What can you do with a public administration degree?

Whether it’s addressing crime, connecting communities through bike trails and sidewalks, creating vibrant parks or addressing traffic safety issues, the role of public administration in communities is vital.

What types of things do public administration degree graduates do?

The following scenario illustrates one of the many ways a public administration degree can be applied to improve community life. Consider a community experiencing an increase in juvenile crime, with unsupervised young people breaking windows, vandalizing property with graffiti and committing other property crimes.

While some residents might respond by securing their homes and expressing concern about youth behavior, others might take a more proactive approach. For example, a public administration professional could write a grant to secure funding for a youth center and collaborate with local nonprofit agencies to provide programs, mentoring and educational opportunities for young people.

How do you know if a public administration degree is the right fit?

Individuals considering a public administration degree can evaluate their interests, skills and career goals by reflecting on the following questions:

• Are they passionate about making a difference in their communities?
• Do they enjoy solving problems and shaping or directing public policy?
• Can they facilitate collaboration among individuals and organizations?
• Are they comfortable managing fiscal resources?
• Are they committed to serving diverse populations?
• Can they think strategically and consider the bigger picture?

Individuals who identify with these qualities and interests may find that a public administration degree aligns with their personal and professional goals.

What are the types of public administration?

Over time, public administration has changed from a field that carried out public services at minimum cost to one that responds more to public needs. Reflecting this evolution are the following three major schools of thought:

Classical public administration: This theory suggests public administration should be run like a business. It’s all about efficiency.

New public administration: Advanced in the 1960s and ’70s, this theory looked at public administration through the lens of an obligation to society. It’s born from activism and ethics.

Postmodern public administration: This theory of planning had its beginnings in the 1990s. It espouses public-sector solutions rooted in pluralism and relativism.

Why earn an online Master of Public Administration?

A Bachelor of Science in Public Administration can provide a foundation in civic leadership, business and governmental law, and finance and budgeting. A Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a broad-based, versatile degree that can help students develop leadership, public policy, communication, problem-solving and management skills.

An MPA may be an option for professionals seeking to transition from specialized roles in areas such as law enforcement, urban planning or parks and recreation into general management positions within city, county, state or federal agencies, nonprofit organizations or community-based organizations.

An MPA program can prepare graduates to understand how law, policy and the public intersect while developing the skills to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Public administrators oversee a wide range of services that affect everyday life, including water systems, roads, public parks and airports. The broad scope of these responsibilities creates opportunities for public administration professionals across various sectors.

Public administration jobs

Individuals interested in entering public administration with a bachelor's degree or expanding their expertise through a master's-level public administration degree can explore a variety of career opportunities. Those pursuing advanced education may also seek general management positions within government agencies or nonprofit organizations:

• City management
• Policy planning
• Economic development
• Parks, recreation and libraries
• Public works and infrastructure
• Courts
• Program analysts
• Courts
• Housing
• Transportatopm
• Code enforcement/zoning
• Airport administration
• Public safety

A Master of Public Administration degree can help individuals develop skills relevant to leadership and management positions, including: 

• Chief operating officer
• General manager
• Operations director
• Regulatory affairs director
• Compliance manager

More detailed overviews and salary information are available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for specific job possibilities.

Jobs with a Master of Public Administration

A  master of public administration degree can prepare a student to be a: 

• Chief operating officer
• General manager
• Operations director
• Regulatory affairs director
• Compliance manager

General and operations manager

Overview: The role of a general or operations manager is to plan, direct or coordinate the operations of public- or private-sector organizations and oversee multiple departments or locations.

Annual salary range: $46,340 to $232,110 in May 2023, with a median wage of $101,280, according to BLS.

Education requirements: At minimum, a bachelor’s degree and work experience are required for roles as top executives, according to BLS.

Job outlook: Roles as top executives are projected to grow at 5%, between 2025 and 2035, which is above average, according to BLS.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2025-2035 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.

Social and community service manager

Overview: Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.

Annual salary range: $53,150 to $132,260, with a median annual wage of $80,390 in May 2025, according to BLS.

Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree and work experience are typically required, according to BLS.

Job outlook: Positions are projected to grow 7% between 2025 and 2035, according to BLS.

Ready to look for a master of public administration degree program?

If you're interested in considering a public administration degree, University of Phoenix offers a:

• Bachelor of Science in Pubic Administration
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Contact University of Phoenix for more information.