Public Administration Graduate Programs in America

A master’s in public administration and public policy is an interdisciplinary degree that offers students a variety of courses in the public affairs sector. Much like a master of business administration (MBA) program, a master of public administration and public policy graduate program focuses on teaching students leadership skills. If you want to apply those leadership skills at the local, state, federal, executive, or nonprofit level, a master of public administration and public policy graduate program may be right for you! Stick around as we take a closer look at what this type of grad program entails and what you can expect after graduating.

How long does it take to complete a master's in public administration and public policy?

As a full-time student, you can expect to complete this graduate program in just two years. This degree, like most other professional degrees, offers students the flexibility to finish their program on a timeline that suits their needs.

Some grad schools may offer an accelerated program for students who wish to complete their coursework in a faster, but more intensive, manner. Most schools also offer online classes, or even a fully online program, for students who prefer to work at their own pace and in the comfort of their own homes. When deciding which graduate program is right for you, be sure to consider these factors and narrow your search down to the programs and schools that offer the options that work best for you.

Is a master of public administration and public policy degree hard to complete?

As previously mentioned, a master’s in public administration and public policy is an interdisciplinary degree. As a student, you will be exposed to various courses across the public affairs sector, making this a wider-ranging degree than others. It is important to consider the different areas of focus and assess your comfort with them.

Some of the things you will concentrate on in this graduate program are:

• Community development
• Local government
• Nonprofit management
• Public health
• Public service ethics

Like with most students, chances are that not every course will come easy to you. However, if you’re passionate about this area in the education field and are able to adopt an effective study strategy, you can find great success on this degree path.

What careers can I have with a master's in public administration and public policy?

Oftentimes, one of the first questions that come to mind when you're choosing a graduate program is about the different career options you will have after earning the degree. A master's in public administration and public policy will offer you a variety of fulfilling career options that will ensure you put to good use your knowledge and the skill set you developed throughout your grad program.

Some of the most common career paths upon graduation are:

• Policy manager
• Public relations manager
• HR manager
• Environmental consultant
• Economic consultant

While you search for the graduate program that best fits your needs and future goals, we encourage you to explore the career options that will open up after you graduate. Our places-to-work tool allows you to explore companies in your area that are looking for candidates with your specific degree. Take the time to discover job positions and compare the companies that you may have a future with.

Where should I start?

At Niche, we pride ourselves on making the transition from high school to college, and college to graduate school, a breeze. You can get started on your way to earning your master's by reviewing our list of the best public administration and public policy graduate programs. You can also extend your search by utilizing our graduate school search tool, which will allow you to filter schools by locations, programs, and other factors.

Wherever you are on your journey, we're here to help! We've got all of the answers, tools, and information you need to make a decision that your future self will be happy with. Your journey starts here.