Public administrators typically work within government agencies or nonprofit organizations and provide valuable services to their communities. A career in public administration may involve managing programs, people, and budgets, and professionals are often involved in the development and implementation of legislation and policies surrounding education, criminal justice, and economic growth.Job opportunities in this field are abundant, and many graduates of public administration programs go on to become research analysts, government aides, city managers, political scientists, and program managers. The industry is expected to grow in coming years, and an increasing number of colleges and universities are now offering degree programs for a bachelor's or master's in public administration online, making this career path an attractive one for working students looking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Online Public Administration Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $9,979 | 18.97% | 2 years | $29,800 | $42,400 | Not reported |
| Bachelor's | $17,448 | 10.73% | 4 years | $40,600 | $62,700 | 6.1% |
| Master's | $18,840 | 8.4% | 2 years | $47,100 | $77,100 | Not reported |
The average salary in the field of public administration increases with the higher level of degree earned. Individuals with more advanced degrees are also able to explore a broader variety of career options. Many public administration jobs are available to those with a BPA alone, while earning an MPA online (achievable with an additional two-year commitment at a comparable cost to the BPA) provides the tools needed for public administrators to advance to upper-level management positions and an average $6,500 salary increase.
Online Public Administration Degrees
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Online Public Administration Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administrator | $104,920 | -2% | 6200 |
| Administrative Director | $83,790 | 8% | 287300 |
| Mayor | $102,750 | 6% | 2467000 |
| Public Safety Director | $64,360 | 6% | 10500 |
| City Public Relations Manager | $55,680 | 6% | 240700 |
Online Public Administration Professional Requirements
Students pursuing a public administration degree can further advance their professional skills and career prospects by earning certification. While there are no certifications specifically catered to those in the public administration field, there are several related certifications available which individuals may consider applicable to their overall career goals.
Certified Public Manager
The Certified Public Manager (CPM) program is a nationally accredited leadership development program which consists of classroom instruction, at-home assignments, application projects, and examinations. Specific application requirements and scheduling vary from program to program, but all require a minimum of 300 hours of training in order to enhance students' leadership skills, personal effectiveness, and to promote the creation of innovative solutions in the public administration field. As an added incentive, CPM participants may also be able to earn credit toward an MPA online program or other college degree plan for their completion of the program.
Joining the American Society for Public Administration
Formed in 1939, the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is the largest professional association for public administrators. The ASPA offers varying levels of paid memberships, including memberships designed specifically for students, new professionals, or seasoned professionals, whether in the United States or abroad. Through the Chapters and Sections of the association, ASPA members are given the opportunity to become involved in local public administration communities, attend conferences, participate in professional development activities, and receive exclusive publications on public administration throughout the year. The benefits of an ASPA membership provide the keys to efficient networking and career advancement.