Best Master of Public Administration Programs

There is not one specific major that is required for entrance to an MPA program. Programs that prefer or encourage students to already hold a graduate degree, may consider master's degrees in areas such as accountancy, international economics, finance, engineering, business administration, and more to qualify for the MPA. It may be more common for applicants with only a bachelor's degree to already have a background in public administration or other related areas in management or the public sector.

Admissions requirements for MPA degree programs vary between schools. Usually, applicants need to hold at least a bachelor's degree, but some programs require students to hold a graduate degree or have taken a handful of graduate-level courses in a quantitative subject, such as financial management, economics, mathematics, physical science, or international business. It is also fairly common for these degree programs to require applicants to have at least 3 years of professional work experience, but some programs count internship experience as well. Typically, applicants are required to submit their GRE or GMAT scores, as well as English-proficiency test scores for international students. Other possible application materials for MPA programs include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, essays, and video essays.

There are several different factors to consider when choosing an MPA program that is unique to the field. For instance, students could begin by searching for an MPA program that offers a particular concentration of interest, or additional learning options, such as dual degree or graduate certificate options. These concentrations or learning options can help students more closely prepare for their desired careers. Students should also consider if a program provides any additional hands-on learning experiences through internships or capstone projects that can help prepare students for the real world. Finally, students should think about logistics, such as financial aid availability and program format. For example, many programs are only offered full-time, but some students may need a part-time program or an online program for flexibility.

Students in any field should always look to earn their degree from an accredited institution, as this looks the best to employers and also allows students to accept financial aid. Many schools that offer MPA programs are regionally accredited by different organizations, such as the Higher Learning Commission, which means that all available programs, no matter the level or subject, have met general academic standards for quality. However, some levels of programs in different fields sometimes hold an additional level of accreditation, typically from a subject-specific organization. In the case of public administration, there are some MPA programs that are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). This means that the program has met additional academic standards more specific to the field of public affairs and administration, which may be preferred by or stand out to some employers.

The curriculum for MPA degree programs is unique to different institutions. These programs can range between 48 and 64 credits of coursework and commonly take between 21 and 24 months to complete. Students typically take some core courses, including courses focused on policy, and then some concentration courses and/or elective courses. Depending on the program, students may complete a culminating experience of some kind and hands-on learning opportunities. It is also fairly common for schools to offer the opportunity to earn a concurrent degree in areas such as law, social work, or public health. Read on to explore the curriculum in greater detail.

Public Administration Foundational Courses

Depending on the setup of the program, students may take up to 9 core courses in the field of public administration. Often, these courses are broken up into some major categories, and students can pick from a few different course options. This allows students to individualize their degrees to better fit their personal career goals. Several MPA degrees conclude with a capstone experience that commonly requires students to complete a final project that helps them apply the skills and knowledge they have learned to solving a problem and preparing for real-world scenarios. Some students complete their capstone with a professional portfolio of their work, which can be used while searching for jobs. Although it varies by school, students may take core public administration courses in areas such as:

• Public policy
• Financial management
• Policymaking
• Economics
• Quantitative analysis
• Management and leadership
• Public ethics and public institutions

Public Administration Specialist & Elective Courses

In addition to the core courses for an MPA, students typically take some elective courses or have the option to choose a program option, major, or concentration that gives students the chance to more narrowly focus their studies. There are at least a couple of programs that include a policy concentration and may allow students to choose a policy concentration and an additional area of specialty. While the names and available concentrations vary by school, some concentration areas for MPA programs include:

• International development
• Public financial management
• Social policy
• International security policy
• Energy and environment
• International conflict resolution
• Urban affairs and planning
• Public and nonprofit management

Licensure & Certification in Public Administration

Due to the diverse job options for those with a master's degree in public administration, licensure and certification requirements vary greatly by position. Depending on the career, some certifications are optional but help demonstrate a professional's expertise in the field. For example, budget analysts may pursue the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) credential from the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) if they work for the local, state, or federal government or human resources managers may earn certification from groups such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). Other positions can have certifications that are required. For instance, some states require emergency management directors to have professional certification after being hired for a position.

There are several MPA programs that require an internship experience. Sometimes, this experience is in addition to a capstone experience. Depending on the program, the internship can require between 120 and 300 hours of hands-on experience. Usually, students choose an internship experience with an approved organization, but some schools offer these approved internship experiences with organizations located all over the world. These internships can be non-research related. Some programs only allow students to complete their internship during the fall or summer semesters, so students may need to plan around their internship options. Some schools also provide internships in specific areas of public administration that align with available concentrations, such as policy research and analysis, urban affairs and planning, and energy and environment.

Those who want to continue their education beyond the master's level can pursue a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration. Some of these degree programs are available in online formats and can be completed in as little as 2.5 years. Depending on the program, students may be able to focus their studies in different areas of the field, such as public policy, health policy, urban policy, management, and more.

A public administration degree is very flexible in nature and can be applied to a wide range of careers in various areas of the field. Students can often choose from management-focused positions or those that are more technical in nature. For instance, graduates may choose between an HR manager vs. an HR business partner or become a community association manager or city manager over becoming a city planner. There are also positions available in public administration that are more business-focused, research-focused, or people-focused. Graduates with their MPA can work in all types of settings, including the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. They can work in a range of industries as well, including the government, consulting, law enforcement, public affairs, waste management, and more. While it is by no means an exhaustive list, some available job titles for graduates include:

• Budget analyst
• Political scientist
• Human resources manager
• Emergency management director
• Urban and regional planner
• Operations research analyst
• Economist
• Financial manager

Job Outlook for a Master's in Public Administration

Overall, the job outlook for graduates with their MPA is positive. The flexibility of the degree and advanced skills and knowledge obtained throughout the program usually qualifies students for an array of positions, which increases job prospects. Although job outlooks vary by position, industry, location, and other factors, overall, there are several careers for graduates with their MPA that have positive outlooks. For example, budget analysts were reported as having a job outlook of 3% from 2019 to 2029 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This outlook is as fast as the average and equates to 1,900 new positions over the decade. Some positions have even greater outlooks, such as political scientists with a job outlook of 6% over the decade, which is faster than the national average.

How to Become a Budget Analyst

Depending on the employer, some may prefer budget analysts who have a master's degree, but in general, these analysts need to have at least a bachelor's degree. Budget analysts can have backgrounds in several different subjects, including public administration, business, or finance. It is beneficial for budget analysts to have prior coursework in areas such as economics, statistics, and accounting. Professional certification for the field is available for those working in the government and requires passing an exam. Continuing education is required to maintain certification.

Budget analysts help organizations prepare and manage their budgets. This often requires combining departments' budgets, analyzing budget proposals, and monitoring the various spending in the organization. Budget analysts also commonly ensure that budgets and proposals comply with current rules and regulations. They usually stay in contact with managers to keep them updated on the status of the budget and can help organizations plan for their financial future. As of 2019, the BLS stated that budget analysts made a median annual salary of $76,540.

How to Become a Political Scientist

Political scientists typically need to hold a master's or PhD in fields such as political science, public administration, or other closely related areas. Work and internship experiences are often needed for these programs, and students commonly specialize in a particular area of interest. Students should take courses in areas such as statistics, policy formation, program evaluation, and more. Those with only a bachelor's degree may be limited to entry-level positions or some government positions.

Political scientists analyze and study governments, political systems, policies, and other similar subject matters. Some of these professionals focus on particular areas, such as American issues, while others focus on foreign relations. Political scientists examine current events, try to predict trends, and examine the effects of laws or policies on different factors, including people and governments. Typically, political scientists publish their findings in articles or presentations. According to the BLS, as of 2019, political scientists made a median annual salary of $122,220.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in the financial aid process to help students secure funding for their postsecondary education. The FAFSA searches federal and state grant and loan options to see what all a particular student qualifies for. Students can also apply for various types of grants or scholarships to help cover the remaining costs. These awards are usually available from schools that offer the program of interest and professional organizations related to the subject area. In the case of public administration, several universities that offer MPA programs also offer financial aid options, including:

• Harvard University- Students in Harvard University's MPA program can secure funding from several different sources, including former employers, philanthropic foundations, private organizations, and more. The Harvard Kennedy School Fellowships are also available to students in the Kennedy School, which houses the MPA program. A couple of these fellowships, including the Presidential Scholarships, Public Service Fellowships, and Dean's and Kennedy Fellowships consider students automatically upon admission.
• University of Pittsburgh- The University of Pittsburgh's MPA program is housed in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), which offers several merit-based scholarships. Students can compete for the Alumni Fellowship (the most prestigious with full tuition for 2 years), Wolfson Fellowship, or Adam W. Herbert Award.