Public Administration

Career opportunities

What can you do with a public administration degree? Your master of public administration degree opens doors to influential roles where you’ll shape policy, lead organizations and create lasting impact. 

High-demand MPA jobs exist across multiple sectors. The job market is exceptionally robust, particularly in the government sector. Political scientists with a master’s degree earn more than double the national average wage (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

• You’ll find yourself at the center of democratic governance in government and public service positions. Careers with a public administration degree include:
• City manager
• Policy analyst
• Budget analyst
• Urban planner
• Program manager roles

You’ll control big budgets, develop policies of real impact and design the future of communities. 

• Nonprofit leaders channel their passion for change into action as:
• Executive directors
• Grant writers
• Development managers
• Community outreach coordinators

You’ll work to secure funding, lead mission-driven organizations and connect communities with vital resources and services. 

• Some graduates choose to enter the private sector. They leverage their strategic thinking and communication skills in work as:
• Management consultants
• Corporate social responsibility managers
• HR directors 
• Operations managers

Businesses increasingly value MPA degree holders for their leadership capabilities and analytical skills.

Careers with a public administration degree offer unparalleled versatility and allow you to work in diverse fields. This flexibility means you’re never limited to a single career path. You’re free to pivot as your interests and goals evolve throughout your professional journey. You’ll also have the knowledge and experience to advance rapidly. 

Curriculum

The Master of Public Administration degree program at BGSU requires 36 credit hours:

• 15 credits of core coursework
• 18 credits of electives 
• A 3-credit culminating experience

You may choose electives from within the department or explore relevant offerings across the University to align with your career interests and goals. 

The program maintains rigorous academic standards:

• A minimum 3.0 GPA 
• At least 18 credits at the 6000-level 
• Completion of a minimum of 24 credits at BGSU

All degree requirements must be fulfilled within six years to ensure students receive current, relevant training for leadership roles in their chosen field. 

Culminating experience

Students complete their degree through either a thesis option (Plan I) or a capstone project (Plan II). Students will apply the knowledge, theories and practical skills gained throughout the MPA degree curriculum to analyze and address real-world challenges. 

This typically involves completing a major research or policy project demonstrating the ability to integrate policy analysis, management strategies and leadership competencies. It is designed to showcase readiness for professional roles. The capstone serves as a practical learning experience and a bridge to MPA degree jobs in governments, nonprofits, businesses or international organizations. 

 Required courses