If you’re considering a graduate degree in public administration, you may be asking yourself what job opportunities might be available to you once you complete your program. Navigating your post-grad career journey can be challenging—here, you’ll find a useful guide to MPA careers that can help you better envision your future, including examples of some of the best jobs for MPA graduates.
What Can You Do with an MPA Degree?
From the functioning of a government agency to the implementation of public services, those working in the public administration sector affect meaningful change in society. Students with a Master of Public Administration degree can find careers in the following industries:
- Consulting
- Education
- Government
- Nonprofit
- Urban planning and development
Within these top five categories exist many different job titles, each with varying levels of responsibility, seniority, and salary. Explore each field in more detail to determine which industry interests you.
Consulting
A consultant provides expert advice and guidance to organizations or individuals seeking assistance in solving specific problems, improving performance, or implementing changes. Consultants are hired on a temporary basis and are often external to the organization, although there are also internal consultants who work within the same organization.
Job titles include:
- Government relations specialist
- Organizational development consultant
- Performance analyst
- Public finance consultant
- Public policy consultant
- Strategic planner
Salary: The salary for consultants can vary depending on the role and industry, and consultants are often able to set their own rate. Salary.com reports that the average salary for a consultant is $106,169.
Education
Professionals in the education sector are involved in analyzing and developing education policies, managing educational programs and institutions, providing policy advice, and supporting student success. They contribute to improving education systems, fostering student development, and creating optimal learning environments. These roles are crucial in shaping education policies and providing comprehensive support to students and stakeholders in the field of education.
Job titles in this industry may include:
- Education policy analyst
- Education program manager
- Higher education administrator
- Policy advisor in education
- School district administrator
- Student affairs director
Salary: While salary may fluctuate depending on title, higher education administrators make $62,735 on average and can make upward of $70,000, according to Salary.com.
Government Agencies
Careers in government agencies encompass a range of roles requiring various levels of experience. Generally, these professionals analyze policies, handle budgets, coordinate public affairs, oversee city or county operations, and provide legislative support. They contribute to effective governance, policy development, financial management, and public communication within organizations and government entities.
Within government agencies, MPA graduates may be a fit for the following job titles:
- Budget analyst
- City manager
- County administrator
- Legislative analyst
- Policy analyst
- Program manager
- Public affairs officer
Salary: Like many careers, salaries for those within the government sector depend upon experience and hierarchy within the organization. For example, the average city manager salary is $111,488, while a policy analyst may make $64,147 on average.
Nonprofits
Nonprofit work typically involves engaging in activities and initiatives aimed at addressing social, environmental, or humanitarian needs rather than generating profit, and employees often work toward a mission or cause that aligns with the organization’s values. Responsibilities may include program implementation, fundraising, community outreach, volunteer management, grant writing, advocacy, and overall organizational management.
Job titles in this industry include:
- Community outreach coordinator
- Executive director
- Fundraising manager
- Grants manager
- Policy advocate
- Program coordinator
Salary: Executive positions in this industry can be high paying, while others can be less so. Salary.com notes a range from $27,783 to $334,124 for nonprofit and social service jobs, indicating a significant long-term earning potential.
Urban Planning
Work in urban planning involves the study, design, and management of the built environment in urban areas, and work often includes promoting efficient land use, equitable access to resources, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Tasks include conducting research, assessing needs, and engaging with stakeholders to formulate plans and policies that address social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Potential job titles in urban planning include:
- Community development manager
- Economic development specialist
- Housing policy analyst
- Transportation planner
- Urban planner
- Zoning administrator
Salary: Urban planners can make an average salary of $51,874, while roles like Economic development specialist can earn up to $62,813. Other titles, such as transportation planner or zoning administrator, fall in a similar range.
UGA Helps You Navigate Your Career Path While You Pursue Your MPA Degree
There are seemingly endless career opportunities in public administration. The University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs offers a Master of Public Administration degree that allows you to tailor your education to your niche interests.
We offer the following degree specializations:
- Criminal Justice
- Health Policy and Administration
- Higher Education Administration
- International Policy and Administration
- Local Government Administration
- Nonprofit Administration
- Public Budgeting and Financial Management
- Public Management/Organization Theory
- Public Policy
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of our MPA degree and the advanced courses it entails, our program positions MPA graduates to succeed in public, nonprofit, and private sectors. This means increased hiring potential as well as the ability for our students to more seamlessly forge their career path while they earn their degree.
Tips to Prepare for Your Future Career
Preparing for a career in public administration requires academic excellence, practical experience, and a commitment to public service. A graduate degree in the discipline can help you enhance your career opportunities and prepare you for success. As you continue your education in an MPA program, consider:
- Internship and volunteer opportunities
- Joining a student organization
- Building a strong professional network
- Developing your research and analytical skills
- Taking initiative in leadership roles
- Staying informed about current developments in the field
