Public Administration: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Public Administration is a dynamic field dedicated to the effective management and leadership of government operations, nonprofit organizations, and public service initiatives. It equips students with the analytical, ethical, and strategic frameworks needed to address complex societal challenges and improve public sector performance.
- Public Policy Analysis: Evaluating the development, implementation, and impact of government policies across social, economic, and environmental domains.
- Government Finance and Budgeting: Mastering fiscal planning, resource allocation, and financial accountability within public institutions.
- Organizational Leadership in the Public Sector: Applying management principles to enhance efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in government agencies.
- Public Service Ethics and Governance: Exploring legal standards, accountability mechanisms, and ethical decision-making in public administration.
- Emergency Management and Crisis Response: Preparing for, responding to, and recovering from large-scale incidents through coordinated public sector planning.
- Urban and Regional Planning: Addressing infrastructure, land use, and community development through data-driven policy and public engagement.
- Nonprofit Management: Developing leadership skills for managing mission-driven organizations that serve public needs.
- Public Administration Research Methods: Utilizing qualitative and quantitative tools to assess public programs and inform evidence-based policy.
Public Administration Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Public Administration Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Public Administration degrees, including Managers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 630,980 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
Public Administration Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $79,080 in Indiana to $172,380 in Massachusetts—a 118% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, District of Columbia, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 630,980 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Public Administration by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Public Administration programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Public Administration is found at Villanova University (28 graduates), Calumet College of Saint Joseph (CCSJ) (11 graduates), Tulane University of Louisiana (7 graduates), EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc, San Juan (6 graduates), and EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc (EDP), San Sebastian (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 53 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villanova University |
Postbac Cert.
|
28 | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| Calumet College of Saint Joseph (CCSJ) |
Master's
|
11 | Whiting, Indiana | Private | ccsj.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Master's
|
7 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc |
Master's
|
6 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Private | edpuniversity.edu |
| EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc (EDP) |
Master's
|
1 | San Sebastian, Puerto Rico | Private | edpuniversity.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Public Administration programs
How much can I earn with a Public Administration degree?
Salaries for Public Administration graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $172,380 compared to $79,080 in Indiana. Approximately 630,980 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Public Administration programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Public Administration degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Villanova University (28 graduates), Calumet College of Saint Joseph (CCSJ) (11 graduates), and Tulane University of Louisiana (7 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Public Administration degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 630,980 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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