Online and Distance Learning

A masters in public administration is what you really need to get ahead in administration in any organization.  This page helps you to locate suitable courses and provides information on career prospects for graduates.

Who should take a masters in public administration program?

If you wish to further your career in administration or management in the local, state, or federal government, you really need to consider getting a masters in public administration. 

This degree will also be useful to your career whether your interest is in homeland security, health policy or nonprofit management.  It is also a useful degree to have for administration in non-government organizations.

Public administration masters degrees are widely available, both on-campus and online.  This page is about onine programs - which many people find the most conventient wat to study.  If you wish to explore programs available at campus-based colleges and universities go to the On Campus Programs page.

Where can you study online masters in public administration programs?

Many schools offer bachelors, masters an doctoral programs in public administration.  Here are a select few:

• Walden University
  
  • M.S. in Psychology - Psychology, Public Administration and Social Change
  • Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) with concentrations in
    • General
    • Health Policy
    • Homeland Security Policy
    • Interdisciplinary Policy Studies
    • Law and Public Policy
    • Local Government Management
    • Nonprofit Management and Leadership
    • Policy Analysis
    • Public Management and Leadership
    • Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace

• Capella University
  • MPA - General Public Administration

• University of Phoenix Online
  • Master of Management/Public Administration
  • Master of Public Administration

• South University
  • Master of Public Administration - Public Policy
  • Master of Public Administration

• Norwich University - Online
  • Masters in Public Administration

• Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University
  • Master's in Public Administration

What is studied in a masters in public administration program?

Although it is possible to gain an entry level job with a four year bachelors degree, you really need a masters for increased job opportunities.  Courses in teh masters program will probably include: the foundations of public administration, human resource management, public finance and accounting, public-private collaboration, privatization, strategic planning, participative governance, contracting, and public policy formulation.

If you wish to keep your otions open about your future career, it is possible to take business and public administration in an MBA, e.g., the Master of Business Administration in Public Administration, or specialize in public administration in the Master of Science in Management.  Many may choose to complete their Masters degree and then go on to study a PhD program in a specifiic area of their interest. 

Career prospects for graduates with a masters in public administration

As a graduate of a master in public administration program you would have knowledge of public policies and good budget planning skills. In this way, you would be thoroughly prepared for a job where you can work for elected officials.  While most graduates will obtain a government position, a few find jobs with schools and other private businesses or organizations. The private sector of this field can be quite interesting, and includes areas such as religious organizations, political groups, and other special interest groups. The responsibilities will be roughly the same in both sectors, private and public - requiring management of people, as well as making sure that public service goals are met.

There is a wide variety of masters in public administration careers that are possible. Most graduates seek positions as health care administrator, human resources manager, program research analyst, city manager, municipal manager, or other managerial positions.

Career prospects are good as jobs in the field are expected to increase through to 2018.   The expected salary for those with a masters degree in public administration will vary greatly depending upon experience in the field and job type.  Typical salaries are shown in the table in the right hand column.  While public administration is a broad field requiring a host of skills, those who get a good masters degree will have a competitive edge in the field.

More about online masters public administration programs

If you don't find what you want here, you can use the search facillity on this site using masters in public administration as your topic.