So, you’ve decided to take the next step in your career with a Master of Public Administration (MPA). You’re eyeing your next promotion, eager to lead, and one click away from applying—then reality hits: tuition, fees, books.
Your ambitions shouldn’t come with a heavy price tag, and the good news is, they don’t have to. Whether you’re mid-career, mission-driven, or ready to pivot into public service, there are practical, flexible ways to fund your online MPA without breaking the bank or burning out in the process.
Let’s break them down.
Federal students aid isn’t just for undergraduates. You’re also eligible for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs as a graduate student. This includes direct unsubsidized loans, which come with fixed interest rates, flexible repayment plans, and no co-signer required.
To apply, submit your FAFSA form online and use The University of Texas Permian Basin’s school code: 009930. It’s free, fast, and the most logical first step—even if you’re not sure whether you’ll need a loan.
Pro tip: Submit your FAFSA as early as possible after the application window opens. This boosts your chances of getting the most financial support available.
Looking for scholarships? You have options. Scholarships for graduate students are out there—especially for those in government, policy, or nonprofit work. Two great places to start are UT Permian Basin’s Financial Aid and Scholarship pages.
If you’re in Texas, you may qualify for UTPB’s Graduate Studies Scholarship (GSS). From there, you can expand your search to national organizations like NASPAA or local community foundations.
Here are a few more scholarships to keep on your radar:
Once you’re admitted to UTPB, your program coordinator may send you a list of current scholarships to explore, so you won’t have to search alone.
Pro tip: When applying for scholarships, focus on what makes you stand out. Is it your leadership goals? Your commitment to public service?
Many employers want to invest in their team’s growth, and some employers will even help cover tuition costs. When you bring back real-world skills that help your team, agency or community, your education becomes an investment for your employer, too.
If you’re working in a public service, nonprofit or education role, check to see if your workplace offers tuition assistance, reimbursement, or professional development funds. Even if there isn’t a formal program, your supervisor or HR department may be open to supporting your education-especially if your new skills will benefit the organization.
Pro tip: Prepare a short proposal that explains how your MPA will help you contribute more to your team. Highlight the skills and knowledge you’ll gain and how they align with your company’s goals.
Worried that you can’t pay your tuition all at once? Don’t be. UT Permian Basin offers two payment plans to help you spread your tuition costs out over the semester:
Approvals are immediate, there are no interest rates, and this option is available year-round. Whenever you’re ready, just reach out—we’re here to help!
Pro Tip: Set up automatic payments for your tuition plan to avoid missed deadlines and late fees.
Ready to pursue your online MPA? Let’s recap what we’ve discussed in this article:
Absolutely. There are plenty, especially for those in government, policy or nonprofit sectors.
The UTPB Advantage: Build a Future in Public Service, Your Way
The entirely online Master of Public Administration (MPA) from The University of Texas Permian Basin is designed for busy professionals like you: people who want to drive change and stay career-ready while earning their degree—without spending a fortune.
This program is ideal if you’re looking to:
Looking for more support? We’ve got you! Don’t hesitate to reach out to finaid@utpb.edu with additional questions. We look forward to having you join the Falcon Family!
So, you’ve decided to take the next step in your career with a Master of Public Administration (MPA). You’re eyeing your next promotion, eager to lead, and one click away from applying—then reality hits: tuition, fees, books. Your ambitions shouldn’t come with a heavy price tag, and the good news is, they don’t have to….
Earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA) is indicative of a professional’s understanding of administrative ethics, organizational management, and political processes. Aspiring public servants need little convincing to pursue this graduate degree, but choosing an MPA program—that’s a different story. A flexible MPA program, like the one offered by The University of Texas Permian Basin,…
If you’re considering a career in the public sector, there are many directions you can take. The public sector is a broad term encompassing government, education, law enforcement, military, nonprofit, and other subsectors. Your choice will be governed primarily by a combination of your interests, credentials, and qualifications. Your interests are up to you. We’re…
Women have long been a driving force in public service, bringing fresh perspectives, transformative leadership, and a commitment to progress. As more women step into political and leadership roles, they are reshaping institutions, amplifying voices, and driving meaningful change. Their impact is undeniable—breaking barriers, challenging norms, and paving the way for a brighter future.
These eight extraordinary women in public service aren’t just overcoming obstacles. With their brilliance, resilience, and expertise, they’re shaping a better world for all of us.
Catherine Russell leads UNICEF as its eighth executive director, steering the organization’s work for children in over 190 countries and territories. “At a time when millions of children globally are still reeling from the impact of the COVID pandemic and other crises, UNICEF is leading the call to protect their rights and their futures,” she said in 2022. “I look forward to the work ahead.”
Before UNICEF, Russell served as assistant to the president and director of the White House Office of Presidential Personnel from 2020 to 2022 and as ambassador-at-large for Global Women’s Issues at the U.S. Department of State from 2013 to 2017.
On March 16, 2021, Deb Haaland was sworn in as secretary of the interior, becoming the first Native American in history to serve in a U.S. Cabinet role. When elected, she had no home, no savings, and was buried under student loan debt, making her one of the poorest members of Congress. Yet she selflessly used her position to enrich the lives of others, co-sponsoring more bills than any other freshman in Congress. “I believe we are in an era of healing,” Haaland said in her farewell speech. “That healing has been among the most important things I have done as secretary.”
Amal Clooney isn’t just a lawyer; she’s a force of nature. A British barrister with a sharp mind and an unshakable mission, she fights for human rights on the global stage, representing and empowering women, many of whom are victims of mass atrocities. “I’m guided by what I’m really outraged about and what I think I can actually try to influence,” she told Time. “And it may be that I can only influence things one case at a time, but ultimately, the plan is always to try and improve the system.”
Laurene Powell Jobs is the founder and president of Emerson Collective, an organization that invests in education, the environment, and immigration reform—areas needing a lot of attention. “It’s very difficult to make sustainable and sustained change,” she said. “None of the issues we are trying to address have easy solutions and making progress requires a variety of approaches.” While Powell Job inherited her wealth—over $10 billion—from her late husband, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, her real legacy isn’t her wealth but her commitment to public service.
The most generous thing Jeff Bezos has done for the world? Get divorced. Since her 2019 split—and walking away with 4% stake in Amazon—MacKenzie Scott has been on a philanthropic tear, founding the nonprofit organization Yield Giving, which has donated over $19 billion to more than 2,450 nonprofit teams. “In addition to whatever assets life has nurtured in me, I have a disproportionate amount of money to share,” admitted Scott. “My approach to philanthropy will continue to be thoughtful. It will take time and effort and care. But I won’t wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty.”
Melinda Gates has spent over 25 years changing the world through philanthropy, first as the founder and co-chair of the Gates Foundation and now as the head of Pivotal Ventures, an organization dedicated to women’s empowerment and social progress. Why focus on women? “Because when you lift up women, you lift up humanity,” said Gates.
Gloria Feldt and her organization, Take The Lead, are on a mission: to help women of all diversities and intersectionalities take their fair and equal share of leadership positions across all sectors by 2025. She hopes to accomplish this through the extraordinary training, mentoring, coaching, and thought leadership she provides.
Before Take The Lead, Feldt served as president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, one of the world’s largest providers of reproductive health services. Leadership isn’t new to her, and with Take The Lead, she’s equipping women with the skills they need to similarly step up and take charge.
An advocate, educator, and writer, Morénike Giwa Onaiwu has built a career fighting for intersectional justice, human rights, and true inclusion. As a nonbinary and disabled person of color, Giwa Onaiwu (she/they) brings a unique and much-needed perspective to public service.
With an impact reaching across the globe, Giwa Onaiwu served as a public appointee on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Center, co-chaired the Global Community Advisory Board for HIV clinical research, and co-chaired the Women’s HIV Research Collaborative of the Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination. We could keep going, but their extensive advocacy work can hardly be summed up in a single paragraph.
All of these women have done the seemingly impossible, using every resource at their disposal—wealth, knowledge, and connections—to create real change in their communities and beyond.
Want to follow in their footsteps? The clearest path is to earn a Master of Public Administration (MPA). And if you’re serious about making an impact in social work, The University of Texas Permian Basin is worth considering. After all, two of the leaders on this list, Gloria Feldt and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, are alumni of our University.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online MPA program can be completed wherever it’s convenient for you. Throughout our online program, you’ll learn how to make a splash in the nonprofit sector, exploring such topics as public policy, budgeting, and personnel administration.
Whether you’re interested in addressing issues in public education, the nonprofit sector, or the healthcare industry, our online MPA program can help you achieve your goals. Visit our program page to learn more. When you’re ready, apply to UTPB’s online MPA program.
Sources:
https://www.pcma.org/how-human-rights-lawyer-amal-clooney-uses-platform-change/#:~:text=Clooney%20has%20worked%20as%20Counsel,experts%20on%20public%20international%20law.
https://www.forbes.com/profile/laurene-powell-jobs
https://www.forbes.com/profile/mackenzie-scott
https://gloriafeldt.com/about/
https://awnnetwork.org/directory/morenike-giwa-onaiwu/
Anyone in a position of power can face ethical dilemmas. Effectively handling these challenges is central to maintaining a career and the respect of your employer—particularly when your employer is the tax-paying public, and you’re spending their money.
Here we’ll discuss some of the ethical concerns public administrators may face. We’ll also provide some suggested strategies that can benefit both the public and your personal career longevity.
Identifying and addressing corrupt, fraudulent, or otherwise unethical behavior may be one of the most difficult duties a public administrator has, but it’s also among the most crucial.
Strategies
A public administrator may encounter situations in which their personal interests or relationships conflict with their professional duties.
Strategies
At times a public administrator may have to answer to the public for actions that they or members of their department took.
Strategies
A public administrator builds trust through transparency, but there are some instances when confidential information must be protected.
Strategies
It’s common for a public administrator to have to allocate limited resources among various competing needs and groups.
Strategies
A public administrator may have to implement policies that conflict with their personal beliefs or values.
Strategies
If you have a public leadership role in mind, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Master of Public Administration (MPA) provides an opportunity to build the skills and knowledge you’ll need to excel in the public and nonprofit sectors—or move from one to the other.
Our program curriculum empowers you with the management savvy to address organizational challenges and policy questions with practical, proficient, ethical, legal, and politically astute approaches, all while advancing your fundamental goal of serving the public interest.
If you’re passionate about ethics, you may be interested in these online MPA program courses:
Our program provides a significant number of advantages that we encourage you to compare to other MPA programs:
Master’s degree holders aged 25 and older enjoy steadier employment and greater compensation potential compared to individuals with a bachelor’s degree alone.
Want to know more? See where graduates of this UTPB MPA program are working, as well as career options and salaries associated with this degree.
Ready to apply? Get started here.
Sources:
https://www.aspanet.org/ASPA/ASPA/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics.aspx
https://www.doi.gov/ethics/basic-obligations-of-public-service
https://medium.com/@armybratiasacademy06/the-crucial-role-of-ethics-in-public-administration-1088ab45b37a
Once upon a time, renewing your driver’s license meant sacrificing a precious half-day off work, enduring the chaos of an overcrowded Department of Motor Vehicles, and patiently awaiting your turn as they called out your name. You’d then go through the ritual of proving your identity with a physical ID and completing a cumbersome paper-based application. Fortunately, those days have made way for more streamlined digital solutions.
Despite these advancements, certain aspects of government operations still lag in the digital age. Shockingly, only a mere 2% of government forms have transitioned to digital formats, resulting in inefficiencies and decreased accessibility. Additionally, a staggering 45% of government websites remain incompatible with mobile devices.
As our government’s public administrators endeavor to keep pace with the ever-evolving technological landscape, it’s crucial to consider the numerous benefits that a comprehensive digital transformation could bring to their administrative processes.
A digital transformation aims to provide more transparent and citizen-centric services at the local and national levels. This encompasses a spectrum of initiatives, from deploying smart infrastructure solutions such as intelligent transportation systems and smart grids to digitizing social welfare programs for easier access by those in need.
This shift from paper-based procedures to digital platforms not only enhances the experience for citizens nationwide but also empowers public administrators to adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital environment.
With the adoption of digital processes, citizens and public administration personnel alike can benefit from the following advantages:
Thanks to online portals and mobile apps, several government services have become easier for users to access, whether you’re paying taxes or applying for healthcare benefits. Rather than going to an in-person location, you can complete many of these tasks from the comfort of your home with the help of a Wi-Fi connection and a mobile device or computer.
Not only are certain government-related processes easier to complete, they’re also much more efficient than their paper-based counterparts. Digitization creates automated workflows and reduces the amount of data entry needed to complete simple tasks. Plus, storing data on the cloud gives public administrators real-time access to documents, allowing them to make informed decisions at a quicker pace.
With more information and records available online, the public has increased access to government data, such as budgets, spending, and ongoing policy updates. This transparency between citizens and the government can foster trust and empower citizens to become more active in democratic processes.
From a public administration standpoint, a digital transformation of processes eliminates the hoarding of information amongst departments. Instead, the digital era of interconnectivity promotes collaboration between government departments.
With so much information available at the click of a button, government officials can use advanced analytics and predictive modeling techniques to sort and analyze large amounts of data. This helps them to identify trends and predict outcomes more accurately and efficiently.
For example, incorporating more data-driven strategies could better allocate healthcare resources based on each community’s health needs or identify areas with higher crime rates.
Long gone are the days of storing hundreds of thousands of paper files, alphabetized or arranged chronologically. Instead, digital technology has streamlined numerous administrative processes in government, ranging from record-keeping to document retrieval.
With the help of workflow management systems and electronic document management, government officials can collaborate, coordinate, and communicate their tasks to one another more efficiently.
Other benefits of streamlining public administration processes include:
At The University of Texas Permian Basin, you can elevate your career in public administration with our Master of Public Administration program. This comprehensive 36-credit program is offered entirely online, catering to the needs of busy working professionals who are eager to advance in the public or nonprofit sector.
Recognizing the diverse landscape of public administration, we provide flexibility by offering 15 credits of elective courses. This allows you to tailor your education to align with your professional goals and interests. Our robust course list enables you to refine your skills with specialized offerings, such as:
But the advantages don’t stop there. As a virtual student, you’ll enjoy:
Take the first step towards unlocking your potential in public administration. Apply today!
Sources:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2023/09/22/why-the-american-people-deserve-a-digital-government/
https://www.usaspending.gov/
https://www.congress.gov/help/find-bills-by-subject
“Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire”
—Thomas Keneally, paraphrased from the Talmud
Imagine if you could solve the world’s problems with a wave of your hand. Like magic, you could reform melted glaciers, shelter the country’s stray animals, and provide free meals to school children.
Sadly, the world’s problems can’t be fixed so easily.
Humanitarians are better able to create change by focusing on one specific area of need. That’s why The University of Texas Permian Basin developed an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program with three optional focus areas:
Choosing a focus area allows students the opportunity to tailor their degree to their interests, ensuring their time and energy (not to mention tuition) are spent on topics that align with their career goals.
Nonprofit organizations like the American Red Cross, Feeding America, and the Humane Society of the United States engage with communities to further social causes. Nonprofits are funded by grants, fundraising, and donations specifically devoted to accomplishing a mission rooted in a public or social benefit.
Nonprofit employment has also grown by 33% since 2006. To put that into perspective, the for-profit sector grew by only 9% during that time. If you’re looking for a career in the nonprofit sector, you’re going to find plenty of opportunities.
Students in this focus area gain in-depth knowledge crucial for nonprofit management, exploring such topics as public engagement, managerial decision-making, marketing concepts, and financial management. Available courses include:
The U.S. public school system has been marred by controversy, to say the least. Every week, there seems to be a headline about a school district banning books or a politician attacking educators to rile their base. Along with administrators, teachers, and staff, public school students need champions willing to fight for a safe, effective learning environment.
Will you be that champion? Choose our Education focus area and you’ll have the opportunity to enroll in:
Student learning outcomes outline the knowledge needed to promote student success. Throughout these courses, students develop the capacity to fulfill administrative responsibilities in an honest, fair, and ethical manner. Above all, students learn how to collaborate with families and stakeholders and mobilize community resources to realize a shared vision.
Healthcare is a critical yet vulnerable system. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, once celebrated as essential workers, are under as much pressure as ever—and there’s no indication that the pressure will let up. Public administrators in the healthcare sector can champion these essential workers, ensuring they have the resources their patients need.
Apply to our online MPA program with a Healthcare focus and enroll in:
Through this focus area, you’ll acquire a profound understanding of accounting, finance, marketing, information systems, and human resources management within the healthcare sector. We’ve developed this focus area to prepare you for the managerial, policy, and healthcare issues you’ll likely encounter early in your career. Learn what it takes to ensure doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals receive the resources they need to deliver high-quality healthcare.
Seven core courses, each 3 credit hours in length, are designed to set students up for success in all areas of public administration. Analytical techniques, personnel administration, and public budgeting are only some of the essential topics covered in these required courses. Students can expect to cultivate career skills as well as soft skills highly sought after within the public administration sectors.
Students pursuing an education, nonprofit, or healthcare focus will take three courses in their focus area, which will count toward their five-course elective requirement. After, students will need to select two additional courses (6 credit hours in total). Students may enroll in courses from other focus areas, such as School Law, Healthcare Management, or Innovation in Public and Nonprofit Organizations. However, other UT Permian Basin courses from our course catalog may be acceptable.
The benefits of our online Master of Public Administration program extend far beyond our focus areas. Entirely online, our program offers the flexibility you need to pursue your degree without putting your life on hold. (Good luck trying to find a graduate student without personal or professional commitments.)
UT Permian Basin, and by extension its online MPA program, is accredited by the prestigious Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Our program is led by an experienced team of educators, each of whom has years of experience in public administration. If you want to give back to your community, our online program offers the prestigious education and degree you need to make a difference.
Apply today to our online MPA program!
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/nonprofit-organization
Earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA) is indicative of a professional’s understanding of administrative ethics, organizational management, and political processes. Aspiring public servants need little convincing to pursue this graduate degree, but choosing an MPA program—that’s a different story.
A flexible MPA program, like the one offered by The University of Texas Permian Basin, offers numerous benefits to students interested earning their degree online—particularly the freedom to choose when, where, and in some cases, what to study. Here are the benefits we think are most important to aspiring MPA students.
Online MPA programs allow students to complete coursework on their own time and at their own pace, which can be especially helpful for anyone who works full-time or has other commitments that make it difficult to attend classes in-person.
Course assignments do have due dates, but when you attend classes online, you can manage your time as you see fit. Maybe you work full-time and want to review a lecture on your lunchbreak, or maybe you’re a parent who wants to spend time with your family before settling down to catch up on assigned readings. A flexible online MPA program works with your schedule, no matter how hectic it may be.
There’s no “correct” way to earn an MPA. Some students prefer the rigid structure of a traditional classroom, while others like to catch up on the week’s readings while enjoying a glass of wine in the bath.
A study of online learning in higher education looked at 104 studies conducted between 2013 and 2019. Among other key findings, researchers concluded that a student’s work ethic was a greater predictor of academic success than the format (online, in-person, or hybrid) of their classes. Student satisfaction came down to personal preference for one setting rather than dislike of another.
If you’ve excelled as an on-campus student, there’s no reason to believe you can’t do the same as a distance learner. You may even prefer learning in an online classroom, where you can revisit lectures and discussions until you’ve mastered a public administration concept. Conversely, you can work ahead if you’re on a roll and want to give yourself some breathing room in later weeks—if you’re planning a vacation, for instance.
Many universities are like palaces: a sprawling campus of academic buildings, green spaces, and recreation centers that fan out from a quad. Colleges and universities can provide a much-needed second home to students. But all of those campus amenities, from multi-million-dollar sports facilities to the fluorescent lighting in a classroom, come with a price tag.
Consider, for a moment, that the average cost of a master’s degree program is $31,046. Most two-year master’s degree programs can cost anywhere between $44,000 and $57,000, which includes the cost of non-tuition expenses, such as transportation and housing.
At UT Permian Basin, the total estimated cost of our online MPA program is less than $15,000. Our online program, with its virtual classroom, has less overhead than your typical on-campus MPA program, so we’re able to pass on the savings to you.
Online MPA programs aren’t limited by classroom sizes and can therefore offer a wider range of courses than on-campus programs. For example, students in our online program can satisfy their elective requirements with MPA courses or a variety of courses offered by other online programs at our University, including:
By choosing your electives, you can align your curriculum to your professional interests. Core courses will teach you to tackle organizational issues in a practical, ethical, and politically savvy manner, but electives will prepare you for the challenges and opportunities you’re sure to encounter on your specific career path.
We hope we’ve helped you better understand the benefits of a flexible MPA program. By pursuing your MPA online, you’ll be able to save money and pursue your interests while studying in your ideal learning environment. We have no doubt that you’ll do well as a graduate student, regardless of the setting. If, however, an online program appeals to you, consider earning your MPA from UT Permian Basin.
UT Permian Basin’s Online MPA Program
Our online MPA program boasts all the benefits listed above and then some. This 36-credit program offers an accelerated study in public and nonprofit service. In as little as one year, you can graduate with a prestigious degree and a deeper understanding of:
At UT Permian Basin, we’ll give you everything you need to excel in our online classroom, but when it comes to when and where you study, we leave that entirely up to you. Apply to UT Permian Basin if you think our flexible MPA program is right for you.
Did you know there are an estimated 1.3 million charitable nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in the United States? Considering this figure, and the diversity of organizations that fit under the nonprofit banner, it’s fair to say the impact of nonprofits on communities is significant. Let’s break that down into specifics by outlining some of the ways nonprofits help communities. Some of them may even surprise you!
Before we dive into the benefits of nonprofits, let’s first briefly define the term. According to FoundationList.org, a nonprofit is an organization that is “not operating primarily to make a profit” but “focuses on furthering a social cause or a shared goal or mission.” Any money a nonprofit takes in is not paid to shareholders but instead goes to supporting the organization itself and its cause. For these reasons, the IRS gives such organizations tax-exempt status. Nonprofits are funded through corporate contributions, donations, grants, and bequests.
You too can make an impact on your community through a career in the nonprofit or public sector, and earning the right credentials is a great way to start. If you hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and meet all the other program requirements, we invite you to apply to our online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program.
During our program, you’ll master personnel administration, public budgeting, ethics, public policy, research, data analysis, and other theoretical and practical aspects of community leadership. Equipped with your MPA, you’ll be poised to launch a nonprofit or public sector career, move between the two fields, or advance in your current role.
Consider the advantages of our MPA program:
Did those advantages capture your attention? You may also be surprised to learn just how marketable an MPA is. This degree will help you excel in fields including:
In addition to expanding your professional options in a variety of rewarding careers, our MPA can give you a salary boost and increase your likelihood of staying employed. According to a report published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), master’s degree holders’ median earnings are about 18% higher than those of bachelor’s degree holders. The same BLS report shows individuals with a master’s degree experience higher rates of employment than individuals with a bachelor’s degree alone.
Learn how to make a greater impact on your community and your own future alongside the experts. Apply to our online MPA program today!
“I guarantee you will discover that while public service improves the lives and the world around you, its greatest reward is the enrichment and new meaning it will bring your own life.”
—Arnold Schwarzenegger
So many kids dream of exploring the deep reaches of space as an astronaut, running into a burning building as a firefighter, or protecting the innocent as a police officer. While many go on to other pursuits, some persevere and realize their dream of serving others as a public servant.
Public servants occupy so many critical roles in our society that defining and showcasing what they do is a challenge. But that won’t stop us from trying. Here’s an in-depth look at public service, what it means to be a public servant, and the opportunities that await anyone looking to make a difference in the world.
A public service is a resource offered by local, state, and federal governments. Whenever someone hops on a bus, picks up their mail, or checks out a book at their local library, they’re relying on these essential services. Other examples include:
Public services are critical to a functioning society (who can deny a person’s right to clean air and running water?) and are therefore available to all citizens. A prime example of public service in action is the National Park Service, which preserves over 85 million acres of scenic trails, historic sites, and recreation areas for families to enjoy.
Governments do sometimes work with private businesses in what are known as public-private partnerships when it facilitates the delivery of essential programs, but there are fundamental differences between private and public services. Public services are designed to meet the needs of community members rather than turn a profit — although working within a budget does quiet naysayers. Consequently, public servants must approach their work from a unique perspective if they’re to help an agency achieve its goals.
A public servant, or civil servant, fulfills a critical role in government agencies by delivering public programs and services and assisting leaders in policymaking. They’re expected to steward government funds, perform their duties with integrity, and, above all, prioritize the needs of others. Though often selfless in nature, public servants can still enjoy quite a few perks.
The U.S. government is the largest, most stable employer in the nation, with over 18 million workers on government payroll in 2021. On top of job security, public servants enjoy competitive wages and unbeatable benefits, including vacation days, paid federal holidays, health insurance, and retirement plans.
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program forgives any remaining student debt after a person has worked 10 years or more in public service. To qualify, professionals must be employed full-time by a public or non-profit organization and have made 120 qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan. Public servants pursuing college degrees can rest easy knowing they’ll only have student loan debt for a short while.
Public servants enjoy high-paying, stable careers, but nothing compares to the feeling of getting out of bed every day looking forward to work, knowing you’re going to be making a difference in the lives of others. Don’t be surprised if you love every minute of public service.
A lifelong career and lifetime of fulfillment await anyone who devotes themselves to public service. While there are numerous opportunities, however, the most rewarding roles are reserved for strategic thinkers with a passion for giving back to their community.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers three online programs ideal for aspiring and current public servants. Composed of comprehensive curriculum and led by experts in their respective fields, our online programs provide the knowledge and skills needed to advance in the public sector. They are:
These programs are 100% online, allowing you to study wherever and whenever you choose. Within our virtual classroom, you’ll find the flexible and supportive learning environment you need to succeed in your studies. Revisit course material or work ahead if you have some spare time. At UT Permian Basin, you control the pace of your education.
Ready to pursue a higher calling? Visit our program pages to learn more about what UT Permian Basin has to offer, and when you’re ready, apply to the program of your choice.
Sources:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227444808_On_Equity_in_Providing_Public_Services
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-are-public-services
https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2009/11/matters
If you’re considering a career in the public sector, there are many directions you can take. The public sector is a broad term encompassing government, education, law enforcement, military, nonprofit, and other subsectors. Your choice will be governed primarily by a combination of your interests, credentials, and qualifications. Your interests are up to you. We’re here to help you with the credentials and qualifications.
No matter what stage of a public sector career you may be in—aspiring to enter the field for the first time or ready to advance within your current role—The University of Texas Permian Basin has an online program that will prepare you to take that next step. Each of our programs enables you to maintain your professional and personal commitments with 24/7 online access from anywhere in the world.
Let’s look at a few of these programs and related positions now.
A bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice studies explores the various components of our criminal justice system and includes a broad range of general education courses to expand your knowledge of math, English, history, communication, and politics. If you’re considering a career in the criminal justice field, this type of bachelor’s degree provides an ideal starting point.
Our online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies degree is geared toward those who wish to work in roles such as:
Other advantages of this program:
Once you’ve earned a criminal justice-related bachelor’s degree and have begun a criminal justice career, a master’s degree program can provide the advanced knowledge and credentials that many agencies require for promotion to leadership positions with higher earning potential.
Our online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration degree is geared toward those who work in areas such as:
Other advantages of this program:
If you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and have three or more years of full-time professional work experience, you can also pursue a public sector career by earning a master’s degree in public administration. This program is designed to help aspiring public and nonprofit professionals begin a career or move up to a more rewarding new phase of their current career.
Our online Master of Public Administration degree is geared toward those who wish to work in fields such as:
Other advantages of this program:
All of these programs feature the same rigorous curriculum used in campus-based classes and are taught by the same field-experienced faculty. High quality doesn’t translate to high cost, however. Our competitive tuition rates are among the most affordable available from any regionally accredited university of our stature.
University degrees offer the potential for greater earnings and job security, according to data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Bachelor’s degree holders’ median earnings are approximately 38% higher than those of associate degree holders and 48% higher than those who have not yet earned a college degree. Master’s degree holders earn about 18% more than bachelor’s degree holders. BLS data also shows that as an individual’s education level rises, their likelihood of unemployment decreases. The financial benefits of earning an undergraduate or graduate degree are considerable!
The best degrees for your public sector career are all right here and offered 100% online from UT Permian Basin.
There’s at least one thing liberals and conservatives have in common: They care how their government spends their tax dollars. Facing intense pressure from all sides, the public sector is always innovating in the hopes of delivering effective, efficient services. As part of this effort, public and nonprofit organizations often adopt the competitive structure, culture, and management practices of private businesses. However, public sector innovation may benefit more from collaboration than competition.
Public-sector innovation is a process through which “problems are defined; new ideas are developed and combined; prototypes and pilots are designed, tested, and redesigned; and new solutions are implemented, diffused, and problematized.” In this context, innovation is disruptive, breaking down barriers such as political oppositions, and leading to the adoption of new technologies and approaches. Improving an existing solution is not enough. To solve emerging and evolving problems, public and nonprofit organizations must be in a constant state of change.
While innovation is not a cure-all—integrated planning, resource allocation, and service improvements are all just as important—it can help governments make the most of limited resources. Here are several innovations that are transforming public and non-profit organizations.
Web 2.0 tools provide numerous ways for governments to engage with the public—with admittedly mixed results. Twitter has become a go-to platform for politicians looking to rile up their bases. However, after an earthquake, hurricane, or other crisis, this same platform is used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to gather real-time emergency information from community members that inform response efforts. Social media platforms, along with blogs, wikis, crowdsourcing, and other Web 2.0 tools, allow agencies to promote transparency while encouraging people to participate and collaborate in improving public services.
Co-production is a process in which government and non-government organizations collaborate to improve public services. For example, health departments performed contact tracing at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, engaging with communities to provide them with the resources and services they needed. Licensed healthcare professionals were later asked to volunteer to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in their communities. New, creative solutions emerge when people with different perspectives and experiences are brought together, and it’s yet another example of how collaboration breeds innovation.
Public organizations may not operate like businesses, but they can reduce costs and manage risks by forming public-private partnerships (P3s). The U.S. happens to be one of the largest—if not the largest—P3 market in the world for infrastructure projects, and there are countless opportunities across the country for for-profit firms to take on a project’s design, construction, and maintenance. Minority- and women-owned businesses are often given priority during the procurement process, helping to foster a collaborative, innovative environment.
Achieving goals while operating within a budget is a priority for any public entity, but unlike private businesses, public institutions aren’t driven by profits. They exist for the sole benefit of citizens, delivering services like healthcare, infrastructure, public transit, and public education. Although red tape can be counterproductive, bureaucracy can actually promote innovation by safeguarding against waste, instability, and corruption. Policies can be rewritten. A risk-averse private business that favors short-term profits over creativity and collaboration? That can be a harder problem to solve.
Not everyone has access to public services, especially healthcare. About 20% of the U.S. population live in rural areas and tend to have higher rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, and unintentional injury than their urban counterparts. Numerous factors contribute to the poor health outcomes of rural Americans, but the fact that only 11% of physicians practice in these areas doesn’t help. Telehealth has increased access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas, but government agencies must continue innovating if they are to provide equal access to these and other essential public services.
The innovations we’ve discussed offer a glimpse at the focus of the UT Permian Basin course Innovation in Public and Nonprofit Organizations. This online course exposes students to innovative tools and practices, exploring such topics as performance measurement, collaborative innovation, and social entrepreneurship. By engaging with online lectures and discussions, students gain a deeper understanding of public-sector innovation in preparation for careers in emergency, financial, human resource, and public relations management, among others.
Innovation in Public and Nonprofit Organizations is offered as part of our online Master of Public Administration program. This 36-credit online program prepares students for leadership roles in public administration by teaching them how to address challenges in a practical, ethical, and politically savvy manner. In as little as one year, students can graduate with a career-enhancing graduate credential and an expanded skill set that will help ensure their success in fields including criminal justice, fine arts, healthcare, human services, public safety, or transportation.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s MPA program is entirely online and features asynchronous elements, allowing you to pursue your master’s degree while you continue to work, care for your family, and balance your personal and professional life. We also offer a variety of elective courses, such as Marketing Management, Healthcare Management, and Cultural Diversity in Education and the Social Sciences, so you can gear your studies toward your professional interests. At UT Permian Basin, every measure has been taken to offer you an online MPA program with as much value as possible.
Apply to our online MPA program now to pursue your graduate degree alongside other aspiring leaders in professional administration.
Sources:
https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/4908005/mod_resource/content/1/A11-Collaborative%20Innovation.pdf
https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/governance/fostering-innovation-in-the-public-sector_9789264270879-en#page13
https://www.oecd.org/media/oecdorg/satellitesites/stie-outlook/files/policyprofile/STI%20Outlook%2012_%20PP%20Actors_Public%20Sector%20Innovation.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0740624X1300083X
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Social-Media-EM_0913-508_0.pdf