Apply Now
EKU Online > Online Public Administration Degrees & Certificates > Public Administration Career Opportunities

Open the Door to Rewarding Career Opportunities

Public administration programs prepare students to work in social service and government agencies. From developing programs and resources for low-income individuals and families to serving in public office, MPA graduates have a competitive edge in the job market.  MPA programs provide essential skills for today’s work environment and allow you to bring your on-the-job experience into the classroom, helping you make your mark as a public servant.

Learn More

Apply NowTest Drive
Loading...

Next Steps for Your Future

Whether or not you choose to earn a master’s degree after earning your bachelor’s is highly dependent on your field and career goals. In many fields a master’s degree can increase promotion potential or boost earning power. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median weekly earnings of someone holding a master’s degree in 2021 was $1,574, compared to the average median weekly salary of $1,334 earned by those with a bachelor’s degree. That’s a pay difference of more than 16%.

It’s important to understand that educational requirements and preferences will vary greatly by field and even by organization. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these requirements and preferences to help you stand out from the competition.

Note: Data is based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections: Earnings and unemployment rates by educational attainment, 2021

People with a master’s degree earn

+0%
more on average than those with only a bachelor's

Popular Public Administration Careers

Urban/Regional Planner

National Median Annual Salary
$78,500/year
4% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$48,792/year
updated April 2023
Organizations for Urban Planners in Kentucky
Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Dev Agency
$60,600
AECOM
$67,823
Staffworks Group
$65,000
Bachelor typically required for entry-level positions

Social Services Manager

National Median Annual Salary
$74,000/year
12% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$36,791/year
updated April 2023
Organizations for Social Services Managers in Kentucky
Kentucky Department Of Corrections
$48,313
Louisville Metro Government
$48,152
Commonwealth of Kentucky
$36,320
Bachelor typically required for entry-level positions

Budget Analyst

National Median Annual Salary
$79,940/year
3% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$61,480/year
updated April 2023
Organizations for Budget Analysts in Kentucky
Louisville Metro Government
$67,517
University of Kentucky
$46,342
Commonwealth of Kentucky
$31,461
Bachelor typically required for entry-level positions

*National job opportunities data is based on national medians and figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook handbook.
*Local job opportunities data is based on estimated base pay and figures from Indeed.com.

Other Public Administration Careers

  • Community Development Specialist
  • Economic Development Specialist
  • Nonprofit Manager
  • Nonprofit Director
  • Social Services Manager
  • Community Services Manager
  • Budget Analyst
  • Policy Analyst
  • Government Liaison Specialist

EKU Public Administration Program in the Workforce

Where Have EKU Public Administration Graduates Worked?
  • Kentucky River Foothills Development Council Inc.
  • City of Berea, Ky.
  • Batavia Township (Clermont County, Ohio)
  • Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine
Why Earn an MPA Degree?

Become a change agent by earning a Master of Public Administration with Eastern Kentucky University Online. Our fully online MPA program will prepare you for a variety of leadership roles within nonprofit, public sector and government institutions. You’ll leverage your interests and work experience by acquiring in-depth specialization in a range of focus areas including nonprofit management, applied policy, community development and more.

EKU has received national reaccreditation by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Earn your Master of Public Administration with EKU Online, one of the best online colleges in the nation.

EKU Online Career Services

Career planning is tough, but with EKU you don’t have to tackle the process alone.

The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs. We offer a variety of services to current online EKU students and alumni to help you with your career development, decision-making and job search.

Services include:

  • Creating/Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter
  • Interviewing Tips and Coaching
  • Career Documents Review
  • Job Search
Learn More
  • “I can confidently say that — as someone who doesn’t even live in the United States — EKU’s online program has been extremely accommodating and flexible. I can discuss advising appointments over email, and I can have my textbooks shipped to my address overseas.” – Sydney Garner Lewis
  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
  • “I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.” – EKU Online Psychology student Jason Tate
EKU Online Power E Logo

Apply To EKU Online