Public Administration major
Public Administration: courses, careers, and where to study
Public Administration trains graduates for careers in government, nonprofits, and public-private partnerships — combining policy analysis with management practice.
A Public Administration major covers public policy, public-sector management, public budgeting and finance, public-sector HR, and program evaluation. Programs are often offered alongside or in conjunction with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) — many schools allow accelerated 4+1 BSPA + MPA paths. Coursework emphasizes the difference between public-sector and private-sector decision-making (constitutional constraints, transparency, equity, multiple stakeholder accountability).
Graduates work in federal, state, and local government, nonprofits, NGOs, public-private partnerships, and policy research. The MPA is the standard senior-level credential for senior public-sector roles.
What you'll study
- Public administration theory
- Public policy analysis
- Public budgeting and finance
- Public-sector HR and personnel
- Program evaluation
- Government and nonprofit management
- Constitutional and administrative law
- Capstone project
Typical careers
- Government Program Manager
- Nonprofit Executive Director
- Policy Analyst
- Public Affairs Specialist
- City Manager (with MPA)
- Foundation Program Officer
Starting salary range: $45,000–$72,000 starting
Find a Public Administration program
CampusPin lists U.S. universities and community colleges that offer Public Administration programs. Filter by state, tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting — no account required.
Public Administration by state
- Public Administration in California
- Public Administration in Florida
- Public Administration in Georgia
- Public Administration in Illinois
- Public Administration in Maryland
- Public Administration in Massachusetts
- Public Administration in New York
- Public Administration in North Carolina
- Public Administration in Pennsylvania
- Public Administration in Texas
Related majors
Political Science
Political Science studies governments, political behavior, and policy — preparing graduates for law school, public service, journalism, and policy research.
Social Work
Social Work prepares graduates for licensed direct practice with individuals, families, and communities — combining behavioral sciences with field placements and an explicit ethical framework.
Business Administration
Business Administration is the most popular U.S. major — a broad foundation in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics that prepares graduates for nearly any industry.