Public Policy and Administration Careers

Which Types of Jobs Are Available For Those Interested in Public Policy and Administration?

The main purpose of public policy and administration is to effect change for the greater good. Professionals in public policy and administration often find themselves working in government or in the non-profit world. They form, enact, and enforce policies that protect and preserve order in communities at the local, state, national, and international levels.

While public policy jobs are critical to the smooth functioning of government institutions, many people working in public policy and administration are labeled bureaucrats. Public policy jobs are often in government and sometimes revolve around enforcing public policy stringently. But if sitting behind a desk sifting through red tape doesn't sound appealing, a public policy degree can also serve you in lobbying for a cause or in strategic public relations campaigns or running a political campaign for an issue or candidate.

Within most governmental agencies, there are many opportunities to move up the ladder and the jobs can be quite lucrative. Advanced degrees such as an MPA--master in public administration--can help you advance quicker and many organizations may even pay for you to earn that post-graduate degree in one of many public policy degree programs.

A bachelor's degree in public policy, however, is not so specialized that it alone puts you head and shoulders above other candidates for a public policy job. You may have to start on a lower rung and move up while you work on a master's in public administration and prove yourself on the job.

Formal Training Required to Work in a Career Related to Public Policy and Administration

At the very least, a high school diploma is required for a civil servant job and might get you in the door while you are working to complete your public policy degree program.

Going to a public policy school to earn an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in public policy is the best way to qualify for more advanced jobs. If you are interested in working in the national level, a master degree is highly recommended, if not a PhD. You can also combine an undergraduate degree in public policy with a graduate program in law, journalism, public relations, or another speciality.

In public policy school you will likely take a number of history and political science classes that teach you to evaluate policy critically and to devise solutions that advance society. Urban and environmental planning courses and criminal justice courses aid in giving you a realistic view of the many systems that coexist when policy is created.

Many public policy programs require you to complete an internship to graduate. Internships can turn into employment after graduation and should not be taken lightly. Do more than one if you can. Breadth and depth of experience are advantageous to you when applying for public policy and administration jobs.

The Typical Career Path of Someone Interested in Public Policy and Administration

It's difficult to pinpoint a typical career in public policy and administration. There are many paths to take, and many civil servants start at the ground floor and move up. Because most higher-level positions in public policy require a graduate education, many professionals may work for a few years before returning to school to complete a master's degree.

Professionals in public policy and administration primarily work in the public sector, but jobs are available in the non-profit sector as well as in corporations. Public policy experts can help corporations navigate compliance issues or lobby for regulatory changes. They can also become involved in advocacy efforts or grassroots organizations.

Job Outlook and Salary Information for Those Interested in Public Policy and Administration

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 40 percent of all public policy graduates are employed in government positions. Employment of public policy graduates is expected to increase gradually through 2016.

Salaries range from a $24,730 median annual salary for a file clerk, to administrative managers at $75,520 on up to chief executives who earned $160,720 in 2009, although compensation varied considerably depending on place of employment.