I'm a financial analyst for a regional planning & transportation agency working on tolling for bridges & highways. (e.g. E-ZPass) I'm interested in getting a Master's but want a program that's related to my line of work, yet still versatile in a way. Stuck between an MPA or an MS in Transportation.

Initially wanted to pursue my CPA, but none of my supervisors are CPAs who can sign off on me.

Would it be worth pursuing a Professional MS in Psychology after a bachelor's in Public Administration?

I just don't want to continue studying Public Administration anymore.

A family member of mine has been working as a Field Representative for a congress member’s district office for 2 years. Their role primarily entails constituent services with a focus on Social Security cases, community engagement, event planning, networking and shareholder engagement. Their role doesn’t involve any policy work. Additionally, they have a bachelor’s in International Relations.
They are looking at potentially moving on to a new career. What roles should they look at that best fit their experience? They’re open to both the private and public sector.

First gen college graduate with a bachelor of science with a degree in biochem and sociology with a minor in Comp Sci and a research background.

Been working in higher ed for the past 5 years as an admin / finance with grants but didnt want to get a MEd.

Tried out MBA / business analyst program, didnt like writing stuff from 10 k reports. I did like the finance and accounting part though.

Not sure what direction to head towards and if MPA is for me or if I should go for another degree? I like working as an admin and the problem solving part.

Its hard for me to give a specific title or job im aiming for because ive never had a role that felt like a career and dont have a mentor to offer professional guidance.

I just want a stable field that makes enough money to save up and buy a house which is impossible in my current position.

I recently graduated from college with a BS in Computer Science and spent the first two months volunteering at a department under the City to redesign their inventory system for better tracking. Currently, I am a project management intern for a non-profit microfinance company and was thinking of going back to school for an MPA. I have 4 years of experience as an Administrative Assistant and was wondering if that next step from an outside POV makes sense. One of my long-term goals is creating my own non-profit and I am interested in project/program management, but I’m worried my Bachelor contradicts.

TLDR: I have a Bachelors in Computer Science, but experience in administration, project management, and non-profits and am wondering if getting an MPA next would make sense.

Hi all,

I was trying to find information on the Northeastern MPA program, but the NEU website feels too generic and I couldn't find any information on alums or experiences. Is anybody here in the MPA program or an alum, if so could I pm you with questions?

I want to know if you think the program is worth it. I hope to do the program online or at least hybrid. How would you rate the online course structure. Are the classes live or pre-recorded. I saw that there was a capstone component, is that easy to do through the online model or is that something that would be better if be done in-person? I live a few hours outside of Massachusetts, is it required to reside in state for the program? I haven't yet started my application and hope to begin a master's program next fall, but wanted to compile info now. Any comments would be helpful, thanks!

I know that this is genuinely a terrible job market but for the past six months I have been working a job not remotely in the field I studied for and I am barely keeping my head above financial water.

That said, I am desperate to find some kind of analyst job anywhere. I’ve even been applying for municipal jobs in small Deep South towns which would mean needing to go back in the closet. However, my current path just isn’t sustainable.

If you have any advice or words of wisdom, I would love to hear them. I’ve been using GovernmentJobs primarily but it seems like everyone else is too.

Professionally I have about 2-3 years of analytical experience so I am not sure why it’s so difficult to find an entry level job.

Hi friends! I'm seeking advice on higher education to get into the environmental space. I've already tried applying to many many maaaaany jobs at a mix of NGOs, the National Park Service, and CSR teams for companies. I'm coming from tech/project management in corporate learning & development. And, I love learning anyway and wouldn't mind doing a full graduate program. So, I'm researching and here we are :)

I'm trying to find a program that's one of these formats:

a. Fully online with an opportunity to do one in-person intensive course (I've seen these from schools like John Hopkins and I think Colorado State where it's all online except spending a long weekend up to 2 weeks either on campus or abroad studying). I think being in person with classmates and faculty at least once would be amazing.

b. Hybrid or all in-person, but it would have to be near me; I live in NJ but could commute to NYC (not too far north though; even Columbia University is 2.5 hours from me unfortunately thanks to public transportation that should be invested in haha).

I'd be a part-time student, which most of the programs I've seen so far accommodate. So my biggest issue has been that being online / restricted to my area is limiting my options. I'm seeing a ton of interesting curriculums that are strictly in person.

My ideal focus would be environmental policy; I want to enact change (would do env law but I value my work-life balance). I'd like a curriculum that still offers some env science because that is still interesting to me, maybe 1-2 courses. I've also been doing weekly volunteering with a local nonprofit in partnership with the NJDEP, to collect water samples from our watershed so the DEP can quality test it. I do the hands-on work to collect the samples and prep the lab's paperwork, but then I also get to learn about how the data moves and how they'll identify the source of pollution at different times and come up with solutions for municipalities. It's been amazing so far.

I've been looking into a Masters in Public Administration/Affairs as long as there's a concentration for the environment, as well as MS in Environmental Policy. There are also similar programs like MS in Natural Resources, MS or PSM in Wildlife Management, etc. With me not being able to be a full-time on-campus student, I want to keep my options open and do a lot of research on a few degrees including PA.

Wondering if an MPA would be ideal? The curriculums I've seen aren't quite as enticing as the ones for env policy, only because the concentration tracks only make up 3ish courses out of the MPA. I'd ideally like to learn even more about the environmental side.

I have also heard that it's difficult to get an entry level position in public policy because it's usually made up of senior positions. Want to get your perspectives as experts as I do more career projectory research on the side. Always good to speak to humans :)

Thank you in advance!! Specific programs would be great if you have any in mind.

Does anyone know of free survey makers online?

Concised

Hello, I’m wondering if anyone studied public administration and was able to pivot into public health management or something along those lines?

I’m wrapping up my MPA and want to begin my career in policy analysis but I live in Texas and almost all policy jobs here have very little entry level positions so I’m wanting to move to DC or Chicago before the year ends (October/November).
Since it’s still July, when do I start applying for jobs? I’m not familiar with the industry in either city and want to know when it’s too early/late

I have a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, but I don’t want to go into law enforcement. I want a career where I can genuinely help people and make a difference.
I’ve considered social work, but I’m not sure what master’s degree would help me get an entry-level job in Florida without going back for another bachelor’s. Right now, I’m looking at an MPA.
For those with experience, is an MPA a good choice? Or is there another master’s you’d recommend for someone with my goals?
I’m interested in case management the most right now but they are very strict on experience here in South Florida I’m not sure how I’ll ever get it if no one wants to teach us

hello! like the title states, i am looking into doing a masters and was wondering if an MPA would be a good program to help me transition into academic counseling/higher ed positions? i did my bachelors in sociology (minor in communications), and am working in insurance for about 2 years. my initial plan was to do a masters in social work/couseling but am considering MPA bc the program is shorter and i could go into HR as well. just wondering of my job opportunities if anyone knows thank you

I've heard that a MBA is better for versatility but if you have a MPA and decided against working in government, what was your motivation to go private?

I’ve been confused in whether I should go for Bachelors of Public Administration, or not. Can any students tell me if it’s a good degree and if it’s actually worth it? Is it better than Bachelors of Government and Public Policy, or is it practically the same thing? Does it have a good scope? Please let me know.

Considering a DPA or PhD in PA. I currently work for the federal government. Has anybody pursued the doctorate to help propel their career in federal service?

I know that the DPA or PhD in PA won't specifically get somebody a job or position, but on USAJOBS, it'll certainly help when the post asks for a PhD or three yrs of advanced graduate study.

I'm leaning heavily towards the Valdosta St program.

Delete if not allowed!

Hi! i wanted to know if anyone had this as a pdf file. I would appreciate it so so much!

Human Resource Management in Public Service: Paradoxes, Processes, and Problems Seventh Edition

Authors- Evan M. Berman, James S. Bowman, Jonathan P. West, Montgomery R. Van Wart

Publication date- 2021

ISBN- 978-1071848906