Online Associates Degree in Public Administration

If you are interesting in serving society and making a difference, public administration degrees can bring employment in city planning, community action agencies, human services, health services, criminal justice, and other public sector or government agencies.

Earning associate degrees in public administration

In addition to a core education, associate degrees in public administration might cover public administration, psychology, sociology, political science, legal concepts and urban studies. Additional subjects could include American government, economics, statistics, budgeting, business administration, organizational leadership, fundraising and comparative politics.

Associate degrees in public administration provide a foundation to transfer to a bachelor's degree program, which can open up jobs beyond entry level roles. Some schools offer accelerated bachelor's to master's degree programs that you can complete in five years. Master's degree concentrations include public and nonprofit administration or public policy as well as management, policy, finance and an international focus.

For a Doctor of Public Administration, or DPA, concentrations could encompass education, environmental policy, national security, administration of justice or defense policy. Many DPA candidates seek faculty positions or leadership roles in public service. A Ph.D. in public administration generally leads toward a role as an academic or a senior researcher in nonprofits or the government.

Public administration careers, outlook and salary

Entry-level jobs in local, state, and federal government and nonprofits may be available with an associate degree but many employers prefer or even require a bachelor's or a master's degree. Some mid-manager jobs are filled from within an organization, so candidates with an associate degree might advance with sufficient experience.

A wide range of roles fall under the category of public administration, ranging from city managers to health services managers. City managers generally need at least a bachelor's degree in public administration or a related field, as well as experience working in government departments.

Entry-level administrative support occupations are found in a variety of organizations. For example, human resources assistants -- except for those in payroll and timekeeping -- earned a median salary of $36,800 in 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and 11 percent job growth is projected for the 2010-2020 period.

If you decide to upgrade your qualifications and seek advancement, online degrees in public administration offer a convenient way to continue gaining valuable work experience while you pursue your education.

If you are interesting in serving society and making a difference, public administration degrees can bring employment in city planning, community action agencies, human services, health services, criminal justice, and other public sector or government agencies.

Earning associate degrees in public administration

In addition to a core education, associate degrees in public administration might cover public administration, psychology, sociology, political science, legal concepts and urban studies. Additional subjects could include American government, economics, statistics, budgeting, business administration, organizational leadership, fundraising and comparative politics.

Associate degrees in public administration provide a foundation to transfer to a bachelor's degree program, which can open up jobs beyond entry level roles. Some schools offer accelerated bachelor's to master's degree programs that you can complete in five years. Master's degree concentrations include public …