taking a position commensurate with your degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes valuable information about many of these roles. The BLS is considered the authority in salary and job growth statistics as well as standard job descriptions in the United States.  

The information below has been collected from the BLS website and is current as of October 2020. As you will see, demand is growing for many of the roles listed. Most of these careers are projected to grow at a rate faster than the national average of 4% through 2029, and some offer six-figure salary potential. Public service can be rewarding both in terms of the work you do and what you get for it in return. 

Social and Community Service Managers 

Social and community service managers organize and oversee programs, departments, and organizations that work for the public good. They work for nonprofit entities, governmental agencies, and for-profit social services businesses. The field is expected to grow by 17% through 2029. Median annual pay is $67,150. 

Financial Managers 

The duties of a financial manager include producing financial reports, formulating plans that lay out the future financial goals of their employer, and supervising investment activities. They may work in government or in a variety of industries, including investment firms, financial institutions, and insurance companies. The field is expected to grow by 15% through 2029. Median annual pay is $129,890. 

Public Relations and Fundraising Managers 

Public relations managers are in charge of maintaining and improving a company’s or organization’s public image, while fundraising managers lead efforts to bring financial donations into their organization. The majority of people employed in one of these positions in the United States work in religious, civic, grantmaking, or professional organizations or in educational services in state, local, or private organizations. The field is expected to grow by 9% through 2029. Median annual pay is $116,180. 

Human Resources Managers 

Needed in nearly every industry, human resources managers are in charge of planning, managing, and guiding all administrative duties with regard to the acquisition, compensation, retention, and dismissal of employees. The field is expected to grow by 6% through 2029. Median annual pay is $116,720. 

Emergency Management Directors 

Emergency management directors create and direct emergency plans for assisting populations in the aftermath of natural disasters or other emergency situations. They may work for governments at the local, state, or federal level or for medical facilities, educational institutions, or private companies. The field is expected to grow by 4% through 2029. Median annual pay is $74,590. 

Where Can Earn an MPA Degree? 

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Master of Public Administration program that can help you enter into a new career or advance within your existing career in the public or nonprofit sector.  

Throughout the program, you’ll learn proven ways to become an effective leader. You’ll discover practical, competent, ethical, and legal ways to address organizational issues and policy questions, with the ultimate aim of upholding the public interest. Graduates from our program have gone on to use their degree and accompanying skills in a variety of fields including economic development, public safety, healthcare, human services, transportation, criminal justice, fine arts, and parks and recreation.  

The Benefits of Our Online MPA Program 

With its 100% online, asynchronous course format, our Master of Public Administration program enables you to complete studies anywhere, on your own schedule. You’ll find this especially advantageous if you’re juggling work and/or family responsibilities while earning your degree. Tremendous flexibility is just one benefit in a program that enables you to: 

  • Earn your degree in as little as 12 months. 
  • Choose from six convenient start dates per year. 
  • Complete courses in just eight weeks. 
  • Learn from faculty members with extensive experience in relevant fields. 
  • Gear your studies toward specific area of interest. 
  • Gain a top-quality education delivered by supportive faculty.  
  • Save money with affordable tuition rates.  
  • Forego thesis and internship requirements. 

Become a leader! A Master of Public Administration online from UT Permian Basin can help you enter or move up in a variety of rewarding careers. 

Sources: 

https://patimes.org/good-leadership-is-an-imperative-for-proper-public-administration/