ONLINE MASTER'S DEGREE INPUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

For anyone who is interested in a management position in the public sector, pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) could be a great way to advance your career. An MPA is very similar to an MBA (master's in business administration) except that the coursework is applicable to issues one would encounter working for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, health and human services, the public education system, and other public entities.

To accommodate the many working professionals in these fields that wish to continue their education and earn an advanced degree, many institutions — even if they're coming straight from college or changing career fields — can successfully earn an online MPA degree.

MPA programs vary by school, but the core requirements are usually similar, focused on helping students develop leadership and management skills. Students can expect to learn aspects of finance, project management, ethics, law, and other business-related concepts, however, it should all be through the lens of serving the public.

Those who graduate from an online MPA program typically go on to work in numerous types of jobs, everything from city planners and economic development directors to nonprofit chief operation officers to public affairs directors. Completing a master's in public administration is also a good pathway for people working in the corporate sector who want to make the switch into public work.