Establishing a Career with a Master’s in Public Administration and Policy
Degrees in public administration and policy are often associated with government jobs, and that is where many such professionals work. However, you may be surprised to find that just as many professionals with a Master of Public Administration and Policy (MPAP) work for nonprofit organizations and private companies.
According to data from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), 50% of public administration and public policy master’s degree graduates work for federal, state, or local governments. Another 22% pursue careers with nonprofits, while 21% work for private entities.
Regardless of how you plan to contribute to public service, an MPAP degree program will provide you with experience, skills, references, and professional credibility to handle the demands of public affairs jobs in a wide variety of organizations, including government agencies.
Where to Find a Job in Public Administration
Another common misconception is that jobs in public administration and policy are federal and come with an expectation to work in and around Washington, D.C. This is true only for a portion of federal government employees, and many government employees work for state, county, and municipal services.
In its December 2024 report, the Congressional Research Service recognized that only 162,144 of the more than two million civilians employed by the federal government live in the nation’s capital. Others are spread across the country, with states as far away as California and Texas reporting some of the highest concentrations of federal workers. These numbers do not include the over 20 million employees of state and local governments, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in January 2025, or those serving in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) both domestically and abroad.
In short, dedicated public administration and policy job applicants have many routes available to launch their careers at all levels of government, whether they hope to work for a government agency, a nonprofit organization, or in the private sector.
Getting Hired in Public Administration
Public administration and policy jobs, particularly those in government, often require a special application process. If you are interested in working for the federal government, a helpful first step is to create an account with the U.S. government’s job portal. There, you can submit your updated resume, cover letter, and transcripts. Depending on the position you apply for, you may need to respond to additional questions and supply additional information.
You may also choose to post your resume on job portal sites like Public Service Careers, a site co-sponsored by NASPAA and other nonprofits that helps match MPAP graduates with job opportunities.
In the following sections, explore additional pathways for starting your public service career on the right foot.
Volunteer or Intern in Public Service Volunteering or interning for a public service organization not only leads to valuable professional connections and exposure to career opportunities; many volunteer positions, internships, and fellowships are tied to designated career pathways. Government websites offer resources to find and apply for such opportunities at designated times throughout the year. Creating your own volunteer project can demonstrate interests and proficiencies.
Programs designed for volunteers may offer opportunities that allow you to decide how much time you can devote to a cause. In others, such as the Peace Corps, you may spend a designated amount of time improving the lives of people around the globe while growing practical skills and gaining management experience. Explore volunteer opportunities via the resources below:
· U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Work for a Nonprofit – Or Start Your Own
As you approach graduation, consider looking into nonprofit organizations doing mission-driven work for causes you are passionate about. A nonprofit can be a great place to start your career, as these organizations offer many opportunities to develop professional skills, engage in work you care about, and apply the valuable knowledge you gained by earning your Master of Public Administration and Policy.
If a need exists in your community, you could also create your own nonprofit organization to address a local policy problem. Nonprofits compete for limited funding, but people who start with a well-researched plan and infrastructure are more likely to make their nonprofit organizations a success. The National Council of Nonprofits offers guidelines on starting a charitable nonprofit.
Become a Public Policy Consultant
Fresh perspectives are valuable, especially when big ideas are in play and public resources are on the line. As a public policy consultant, you can identify and examine public needs and advise solutions through independent analysis informed by your specialized competency and analytic skills. Public consultants play a critical role in assessing projected outcomes for policy solutions to salient public problems and in evaluating the performance of public programs.
Many graduates become policy consultants after beginning their careers as governmental program analysts or auditors, and vice-versa.
Complete a Public Policy Internship Program
Experience is considered a basic requirement for graduates seeking public service jobs. Many early-career professionals build experience through internships with a federal governmental agency. Internships and fellowships at the state, county, and municipal levels are equally important, as they often work at the front lines of implementing critical government programs. Internships, paid and unpaid, provide you with supplemental training and practice in:
· Studying and carrying out policy initiatives
· Developing experience in working for a large and complex organization
· Balancing policy requirements with community needs
An internship with a leading public service organization or administrator in key positions not only has the potential to develop your knowledge and skills but also to provide you with durable connections and references. Top internships typically run on an extended timeline and can be highly competitive, so begin the application process early and seek letters of recommendation several months in advance.
American University’s Online MPAP
Establishing a career in public administration requires experience, expertise, and strong professional connections. With an online Master of Public Administration and Policy from American University, you will develop policy analysis and management skills to become a top candidate for roles with government and nonprofit organizations. AU’s School of Public Affairs has produced top-notch and well-connected graduates for over 80 years, and you can take the first step toward joining the ranks of our esteemed alums today.
To learn more about American University’s online Master of Public Administration and Policy, request more information or call us toll free at 855-725-7614.