General Career Paths for MPA Graduates
Although the MPA Degree naturally prepares students a career in public service, graduates can make their paths–as they are prepared to lead and manage organizations. Nevertheless, the traditional careers for MPA graduates are numerous. Given our unique hybrid, innovative policy-administration curriculum, our MPA graduates are prepared to manage individuals and organizations, writing and analyzing policy, implementation of law, overseeing public monies, and most importantly, advancing the public good. Below are a few of the typical career paths MPA graduates take, but the list is not exhaustive.
| Career | Description |
| Policy Analysts | Utilize research to facilitate the creation of regulations, rule-making, and laws, working closely with government and private sectors. |
| Budget Analysts | Manage public and private budgets, ensuring proper spending and allocation of resources based on institutional goals. |
| Health Care Administrators | Oversee health programs in government agencies, hospitals, or nonprofits, aligning healthcare delivery with organizational missions. |
| Human Resource Managers | Lead staffing efforts, manage employee relations, and ensure that organizations meet their personnel and logistical needs. |
| Program Managers/ Analysts | Manage programs based on content knowledge and research, evaluating program effectiveness and ensuring alignment with goals. |
| City Managers | Oversee the day-to-day operations of municipalities, including budgeting, ordinance enforcement, and local governance. |
| Social/Community Service Manager | Direct social and community programs to enhance public well-being, often working in the nonprofit or public sector. |
| Urban and Regional Planners | Evaluate and plan for the needs of communities, helping local and state governments in long-term development planning. |
Career Paths Based on Areas of Emphasis
Cybersecurity and Policy, Emphasis
| Career | Description |
| Cybersecurity Policy Analyst | Develop, evaluate, and enforce policies that safeguard government or private sector data, with a focus on legal and regulatory compliance. |
| Information Security Manager | Lead teams responsible for protecting an organization’s digital assets and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity regulations. |
| Public Sector IT Manager | Oversee technology systems in government institutions, ensuring secure and effective delivery of public services. |
| Government Cybersecurity Consultant | Advise governmental agencies on best practices for cybersecurity, including risk management and policy implementation. |
Governmental Relations Emphasis, Emphasis
| Career | Description |
| Lobbyist | Represent organizations or interest groups in discussions with government officials to influence legislation and policy decisions. |
| Public Affairs Specialist | Manage communications between government institutions and the public, promoting transparency and public engagement. |
| Legislative Analyst | Analyze and provide feedback on legislative proposals, advising government agencies or private companies on policy implications. |
| Government Relations Manager | Act as the liaison between private organizations and government entities, building relationships to advance policy goals. |
Nonprofit Leadership, Emphasis
| Career | Description |
| Nonprofit Executive Leadership | Lead a nonprofit organization, overseeing operations, fundraising, and mission-driven program delivery. |
| Development/Fundraising Manager | Manage fundraising efforts, donor relations, and grant-writing for nonprofit organizations. |
| Advocacy Coordinator | Develop and manage campaigns to raise awareness and influence policy related to nonprofit mission areas (e.g., health, education, environment). |
| Volunteer Coordinator | Recruit, train, and manage volunteers in nonprofit organizations to ensure that staffing meets program needs. |
Planning and Economic Development, Emphasis
| Career | Description |
| Economic Development Manager | Design and implement strategies to attract business investment and spur economic growth in local communities. |
| Urban Redevelopment Coordinator | Oversee redevelopment initiatives, such as revitalizing blighted neighborhoods or improving public infrastructure. |
| Zoning Administrator | Ensure local governments enforce zoning laws and ordinances, working with businesses and developers on land use. |
| Transportation Planner | Develop and coordinate public transportation plans to meet the needs of growing urban areas and ensure sustainable development. |
American Society for Public Administration
The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is a large and respected association for public administration professionals in the country. ASPA is a resource for public professionals. ASPA hosts professional development programs for those new to the field.
USAJobs
USAJobs.gov is the official job board for federal government positions in the United States. By registering with the website and creating a profile, users can access thousands of job opportunities in every federal organization and agency in the country. The site is free to use and supports résumé uploading to facilitate application to various federal government positions. The site allows searching by position, agency or area.
International City/County Management Association
The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is a professional resource for local government managers at various stages of their careers. In addition to providing career development information and an extensive knowledge base for working professionals, ICMA hosts a dedicated job center for both early and mid-career job seekers.
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is a professional membership organization. NASPAA offers useful tips, articles and other resources for new job seekers with and other public affairs degrees.
Public Service Careers
PublicServiceCareers.org is a tremendous resource for public sector jobs in government, nonprofits, NGOs and the universities. The website was created by three professional associations—the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM), the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
Additional Links
https://www.workforgood.org// – Nonprofit job openings
http://nonprofitemployment.com/ – More Nonprofit job openings
https://careers.councilofnonprofits.org/ – More Nonprofit job openings