Many who go into public service consider it to be more than just a profession; it’s a calling. However, public servants are still interested in career advancement and furthering their competencies. So, what is an MPA degree and its benefits for these professionals?
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program is deemed the premier qualification for leadership and management positions in the public sector. Understanding the scope of the MPA program and the benefits of this specialized graduate degree can help you decide if it is the right option for you.
What Do You Learn in an MPA Program?
According to ThoughtCo., public administration is defined as a governmental field in which leaders work to leverage the power of public tax dollars to positively impact the communities served by that level of government. Public administrators work at the local, state, and federal levels — all of which rely on effective and knowledgeable leaders. With a greater need for competent government workers than ever, a study published in the Teaching Public Administration journal emphasizes the imperative for educational administrators and faculty to craft curricula and graduate programs “that positively develop the interest of students and illuminate their place in public service, and government service specifically.”
Thus, the MPA degree is designed to provide those in public service with an advanced understanding of the public sector. It focuses on developing the practical, technical, and leadership skills required to manage public service organizations or governmental organizations.
Some of the key outcomes of the MPA degree program include the ability to:
- Apply and analyze knowledge of academic theory, legal issues, and regulations within policy development at public service organizations or government agencies.
- Apply and manage ethical standards within public service organizations.
- Effectively manage resources in order to improve public sector functions and programs.
- Improve public outreach efforts and communicate in a transparent manner.
Key Areas of Study
Within the MPA degree program, students will focus on the following core areas of study:
- Public policy analysis – Students will explore the role of public policy while also learning how to shape and analyze policy in a way that benefits the population at large.
- Budgeting and financial management – Students will learn how to leverage public funding to help ensure all programs are as available and accessible as possible. Budgeting and financial management play a central role in the public sector, and students graduate with the business acumen to properly manage public funds.
- Leadership – Students hone the leadership skills needed in public administration (such as effective communication, transparency, and accountability).
Elective Courses
In addition to completing the required courses for this graduate degree program, students have the opportunity to personalize their degrees through elective courses. For instance, the elective courses offered at Johnson & Wales University allow students to focus on specialized areas of public administration, such as:
- Social, community, and restorative justice
- Counterterrorism
- Ethics, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and law
Benefits of Earning an MPA Degree
The MPA degree program helps equip those working in public service with the valuable knowledge and niche skills required to pursue management positions in public administration. It is often considered comparable to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program, which is designed for professionals who aspire to leadership positions in the private sector.
An MPA degree may be able to offer:
Enhanced Career Prospects
If you are interested in leadership positions within the public sector, then the MPA degree could provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue higher-level public administration positions. According to American City & County, older generations of public administrators are retiring at a rapid pace — which has led to an increased demand for qualified, experienced, and intuitive professionals (alongside government recruiting efforts to hire them) who understand the complex landscape of the public sector.
Broader Career Flexibility
Although the MPA degree is tailored for those in the public sector seeking management or administration positions, it does not pigeonhole you to a specific career trajectory. In fact, this degree program is designed to be flexible and agile, giving graduates the ability to personalize their path forward and choose a career track that best aligns with their personal and professional goals.
Impactful Work
While the private sector focuses primarily on profits and career advancement, the public service sector focuses on serving communities at the local, state, and federal government levels. Many public service professionals who pursue an MPA degree are looking to advance their careers not only because they are hoping for an increase in their earning potential but also because they sincerely strive to make a difference. Public administration positions can be highly rewarding because they give public servants the opportunity to have a direct impact on programming and resources, ensuring that the population they serve benefits in various ways.
Specialized Knowledge
Required coursework for the MPA degree allows students to develop a nuanced understanding of topics that are particularly relevant to the public sector. In turn, this specialized knowledge enables graduates to move forward in their public service careers and have a more significant impact on the world around them. After graduation, they possess a stronger ability to navigate public administration positions as well as create more effective policies and programs for the communities they serve.
Careers You Could Pursue With an MPA Degree
After graduating with your MPA degree, you will find a variety of career paths to consider. In most cases, MPA graduates look for management or leadership positions in the public sector or with a nonprofit organization.
Public Sector Roles
There exist many career opportunities for MPA graduates within the public sector. According to Nasdaq, these are examples of public sector roles for which you may qualify after earning your MPA degree:
- City manager
- Policy analyst
- Urban planner
- Legislative analyst
- Community development manager
- Public affairs specialist
Nonprofit Management Roles
The National Council of Nonprofits defines nonprofit organizations as charitable organizations created in order to serve the greater good of a community. While nonprofit organizations are not publicly funded, they are often considered tax-exempt organizations. Graduates with an MPA degree may be able to pursue a wide range of nonprofit management roles, such as:
- Executive director
- Program director
- Grant writer
- Volunteer coordinator
- Advocacy specialist
- Fundraising manager
Is an MPA Degree Right for You?
Many professionals who consider a graduate degree find themselves wondering if they should choose an MPA degree or an MBA degree program. It is essential to understand the key differences between these graduate degrees before deciding which program to enroll in.
For those passionate about pursuing a career in public service, the MPA degree program is an excellent graduate degree program to consider. The MPA is designed specifically for those who work in the public sector, making this the premier educational qualification for those in public service. This program focuses on the following skills:
- Analytical skills – Public administrators must be able to collect and analyze vast amounts of data and information to make effective decisions as well as responsibly use public dollars within their organizations.
- Communication skills – Public administrators are often called upon to bridge the gap between the public and private sectors — requiring the ability to communicate information efficiently and effectively.
- Leadership skills – Public administrators must act with integrity as they make decisions that will impact members of the public on a daily basis. Additionally, they need to prioritize transparency and accountability, as they must be able to justify their actions to the taxpayers funding the organization or governmental entity.
Earn Your MPA Degree Online
Fortunately, it is possible to pursue your MPA degree while balancing your current professional and personal obligations. At Johnson & Wales University, we offer an online Master of Public Administration degree program known for being both flexible and accessible. The rigorous curriculum features coursework taught by thought leaders in the public sector, ensuring that students enjoy an education that is relevant and applicable in today’s landscape. If you are interested in developing the specialized skills needed to advance your career in public administration, now could be the ideal time to begin your MPA degree program.
For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].