Master of Public Administration: What is it?

Public administration is the study and practice of policymaking and management in the public sector. Professionals aspiring to drive impactful societal change can benefit from getting a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. This degree can help individuals who want to make a difference in government, nonprofit organizations, research institutes, and other public-serving agencies.

Benefits of a Master of Public Administration (MPA)

An advanced degree in public administration can offer individuals a range of benefits and opportunities. An MPA prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to excel in their careers and assist them in becoming effective leaders and problem solvers in their communities.

Some key benefits of pursuing an advanced degree in public administration include:

• Leadership Development: An MPA degree fosters leadership development. Students learn how to inspire and motivate teams, make informed decisions, and navigate complex organizational challenges.
• Specialized Expertise: Students engage in thorough exploration of subjects such as policy analysis, budgeting, financial management, and organizational leadership. This specialized expertise allows graduates to develop a strong foundation in their chosen field.
• Career Advancement: Graduates with an MPA are highly sought after by employers for their specialized skills and knowledge. MPA graduates are well-equipped to pursue rewarding careers in various sectors of public service, such as government and nonprofit.
• Networking and Professional Connections: MPA students will receive valuable networking opportunities to connect with fellow classmates, alumni, faculty members, and professionals in the field.
• Commitment to Public Service: Pursuing an MPA degree reflects a commitment to public service and making a positive impact on society. MPA programs instill in students a sense of civic responsibility, ethical leadership, and social justice.

Job Opportunities with a Master of Public Administration

Public administration professionals play a crucial role in shaping public policy, managing public resources, and delivering essential services to communities. Professionals armed with an MPA distinguish themselves as qualified and knowledgeable candidates for various roles.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% employment growth for professionals with expertise in management, finance, data analysis, project management, and public policy from 2021 – 2031. MPA graduates can earn an average of $90,000 as a financial manager, business operations specialist, management analyst, or data analyst. 

When paired with professional experience, graduates from the University of Illinois Chicago’s (UIC) online MPA program are prepared for the following roles and salaries sourced from Glassdoor:

• City Manager: $81,000 – $136,000 per year per year
• Compliance Officer: $94,000 – $171,000 per year
• Healthcare Administrator: $95,000 – $170,000 per year
• Environmental, Economic or Analytics Consultant: $104,000 – $180,000 per year
• Budget/Financial Analyst: $102,000 – $142,000 per year
• Urban/Regional Planner: $150,000 – $251,000 per year
• Executive Director: $177,000 – $322,000 per year
• Director of Strategic Initiatives: $212,000 – $349,000 per year

Degree Programs for a Master of Public Administration

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is a graduate-level program designed to provide students with a range of skills to contribute to the public good. Aspiring public administration professionals should consider pursuing an MPA degree to enhance their knowledge and skills in the public sector.

UIC offers a 100% online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public and nonprofit management. Housed within UIC’s College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, the curriculum incorporates emerging topics in public service and recent research in the field. The program also features cutting-edge coursework in areas such as data analytics, leadership, management, policy analysis, and ethics and accountability.

The online MPA program consists of 13 courses plus a 1-credit professional development seminar. Students can complete the program with a public management, nonprofit management, or financial management concentration. Graduates of UIC’s online MPA program emerge as well-rounded professionals equipped to address complex challenges facing governments, nonprofit organizations, and communities.

In UIC’s online MPA program, students will learn how to:

• Lead and manage within the public’s interest.
• Participate in, and contribute to, the policy process.
• Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make evidence-informed decisions in a complex and dynamic environment.
• Articulate, apply, and advance a public service perspective.
• Communicate and interact productively and in culturally responsive ways with a diverse and changing workforce and society at large.