A Master of Public Administration (MPA) online program offers an affordable track to leadership positions in the nonprofit, public and private sectors. Read on for an overview of the types of jobs available to MPA degree holders and the job outlook for MPAs. Get a sense of salaries, hear from two recent grads, and see what to expect from typical program curricula.
What Types of Jobs Are Available to MPA Graduates?
MPA graduates have a wide variety of careers to choose from in the public, nonprofit and private sectors. At the highest levels of government, some U.S. cabinet members hold MPA degrees. At a more local level, city manager, urban planning and development director, and community health director are all public sector roles for MPAs to fill. In addition to government careers at the federal, state and local levels, opportunities exist in the nonprofit sector.
Here are brief descriptions for three jobs that require an MPA degree.
- Program DirectorManaging grant work for a college, the program director assists in preparing federal grant reports and in applying for new or re-compete awards through grant proposal submissions. Securing continued funding for existing programs and external partnerships with private corporations falls to the program director, who also develops, implements and oversees educational training.
- Research and Policy AnalystThis role provides research and policy support to outreach teams and contributes to work plans for new projects and existing initiatives. Drafting training and communications materials and maintaining relationships with key partners at relevant city agencies round out the analyst’s responsibilities.
- Program OfficerThe program officer leads the execution of systemic change focused on improving conditions for the city’s vulnerable children. Managing a grant portfolio and collaborating with other foundation program staff are among the other responsibilities of the program officer, who acts as a spokesperson for the foundation.
MPA graduates can also find work in the private sector as analysts, financial managers, chief executive officers and company directors.
What Is the Job Outlook for Public Administration Careers?
With steady growth in the nonprofit sector, the job outlook for MPA graduates is strong. According to the 2016 Nonprofit Employment Practices Survey, 57 percent of nonprofits expect to create new jobs, an increase of 7 percent from the previous year and 11 percent from two years prior.
Association leader, research associate (or analyst), housing specialist, and director of development are a sampling of job titles in the nonprofit realm.
Apart from the nonprofit sector, MPA graduates work in public sector roles at the federal, state and local levels. Some graduates choose private sector consulting firms that service public sector clients.
The table below shows projected growth for a few MPA job categories.
| MPA Jobs | 2015 Median Salary US Dollars | Projected Job Growth 2014-2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Analyst | $71,590 | 3% |
| City Manager | $102,690 | 6% |
| Fundraising Manager | $104,140 | 7% |
| Operations Research Analyst | $78,630 | 30% |
| Urban and Regional Planner | $68,220 | 6% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
The projected increase in the number of jobs for city manager (6 percent), fundraising manager (7 percent) or urban and regional planner (6 percent) roughly matches the projection for all occupations (6.5 percent). Projections for budget analyst and research analyst job growth are 3 and 30 percent, respectively.
Should You Get an MPA Degree?
Earning a master’s degree, such as an MPA (Master of Public Administration), is one way to advance your career in public administration.
While you might have considerable experience in your chosen field, some skills necessary for leadership roles in public administration require more than on-the-job experience alone. An online MPA program can prepare you to manage people and projects at a nonprofit organization or government agency.
What Are Some Areas of Focus in an MPA Program?
In the online MPA program at Arkansas State University, you can learn the specifics of management within public administration. The program’s core courses cover research techniques for political and public administration, public budgeting and finance, grant writing and administration, human resources management, leadership, and ethics.
The MPA Public Management curriculum develops the skills necessary for effective public administration, from managing people and money to resources and programs. Course topics include public financial management, policy analysis and evaluation, and public information management.
The MPA Nonprofit Management curriculum focuses on effectively safeguarding the public interest and addresses environmental and social concerns. Course topics include public information management, nonprofit fundraising and financial management, nonprofit planning and marketing, and nonprofit management.
What Salaries Can MPA Graduates Expect?
Like an MBA, an MPA is a professional degree, not an academic one. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that people with professional degrees earn $1,730 per week — $593 more than those with bachelor’s degrees — which translates to an annual salary difference of more than $30,000 per year. These are median figures. Earning an MPA qualifies you for leadership roles — and bigger paychecks — at the executive and director levels in a public service career.
Salaries for MPA graduates vary by sector (private, public or nonprofit) as well as by region.
Other Considerations
MPA graduates have a wide variety of careers to choose from in the public, nonprofit and private sectors. At the highest levels of government, some U.S. cabinet members hold MPA degrees. At a more local level, city manager, urban planning and development director, and community health director are all public sector roles for MPAs to fill. In addition to government careers at the federal, state and local levels, opportunities exist in the nonprofit sector.
NASPAA Accreditation
For management-, director- and executive-level careers in public administration, a graduate degree is a must. However, employers consider an institution’s accreditation just as important as the degree itself. The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) provides accreditation for master’s degree programs in these fields.
Before you decide on a school for your MPA degree, be sure to check its accreditation. Factoring this important consideration into your selection process can help ensure that the right doors open when you enter the job market with your newly minted degree.
Sources:
http://publicservicecareers.org/
Nonprofit HR: Nonprofit Employment Practices Survey Results
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Budget Analyst
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Top Executives
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Operations Research Analyst
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Urban and Regional Planners