Earn an Impactful Degree and Gain Blended Expertise in Public Administration and Policy
A successful career in public service requires the right combination of knowledge, commitment, passion, and skill. American University’s Master of Public Administration and Policy offers the unique opportunity to gain core competencies in policy analysis and public management, producing graduates who employers recognize as stand-out candidates in the field.

In the following sections, explore the specific career benefits of earning an online MPAP from American University’s School of Public Affairs.

Analytical Skills and Expertise
Policy analysis is an essential skill for any public service professional. Many who work in public administration and policy begin their careers as policy analysts, who gather information and analyze the potential or actual effects and budgetary implications of legislation and regulations. Policy analysts working for the legislature relay such findings to elected officials, while the work of policy analysts in the executive branch critically informs program evaluation and the rulemaking process.

Policy analysts need a thorough understanding of technical subjects such as statistics, finance, data analysis, and budgeting, as well as the ability to evaluate the social and political impacts of current and proposed policies. This blend of skills and expertise enables them to offer informed, evidence-based policy recommendations.

Students pursuing a Master of Public Administration and Policy acquire the analytical skills and expertise they need for a career in public services through a rich curriculum that trains them in policy analysis, public managerial economics, budgeting and financial management, organizational and human resources management, leadership, and project management. Additionally, our students can earn a Certificate in Analytics and Management during their MPAP program, putting them in an even better position for success in public service.

Public Administration and Management Experience
Many managers in public administration got their start in the field as policy analysts. They progressed in their careers after demonstrating the necessary skills in public management, including such proficiencies as:

• Assessing economic and budget implications
• Managing human capital assets and teamwork
• Leading in a volatile and changing workplace

Whether you plan to work for the government, in the nonprofit sector, or with for-profit organizations, a combination of technical skill in public policy and leadership credentials will help you stand out to potential employers. Essential management skills for advancement in public administration and policy include team building, supervision, coaching, collaboration, and interdisciplinary knowledge production, among others.

Courses such as Managing Human Capital Assets, Leadership in a Changing Workplace, and Project Management support MPAP students in building management and leadership skills, ensuring they graduate ready to pursue advancement opportunities.

Legal and Ethical Leadership Skills
Public administrators must act within a legal and ethical context in every facet of their roles as builders, implementers, and enforcers of public policy. This requires a solid grounding in the constitutional and legal dimensions of their designated policy fields.

At times, they must take on the role of management analysts, who can analyze the practice of leadership in a public administration context and make adjustments for a more ethical efficiency framework. To this end, a Master of Public Administration and Policy degree trains students to thoroughly analyze policies and present ideas to effectively and efficiently carry out legislation with keen attention to ethics, fairness, and the rule of law. This supports our graduates in building a deeper understanding of the legal issues involved in public administration, preparing them to act as consultants in the proposal, creation, and implementation of policy initiatives.

Real-World Experience
One of the best ways for students to prepare for work in their chosen field is through hands-on experience. MPAP students at American University have the benefit of solidifying their expertise gained in class through applied learning as part of their ongoing coursework and in a culminating Policy Practicum course.

During the practicum experience, students work in small project teams to perform a policy or organizational analysis assignment for a client organization. Through this practicum, students gain real-world experience and hands-on practice applying not only their knowledge and skills, but also the institutional, legal, and ethical dimensions of their degree. After completing the practicum, MPAP students graduate confident in their new skills and ready to pursue their ultimate career goals.

Building a career in public administration requires extensive study in public policy analysis, knowledge of organizational dynamics, and leadership skills in the context of public service work. By earning a blended degree that emphasizes these skills, graduates of American University’s Master of Public Administration and Policy program complete their degree equipped to excel as effective changemakers in public administration and beyond.

To learn more about how American University’s online Master of Public Administration and Policy can advance your career, request more information or call us toll free at 855-725-7614.