Advanced degrees have almost become a necessity in today’s competitive job market. The MPA (Master of Public Administration) is one of the most popular graduate degree programs. Earning an MPA provides a great opportunity for career advancement as well as limitless opportunities to serve the community. The MPA program provides courses that prepare students for leadership in the workplace, whether it’s in the public sector or the private sector.
The MPA degree is most suitable for employment in the public
sector. The MPA is also appropriate for employment in non-profit agencies. MPA
graduates also become leaders in the private sector as administrators and
entrepreneurs. Courses focus on solving problems in government settings
although MPA graduates can succeed in a variety of career fields. Students
often utilize case studies based on real life situations to develop strategies
and solve problems. Students also conduct research on various aspects of
management in government and non-profit agencies.
MPA Program Structure
Core Courses
Most graduate programs offer core courses and concentration
courses. Core courses are classes that are required for all students to
graduate. These courses tend to be more general in nature and provide a basic
knowledge of the fundamentals of public administration. These courses are also
heavily based in theories and the history of public administration. Core
courses in public administration are focused on policy analysis, decision
making, and basic concepts of management in government and non-profit settings.
Concentration Courses
Concentration courses, as the name suggests, are courses
that concentrate on the specific area of study that the student would
eventually like to put into practice after graduation. Similar to undergraduate
studies, students take general education courses then take more specific
courses tailored to their preferred profession. Concentration courses prepare
students for their specific interest in public administration. Here are some of
the typical concentration areas offered by most MPA programs:
Non-Profit Management- Students take courses in
grant writing, grant management, and program evaluation. Students also learn
about grant management and budgeting for non-profit agencies.
Public Management- Courses are focused on
governmental finance and intergovernmental relations.
Health Care Administration- Students are
prepared to serve in management positions in hospitals and public health
centers.
Human Resource Management- Students take classes
in public personnel management and performance evaluation. Students are
prepared to management level human resource positions in government agencies.
Criminal Justice- Students take advanced courses
in criminal justice administration. Students are equipped with the knowledge
and skills needed to take on management positions in corrections, probation and
parole, and law enforcement agencies.
There are several MPA programs that offer the flexibility of
online and on-campus learning options. MPA graduates enjoy a variety of career
opportunities. I have listed some the opportunities available in the public and
private sector.
Public Officials- MPA graduates can serve as elected
officials in local, state, and federal government. MPA can serve as members of
city council and city managers. They can also serve as state and U.S. senators
as well as state and federal cabinet positions.
Non –Profit Management Positions- Countless
non-profit organizations need financial managers, grant administrators, and
research analysts. These professionals to provide leadership in agencies such
as the United Way, American Red Cross, and AARP just to name a few.
Leadership Positions in Government- MPA
graduates find positions as department supervisors, department directors, and
program administrators. These positions are available at a variety of local,
state, and federal agencies.
Budget Analysts- Budget analysts provide financial
management to public, private, and non-profit agencies. Budget analysts play a
critical role in these agencies by monitoring spending, preparing annual
budgets, and preparing various reports for department and agency directors.
Policy Analysts- Policy analysts also find
opportunities in the public and private sector. They work with agencies to
develop various organizational policies and procedures. They also review and
“analyze” to determine is polices need to be adjusted.
Healthcare Administration- MPA graduates find
leadership opportunities in clinic and hospital settings. These positions often
include office administrators as well as finance and billing administrators.
Healthcare administrator positions are often in public healthcare centers.
However, these positions are also in private hospitals, medical centers, and
private practices.
Human Resource Management- MPA graduates work in
public and private human resources departments. They are responsible for
developing job descriptions, processing new hire documentation, training, and
handling employee complaints and discipline.
MPA degrees provide countless opportunities for career
advancement in the public and private sector. There are several MPA programs
available to meet the needs of busy professionals. You will develop leadership
and decision-making skills that can be used in just about any work environment.
MPA graduates also develop critical thinking skills needed to analyze important
policies and manage large organizations.
