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What is Public Administration?

Public administration is an area of study and occupation that deals with the management and oversight of public organizations and facilities. Individuals working in this field typically deal with day to day operational concerns, budget development and management, employee relations, project oversight and implementation, and any number of other tasks associated with public, (government operated) facilities and organizations. Individuals may also work with non-governmental, non-profit organizations, which typically function in a similar manner, also dealing with public policy issues and attempting to change public perception or to educate regarding a specific issues related to the organization or office.

Issues affecting public policy and lawmaking often require input from public administrators, particularly if the organization is responsible for the gathering of resources and information relevant to the law at hand, and as a result individuals in this field must be educated and prepared, understanding both research methodology and information collection while maintaining standard office practice within budget.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$70,820

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

47.67%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

5800

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Public Administration Degree

Harvard University, a private research university, in one of the nation’s pride in delivering an innovative invention and for its rigorous intellectual lectures. Located in Cambridge, Harvard is a prestigious university known for its field of excellence and graduate programs.

Harvard University is committed to providing a good foundation for business and economics students to expand their studies and take them to another level. The university offers a flexible curriculum for Master of Public Administration, which is tailored to reflect the academic interest and personal and professional goal of each student. In addition, opportunities are provided for concurrent degrees in medicine, law and other fields, as well as opportunities for graduates of the course.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

UPenn or the University of Pennsylvania is a private research institution founded by Benjamin Franklin, located in Philadelphia. The university is 12 different schools, focusing on different disciplines and professional fields.

The University of Pennsylvania seeks to develop mature and competent students of the Public Administration program through their MPA degree. Penn’s programs for MPA include concentration in practical and specialized knowledge and experience. Its curriculum promises to provide students with the necessary tools to enable them to become future leaders and managers.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

As the fifth oldest university in the nation, Columbia University in New York City has become one of the major research centers in the world today. In its 250 years of dedication to academic excellence and progress, Columbia University has established a system that includes diversity, research centers, and advanced knowledge.

The Master of Public Administration degree in Columbia is among the university’s pride which paves to guaranteed career paths for graduates of this program in different agencies and states. Its sole goal is to enable students to develop qualitative and quantitative skills and analytical knowledge. In just 21 months of comparable and intensive study, any interested applicants who passed the University’s qualification can be awarded with a degree in MPA.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Northwestern University is a leading research institution and one of the leading leaders in American institutions of higher learning. With a graduation rate of 94%, Northwestern University’s alumni have been one of the country’s top-performers in delivering unmatched service and contribution in different fields and professions.

Any applicant who wants to build an impressive portfolio for their MPA endeavors is welcomed to be trained, guided, and educate at Northwestern University’s department for Public Administration The school offers a comparable Master’s degree for Public Administration, which is distinctive for its unique and in-depth curriculum. As a student of this course, the MPA course aims to develop your versatility in various fields and topics.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Cornell University is a top private research institution, known for its breadth of courses and research in the fields of science and art. Cornell seeks to enhance students’ knowledge in every aspect towards global progress and innovation.  Cornell’s College of Human Ecology features a department of institute for public affairs, which offers a designed curriculum in Master of Public Administration. This is a two-year postgraduate course that prepares students for leadership careers and public service management. The department provides rolling admissions so that applicants can have a flexible application timetable.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The mission of the University of Notre Dame is to advocate providing the world with a powerful force of kindness, and it has been providing and consistently committed to creating a world of excellence and compassion. It is regarded for its faith to its traditional intellectual pursuit in alignment with the Catholic church’s doctrines and teachings.

Notre Dame de Paris offers a wide range of graduate programs, including a rigorous master's degree major in public administration. NDNU’s master program have received several distinction awards and has been accredited by different recognition bodies. For any applicant seeking to experience the MPA program, the admission process should be completed and passed, which includes submitting an application, filling out forms, transcripts, and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

It is founded in 1789 by John Carrol with a motto of “Utraque Unum” or which translate to “Both into one,” and distinctive affiliation to Jesuits teachings. Georgetown University follows a semester-based academic calendar and offers first-class and first-class undergraduate and graduate programs.

At Georgetown University, applicants can expect a community of problem servers through the university’s McCourt School Public Policy. It ranks as one of the top colleges in training highly-competent and ethically-grounded leaders through its integrated programs. At research level, Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy is dedicated to cultivate a diverse community dedicated in problem-solving and incorporation of bold ideas and actions.

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

JHU or Johns Hopkins University consists of four prestigious campuses in and around Baltimore. It was established in 1876 and is currently one of the most powerful private research universities in the United States.

John Hopkins University is committed to follow trends and innovation especially in subscribing to public’s demand for service. The University’s graduate programs for Public Management highlight the fundamentals of public administration, tax and policy, and financial management. Its Master of Public Administration program is designed to be innovative and versatile, and students can also use it online.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of Southern California is proud of its diverse curriculum. Through the cooperation of its researchers and faculty, the curriculum provides a wide range of products and opportunities for interdisciplinary courses. It has always been the main institution of art, science, technology and international business.

The Sol Price School of Public Policy is one of USC’s top-notching colleges. It offers a master's degree in public administration and educates future public leaders through its partnership program, enabling students to evaluate and manage complex organizations. It is the third place accredited by the top public affairs school in the United States.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Virginia is a university with a long history and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is founded through Thomas Jefferson authorship of United States of Declaration of Independence and today’s one of the leading public research university.

The University of Virginia is a home to Frank Battens School Leadership and Public Policy is devoted to solve the world’s most complex policy and challenge. Applicants may avail a two-year, full time master program for public administration which prides itself for its unique approach and focus on the result of policy. The height of this program is an applied project policy which dares students to go beyond the theories of public policy and learn to perform professional-quality study for their future employment and careers.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Carnegie Mellon University is a private research school with a wide array of interdisciplinary programs and thrives in excellent research centers and programs. CMU is a place for curious and passionate people who like to adapt themselves and their communities to innovation and revolution by providing important work.

Students are welcomed to pursue and expand their career in public administration at CMU’s very own Heinz College for public information, management, and administration particularly enrolling to the college’s Master Science in Public Policy and Management. Heinz is happy to provide technical training to students. In addition, it is the only academy that provides management, policy and technical training for all trees schools, which makes it a reliable choice for those interested in this field.

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor is Michigan’s number 1 best college in high learning and nation’s 38th among the list of all research university in all states. The institution hopes for a better and diverse learning environment for its students through their state-of-the-art facility and highly-regarded members in its faculty.

The top ranked Public Administration degree program is accessed through UM’s Gerard R. Ford’s school of Public Policy. Students can enroll to its master program in public administration which is outstanding for its rigorous applied policy analysis. It offers two semesters and deliberately outlines the course in terms of policy, creation and analysis.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The recent Best Colleges Survey of 2021 ranks the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill at the 28th spot among the top-performing and well-regarded universities in the nation. The university, in its three over three centuries of existence, has produced alumni who have been the front runners of change and innovative thinking for the future generation.

Anyone who wants to be a public servant and solve relevant and significant public issues in both local and global fields will find a suitable home in UNC’s College of Public Administration. The program for Public administration at UNC serves a number of 60 students a year and provides a thorough full-time two-year curriculum. Excellence is valued and practiced at UNC Therefore, students in this course will learn through the college's deliberate and rigorous learning methods.

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Northeastern University incorporates and utilizes global experience into its academic system and is distinguished for its cooperative education program, global studies, and experiential activities. NU is not only a place for intensive learning and opportunities but it is a university where individuals’ identity is valued and polished.

For those who want to serve the public good, Northeastern University provides a well-tailored MPA for them. NU’s MPA has been a leader of its league since 1969 and holding the title for being the longest public administration program across New England. It is accredited and validated according to the standards of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, affairs, and Administration.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Boston University is one of the nation’s top private research university. The organization is a leader in cutting-edge planning and educational technology, and has served individuals for 150 years since its establishment.  Boston University offers a comprehensive public administration and policy curriculum, including topics related to women and politics, comparative public policy, public policy readings, and other highly relevant topics and courses. The courses are offered under BU’s Political Science Department. Interested students can avail BU’s distinctive and breadth of public policy.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Villanova University is famous for its influence from the Catholic Augustinian community. The university’s goal is to cultivate academic excellence by creating a diverse community for scholars, highlighting values and focusing on the arts and sciences.

The School of Professional Studies at Villanova University is proud of its Advanced Masters in Public Administration. The major is offered and offered in the form of a blended course, and students can also access it online. Students in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies or Bachelor of Arts program are also welcome to join the public administration major.

Acceptance Rate

28.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The New York University is a non-profit institution founded in 1831. NYU is simple in its mission. They want to attain global excellence with a top-quality international center of research and scholarship.

NYU offers a superior multidisciplinary Master program in public management and policy at NYU's School of Public Services. It is curated coursework in finance, management, policy, and optimize learning through NYU’s facility and resources. In order to be granted admission to NYU’s Wagner, applicant must comply to and passed the admission process required by the school.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University is a beacon of learning and research, with more than 16,000 students worldwide. The university is a private research institution that has been offering first-class courses since 1925.

At the University of Miami, students can register for the Master of Public Administration degree program.  This is a professional degree designed for students who are ready and provide them with necessary public service training and education. Students can expect high-quality graduate education in all three main areas of public service.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

California State Polytechnic University-San Luis Obispo is a leading polytechnic and one of the second-ranked universities in California. The California Institute of Technology (Cal Poly) is the foundation of ability and execution and aims to lead California and the world to a higher level.

CalPoly has carefully designed courses for students majoring in public administration. The course includes several courses in different fields and major subjects dealing with public services and policies. Applicants who are decided to enroll to Cal Poly’s Public Administration program shall pass and submit to the department’s requirements and mast meet the study’s standards and qualification.

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The Florida State University is a comprehensive institution and Florida’s main State University. FSU is known for its high-quality teaching methods, research standards and contributions.

Through its Askew School of Public Administration at their College of Social Science and Public Policy, FSU offers a comprehensive one of the nation’s long-standing master’s degree in Public administration and Policy. Since 1947, FSU’s Askew School provides an excellent training and education features which successfully contributed to Florida’s progress. The program thrives to promote ethical and competent leadership among its participants and learners.

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

UGA or the University of Georgia is the birthplace of outstanding and distinguished higher education in America. The institution enjoys a strong reputation, is committed to solving global problems and challenges, and provides solutions through their research and academic institutions.

The University of Georgia adheres to its commitment to respond to and respond to global and local challenges and provides well-designed courses for public administration courses. The University’s department is the leader in equipping students with the basic tools and in-depth training as future public service providers. It has first-class master's programs in the field of public administration and policy.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Providence College is a famous Catholic university and a non-profit organization. The university is recognized by the standards adopted by the New England Council of Higher Education.

The Political Science Department of Providence College has included and outlined a comprehensive major in public administration. It offers a special certificate program which concentrates in giving adequate career assistance to students of the major. At the application level, the certificate program provides students with a wealth of opportunities to pursue a career in public administration through community service and other external activities.

Acceptance Rate

47.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Through the Act of Congress, history was made that paved way to the foundation and establishment of George Washington University. GW is located at the District Columbus and reigning as the capitol’s largest and best university to date.

At GW’s Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Administration, learners of public service and leadership can experience a one-of-a-kind master programs committed to hone their skills and understandings. The school’s offerings include a variety of post graduate programs including: master of public policy, master of public administration, master in Environment Resource Policy, and PhD in Public Policy and Administration. This also includes special courses and diplomas.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Syracuse University is located in New York City and is a private research university dedicated to providing a typical university experience. Syracuse University (Syracuse University) has more than 150 years of academic services, dedicated to providing solutions, groundbreaking research results, and leaders in continuous lifelong learning and discovery in the community and the world.

Learners can complete and explore the world of Public Administration through the school's School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Under the institution's department of public administration and international affairs, a wide array of graduate programs is offered and made available to students of the same interests. The programs are tailored to meet and cater the level of students’ career and learning needs.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The State University of New York in Binghamton is a world-class state university that offers interdisciplinary courses with different levels of professional knowledge and ability. It aims to promote higher education learning in the 21st century and its unique inclusive campus community.

Students with drive and commitment to serve the public have a home to enroll at Binghamton’s Department of Public Administration. The university prides itself on its unique and diverse focus, which is not limited to local governments and non-profit organizations. In fact, graduates of Binghamton’s program for Public Administration have extended their career working for Federal agencies and branches.

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Top Public Administration Degrees

Students considering a degree in public administration need to invest time to determine which degree is best.  Determining which type of degree is best for you takes planning and organization.  To figure out which degree program is perfect for you, we highly recommend establishing a personal priority list.  A personal priority list can be established by asking yourself a series of questions found on pages 3-4 of our ultimate college guide.   Once you have a set of uniquely defined priorities, you will be able to more effectively navigate the higher education landscape and make choices that fit you best.  Below you will find a list of degree and certificate options in public administration with a simple navigate tool to connect to top colleges for you.

Certificate Programs in Public Administration

The certificate programs in public administration can be found in two forms: undergraduate and graduate.  Undergraduate degrees are designed to provide students with the essentials in the field.  Certificate programs that offer foundational knowledge and skills will help students gain entry-level positions in the field.  Graduate degrees, on the other hand, are upper-level courses created to provide qualifying students and working professionals the ability to upskill, add knowledge to their toolbox, continue growing in a particular job, or prepare for a career transition.  Certificates can last a few months up to a year depending on the design of the course and program emphasis.

Bachelor Degrees in Public Administration

Online bachelor’s degrees in public administration are 4-year programs for full-time students with the degree taking longer to earn for part-time students.  Bachelor degrees in the field are conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) given the curricular design of the degree.  Searching for bachelor degrees in public administration is a school’s course catalog you may find parallel programs in business, criminal justice, and government.  Each program will have a slightly different bent on the field of study to help shape policy and decision-making for students in the field.

Bachelor degrees blend liberal arts education with core classes.  General education courses may include classes such as communications, sociology, psychology, history, art, and creative writing.   Core classes in the field will typically cover classes such as: comparative politics, public policy, political economy, foreign policy, constitutional history, political theory, organizational behavior, managerial accounting, finance, strategic management, organizational ethics, operations management, ethics, government regulations, public finance, and budgeting.

Master Degrees in Public Administration

An online master’s degree in public administration can be conferred as a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Public Administration (MPA).  The upper-level classes in an MS or MPA program will help students with advanced competencies essential for being successful in the field.  Skills include exceptional communication skills, collaboration, negotiation skills, managing others, dealing with conflict, building partnerships, balancing budgets, and establishing complex plans.

Graduate degrees in public administration will provide students the opportunity to select an area of emphasis or earn a degree as a generalist.  Areas of concentration will vary from school to school but may include a set of common specialties.  Options for students include the following tracks: terrorism mediation, public leadership, policy analysis, nonprofit management, public leadership, local government management, law and public policy, homeland security and policy coordination, health policy, international non-governmental organizations, global leadership, criminal justice, and emergency management.

Doctorate Degrees in Public Administration

On-site or online doctorate degrees in public administration are conferred as either a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) or a PhD in Public Administration.  Both the PhD and DPA are considered terminal degrees in the field as there are no additional degrees that can be conferred beyond the doctoral degree in the field.  Much like the MS or MPA degrees, doctorate degrees in the field offer students with the opportunity to specialize in a defined area of study.  Curriculum within each program will vary substantively as the emphasis of the program shifts with varying areas of study.  Doctorate degrees will take 3-5 years to complete depending on the program and transfer credits allowed.  At the completion of the program, students will be required to complete a board-approved dissertation which will take a substantial portion of the overall program.  Dissertations are intended to provide deep insights into the field and extend the collective knowledge-base of practitioners and academia professional industry wide.

Educational Requirements for Public Administrators

A degree in public administration will prepare individuals to work in the public sector in administrative or managerial positions. Students studying public administration will learn how to operate services or agencies within a limited budget, planning for yearly expenditures and developing programs and tasks within available means. Students will study public policy, and learn how such policies can affect individuals at varying levels of government. Students will be exposed to various social sciences in order to better understand how government policies work, the processes by which decisions are made, and how to implement multiple disciplines in order to find working and reasonable solutions.

Degrees in public administration are available from the associate level onward, with higher level degrees offering more employment opportunities. Individuals seeking an education in public administration will typically pursue a master of public administration (MPA), which will open up employment opportunities at the managerial level.

A curriculum in public policy may include:

  • Intergovernmental Relations
  • Legislative Processes
  • Administrative Law
  • Project Management
  • Public Sector Budgeting

Careers in Public Administration

Careers in public administration can be found at the local, state, and national level. Individuals in administrative positions will work to maintain seamless operation under a limited budget while working toward goals outlined by the government in the formation of a given agency. Individuals will be tasked with finding solutions to various issues that will present themselves as programs take effect, including managing public expectations and presenting factual reports. Some individuals will find their experience as public administrators beneficial in entering politics, where a background working on social issues and public projects can be demonstrative of their ability to represent citizens.

Individuals may also find work with non-profit organizations and non-governmental organizations. These individuals will work toward utilizing limited budgets and resources to help realize programs and goals of the organization. Such administrators will have a high amount of responsibility and will often work alongside government agencies or representatives in order to present findings and offer opinions in regards to policy.

Job Growth, Salary, and Related Administrative Fields

Career opportunities for public administrators are expected to grow steadily over the next decade. Job openings tend to arise from retirement, promotion or movement into the private sector by individuals. The average salary of a public administrator can vary based on experience, position, location and employer, and can be as high as $120,000 per year to as low as $20,000 per year. Individuals interested in public administration may also be interested inpublic policy,public relations, andpublic health.

National associations such as the ASPA and the NAPA provide unique resources for professionals in the field. Members receive educational opportunities, research publications, and networking venues to help extend the body of knowledge in the field for administrators.

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