As you explore the field of public administration,you may find the terms, public management and public administrationused interchangeably. Nevertheless, are these terms interchangeable? If not, then what is the difference between public management and public administration?Is there enough difference to make it a consideration in choosing your field of study in preparation forpublic administration jobs?On the other hand, is the new and different public management label an attempt to give administration more relevance in today’s society?

A masters in public administrationis obviously a field of study. Public works administration is also defined as both a field of study and profession. According to some definitions, public management looks closely at the implementation of policies, procedures, and actions of administration in light of management in private and non-profit sectors. Public works administration traditionally has been connected to government offices or public service.

Administration is most often concerned with determining goals, objectives, and purpose while management functions to achieve the goals set by the administration. In an effort to overhaul government administration there have been efforts to blend these two aspects supporting the use of both administration and management interchangeably. This new administration explains the conflict or confusion sometimes experienced in clearly defining public works administrationtoday. Public administration jobs may include aspects of both administration and management. The flexibility of study involved Masters in Public Administrationgives you the background, knowledge, and versatility to handle this challenging field. While this diversity within studies for masters in public administration make it difficult to differentiate between administration and management, it also embraces techniques, theories, and planning from private management that places an emphasis on relationships between organizations, as well as relationships among those assigned the task of meeting the goals and objectives of various public service programs. Is this new public management or simply an evolution in growth necessary to adapt new technology and techniques to accomplish goals set by administration? The answer may depend on the organization in which you are involved.

A closer look at administration and management reveals various degrees of difference:

• Administration: Determines policy, procedures, goals and objectives
• Management: Carries follows or carries out the policy, procedures, goals, and objectives set by administration.
• Administration: Is usually a top-level authority
• Management: Is usually a middle-level authority
• Administration: Has long been connected with government office, military organization, or educational organization.
• Management: Has long been connected with business enterprises in the private or non-profit sectors.
• Administration: Has been traditionally seen as making decisions based on politics, public opinion, or government policies
• Management: Has been traditionally seen as making decisions based on personal values, opinions of managers, or the value to the bottom line profits.
• Administration: Handles the business of the organization.
• Management: Handles the relationships among employees.

No doubt, administration and management will be used interchangeably in some situations. For individuals currently exploring or having already obtained a Masters in Public Administration, there will continue to be evolving definitions as more public administration jobs join forces with non-profit and private enterprise to meet their goals and objective efficiently. You may even find yourself in a unique position to shape those definitions for local community, state, or national organizations. Any public service venture does require components of both administration and management to accomplish their mission. Public service organizations and non-profit groups as well as private businesses will continue to join forces. The most important point to remember is to not get so concerned over agreeing on an exact definition that you lose track of the goals the platform that public service has to offer that can make a real difference in your communities.

When you hear of anyone discussing a chief of staff position, your thoughts may automatically turn to the White House chief of staff position. However, there are also chief of staff positions available in public administration and public works administration. While specific job requirements will vary according to the agency, institution, or organization you are part of, there are basic expectations common to any chief of staff position. Three main roles you can expect to play as chief of staff in any organization will involve management, delegation, and advisory abilities.

A chief of staff often preforms numerous roles as part of a public administration position. Most often, you will find yourself in a management role that involves organizing and managing schedules for those within your department as well organizing a schedule of meetings and communications with the people in the top position of your company or organization. You will work closely with a CEO, president of an organization, or other high-level personnel within a public works administration organization and be involved in day-to-day operations. As chief of staff, you must have a clear understanding of the mission and vision of the public works administration organization with which you are involved. You must also understand and be able to work with the public administration style of those to whom you report. A chief of staff position involves overseeing staff management in an effective manner.

Your role as chief of staff will often involve delegating tasks and responsibilities to others while you see that the primary goals and objectives of your public service organization are carried out. To delegate tasks efficiently you must have an understanding of the roles other staff members play as well as personal strengths and talents. Again, this will relate directly to your understanding of the mission and purpose of your organization. Your ability to delegate tasks and effectively communicate progress towards meeting organizational goals is an important part of your role as chief of staff.

Though you may not have considered it, you may also find yourself playing an advisory role in your chief of staff position. The head of your service administration cannot be everywhere at once. Most chiefs of staff are expected to have a broad understanding of the organization and its effect on the community. In addition to your understanding of the mission of the organization, those to whom you report may rely on your connection to other staff members and the surrounding community to advise him of any issues that should be addressed before they become a problem. You may be expected to not only communicate potential problems, but also offer advice concerning possible solutions. With this combination of roles included in a chief staff position, you can understand why a graduate degree is a required part of your preparation. Individual chief of staff job descriptions vary but most have the same basic expectations of the role you play in the organization.

A masters in public administration offers the foundation to develop strong leadership skills needed to excel in the role of chief of staff in a variety of public administration jobs. The techniques and skills you develop during a masters in public administration program will be those you use to implement programs and policies influencing social change, while managing human resources, organizational, and budgeting challenges. The versatility and flexibility in a masters of public administration program allows you to combine your interest in public service, your personal experience, and your unique skills to design a program plan to enhance your strengths. Public administration jobs have the potential to make real changes in society at the national, state, and local levels. There are countless public administration jobs that have a need for strong knowledgeable chiefs of staff to help shape the future.

Public administrationis a wide field that involves people engaged in organizing and running public functions. Though some positions are elected, there is a wide range of public administration jobsavailable for those interested in a career where you can make a difference in how your government is run on a local, state, or national level. Public administrationemployees are involved in community planning, nonprofit management, economic, and urban planning at all levels of government.Public administration jobsinvolve an ever-increasing opportunity to influence social change through the implementation of ideas, strategies, and concepts. A masters in public administrationdegree is required for most administration positions. Obtaining a MPA gives you the flexibility to transition across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to get things done. A masters in public administration prepares you for public service careers in administration, health, environmental management, national security, and more. A MPA can also be combined with graduate degrees in health, social studies, law, engineering, business, or communications. Combining degrees may help you specialize after graduation.

Regardless of what areas of public economics, health, safety, or environmental issues you are ready to help advance in your community at a national, state, or local level, there are endless options available. You will find unlimited ways to put the leadership skills, communications skills, and networking skills, you have to use making changes that can affect your community for years to come.

Public works administration positions directly address issues that involve improving health services, overseeing environmental services, and other areas of public service. In the past, public service was limited to government employment opportunities. That is no longer true in the new public service positions. During the past thirty years, an increasing number of organizations have worked together to link together the government, private sector, universities, and local communities to address public policies and issues. A career in public works administration addresses relevant problems facing our society today. Job opportunities in public works administration can include areas such as:

• Environmental agencies
• Public programs management
• Engineering
• Public Health
• Systems Analysis
• Urban and regional planning
• City managers
• Economic development director
• Parks and recreation administration
• Human resources director
• Homeland security
• Conservation planners

This list is in no way all-inclusive, but provides an example of the diverse range of job opportunities available when you decide on a masters in public administration.

Public Administration Resource Recommendations

• The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration is an excellent resource of information for both institutions and individuals interested in public service careers. Since 1970, the NASPAA has been instrumental in developing standards for MPA programs through peer reviews and accreditation. The NASPAA also works to promote internships and joint educational projects.
• The Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management APPAM includes a wide membership of organizations, academic partners, practitioners, and institutes that work together to promote research, education, and analysis of policies that influence local, state, and national policy management.
• The American Society for Public Administration ASPA provides opportunities for individuals, organizations, businesses, and nonprofits to network with others involved in public service endeavors. The ASAP provides several resource for those interested in promoting integrity, accountability, and resource allocation in public administration careers. Visit the ASPA website for additional resource information.

Careers in public administration involve the development, implementation and management of public and government policies. People who choose public administration as a career will find that there are a variety of paths that can be pursued for employment. This is particularly true for people who hold a public administration degree, such as a masters degree. As there are numerous job opportunities in public, state and federal agencies, it is important for students to explore all of the career options that are available to them when entering this field. Regardless of what career is selected, a bachelors degree is sufficient for entry-level positions to most public administration jobs. Graduates who are interested in future advancement opportunities and the best chance of initial employment, will find that a majority of employers prefer a masters in public administration.

Career opportunities for graduates

After obtaining a masters of public administration degree there are many career opportunities that are available. These job opportunities can be found at a local, state and federal level. Examples of careers for people with a masters in public administration include, but are not limited to, city manager, consumer safety inspector, medical and health services manager and foreign policy analyst. A city manager is a city’s administrative manager. It is typically an appointed position that is in charge of daily administrative operations of the city or town. Medical and health services managers are the executives and administrators that manage the delivery of health care services in either a specific medical department or of the general health care system where they are employed. Medical and health managers may be clinical managers or health information managers or administrators. People who work as foreign policy analysts address U.S. foreign policy and relationships with other countries. Consumer safety inspectors are people who work in private food processing plants to ensure that they are operating in accordance with sanitation and processing protocols to protect the consumer.

Public administration jobs can be found in various locations in the country and internationally. People with a public administration degree often work jobs in government agencies. Some of these agencies include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to name a few. Positions for people with a masters of public administration may also be found in non-government agencies, non-profit organizations and educational institutions.

• Guide to Becoming a City Manager
• Foreign Policy Analyst Career

Salary information for different public administration jobs

Pay for people who are working public administration jobs will vary depending on the chosen career and whether or not the person holds a masters in public administration. The average public administration salary for a city manager is approximately $94,992. Pay rates for people who work as medical and health managers depend on the actual type, location and level of responsibility that is held. On average, the median salary for this type of job is $80,240. This changes however, when the type of facility is factored in. For example, the average annual public administration salary for health service managers in nursing care facilities is $71,190, and in physician offices it is $74,060. The median salary for a consumer safety inspector is $39,000; however a masters degree can increase the public administration salary for this job. A human resources director with a masters of public administration can expect to earn a median annual salary of $78,234.

• Medical and Health Service Manager
• Finding the Right Online Masters of Public Administration

Professional Organizations

There are numerous organizations for people who have entered the field of public administration. Some of the organizations are career-specific, while others address public administration as a whole. The American Association for Public Administration is an organization that was established for public administrators in general. The American Society for Public Administration, or ASPA, is the largest organization for public administrators and it is governed by four values. These values are Accountability and Performance, Professionalism, Ethics and Social Equity. Through the ASPA, members have access to events, publications and other resources and opportunities that are specific to public administrators.

The National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) is an organization that was established in 1983 and is located in Washington, DC. The purpose of this organization is to encourage the advancement of African-Americans with a public administration degree and who work in the field of public administration. It is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The organization currently has forty chapters across the U.S. Members of NFBPA have access to events, publications and a number of programs, awards and scholarships.

• The American Association for Public Administration
• The National Forum for Black Public Administrators

What is Foreign Policy

Foreign policy can be defined as the creation of rules and regulations by one nation in order to impact its relations with other countries. As nations being to see the value of globalization, this is becoming an increasingly important sector of public policy. Foreign policy can be either bilateral or multilateral, depending on how many relationships are established between countries.

What is foreign policy?: Foreign policy involves interaction with other governments. Those who earn their master’s in public policy and administration who wish to be engaged in this career will be strategically employed in positions in order to interact with other countries.

The role of U.S. foreign policy: U.S. foreign policy is incredibly complex and many facets exist for graduates of with a master’s in public administration and public policy.

Public opinion regarding recent foreign policy: Organizations that construct public opinion surveys often make polls to give foreign policy makers information on how the population feels. For instance, a recent public policy survey shows that Americans now feel less anxiety about the U.S.’s recent relationships with other countries.

Foreign policy administrations in the U.S.

Although one government exists in the country, many organizations help to establish and influence the state of foreign policy in the U.S.

The White House: The White House will have different foreign policy agendas depending on which party is in the house at what time.

The U.S. Department of State: This branch of the government seeks to advance the freedom of U.S. citizens by helping serve other countries. Policy issues may include women’s issues, health and human rights.

U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations: The U.S. Senate wishes to oversee all the foreign policies established. From its founding in 1816, the committee has helped shape policies from the purchase of Alaska to the birth of the United Nations.

Council on Foreign Relations: This part of U.S. foreign policy seeks to establish relationships with other nations. Some issues that are discussed may be defense, energy, and the environment and terrorism.

Office of International Affairs: The U.S. Department of the Interior uses this organization to conduct international activities in the realms of science and conservation. This office serves to establish foreign policy that deals with endangered species and the preservation of world cultural and natural heritage areas.

Recent issues in foreign policy

China & Foreign Policy

China: China has a strong relationship with the U.S. government. One issue discussed within the two nations is the area of human rights and how China may need to focus on this aspect in the future.

Foreign Policy & Climate Change

Climate change: Climate change has been recognized by the United Nations as an area of pressing concern. The U.S. has started taking a larger role in addressing this issue by attempting to establish worldwide policies on the subject.

Afghanistan & Foreign Policy

Afghanistan: The U.S. has given itself a long-term goal of helping the nation of Afghanistan rebuild itself as a nation. The Middle-Eastern country has been embroiled in years of war and its borders continue to cause problems for many nations.

Foreign Policy & Counter-Terrorism

Counterterrorism: The U.S. has established a strong foreign policy toward countering acts of terrorism. Since September 11th, 2001, the U.S. has continued to strengthen its policies in this area.

Careers in foreign policy

Those involved in foreign policy may change careers often and move around between the different areas involving this aspect of public policy and administration. Careers in diplomacy are some of the most popular fields in foreign policy and offer the chance for some to live in another country.

Foreign consular offices in the U.S. : A foreign consular is a diplomat that helps protect U.S. citizens in foreign countries and may be employed in an embassy overseas.

Foreign service officer: Those employed within this field of foreign policy are typically responsible for the promotion of U.S. goods and services in other countries.

Diplomat: Foreign diplomats will often have a master’s in public policy and may work alongside consulars in other countries. Diplomats often transfer from one country to another.

Think tanks: Those working in think tanks may also be involved with the U.S. foreign policy agenda. These institutions, which are often independent of any government, still seek to create research that helps the country with establishing policies overseas.

Finding an online master’s of public administration degree program

How to recognize a legitimate online institution: It has been said that the quality of a degree is as important as the degree itself. Before enrolling in a master’s of public administration online, it is important to do some research to find out the legitimacy of the program.

Online enrollment: Online education has experienced significant growth in the past couple of years and is only continuing to rise in popularity. The Sloan Survey reports that approximately 5.6 million students were enrolled in at least one online course in the fall of 2009.

Benefits of an online degree: Location will no longer be a factor for those wishing to take a course in a school across the country. It’s possible that the college that always seemed out of grasp due to distance can be accessed via the internet.

Better academic performance: A number of studies have shown that online learning provides better educational performance. A Department of Education study conducted in 2009 shows that students enrolled in an online class performed better on the average than those taking part in a traditional classroom.

Convenience: Saving time in the classroom as well as commuting and parking is one of the best benefits associated with enrolling in an online program. Those with full-time jobs will find the freedom to make their own study hours.

Cost: Although many online and traditional classes may be similar in cost, an online degree saves money in the long run on materials like gas and on less measurable items, such as time.

Choosing the right online graduate degree program: With each school possessing strengths and weaknesses, the choice of the right online degree program is essential. When accessing a school’s rankings, degree seekers should be sure to check the credentials received for each of the program’s focal points. The career focus may be more highly accredited in another institution.

Available careers after acquiring a master’s in public administration

Public administration careers are available in many forms. Recognizing one’s strengths and interests can help narrow the spectrum for the choice of a potential career. However, for many, this credential means a job with a government agency.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Many opportunities exist for those with a passion for the environment. At the EPA, a number of jobs may be available for the right graduate of a master’s program in public administration .

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): A number of jobs may be available at the EEOC for the right graduate. This government agency also looks for those candidates who are bilingual.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC): Although the FDIC seems like a place that is jsut for those in business, a number of careers are available at this institution for those pursuing an advisory position. A career with the FDIC necessitates working in one of the filed offices located in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco or Kansas City. This agency ranked third out of 30 of the best places to work in the federal government.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): A branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA is a disaster response agency that helps provide support and leadership to areas involved in natural disasters.

Teaching public administration: With a master’s in public administration the opportunity to teach is also available. In addition, a number of opportunities,such as the Fulbright Scholarship, are available for those who wish to teach abroad.

Advocacy: The field of advocacy helps those without a voice to be recognized. The Small Business Administration is a good example of a federal institution that helps to advocate for those who need representation.

U.S. House of Representatives: Those working in the House help support the American people by helping to implement and vote on laws.

U.S. Senate: A U.S. Senate position requires potential senators to be over 30 years old. Those looking to become a member in the upper house will have to have resided in the state of election for at least nine years.

Think tanks: Think tanks help conduct research into specific areas of advocacy. Many of these institutions are funded by the government and spend large amounts of time on long-term projects for which they conduct research.

Working in the field of public policy will often involve addressing issues related to the U.S. foreign policy for relationships with various countries of the world. As a result, students who are attaining a master’s of public administration and  policy (MPP) and choose to pursue this aspect of public policy may end up working at the highest levels of government, or with organizations that have a significant role in affecting foreign policy.MPP degree program students who are considering this educational path may benefit greatly from concentrating some of their study efforts on international affairs. Additionally, doing independent research into this field, with regard to major issues, available jobs and internships and other resources can potentially provide additional help.

What is foreign policy analysis?

Working at local, state or federal levels of government is a fairly common career path for those who have graduated with a master’s of public administration. Since this field is extraordinarily wide, MPP program graduates or current students with an interest in government employment may find it best to concentrate their studies or job search on a specific niche.The position of a city manager is one of the high-ranking administrative jobs an MPP graduate can pursue and possibly attain. Due to the responsibilities and prestige that come with city management, it may be incredibly competitive, so interested MPP students should ensure that they have the knowledge and experience to present themselves as the best possible candidate for the job.

What is a City Manager?

Although one can describe a city manager’s position in a single phrase – implementing the policies created by the legislative body of a city or town – the realities of the job are considerably more complex. It is necessary to understand city management as comprehensively as possible before working toward attaining such a job.

California City Management Foundation (CCMF): This organization’s webpage describes, in succinct but informative terms, what exactly it means to be a city manager, while also providing some interesting contextual information on the history of the city management position.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):  Although this page of the BLS’ Career Guide to Industries has a wide focus on employment in state and local government, it spends a reasonable amount of time on city management in particular. It states that a master’s in public administration (MPA) or a related field, such as public policy, is highly desirable for candidates who are interested in this position.

International City Management Association (ICMA):The ICMA is arguably the most prominent professional organization dedicated to the field of city management and related local government positions. On this webpage, it explains the responsibilities that are typically associated with city or town management.

Social Development Department, World Bank: This research paper provides a detailed examination into the intricate workings of local government. Although it does not offer a great deal of specific information related to city management, it nonetheless may be of considerable interest to Masters in Public Administration degree holders who are interested in city management or other administrative government positions.

City of Melbourne, Florida:  On this city’s website, MPA program graduates can learn a great deal about the council-manager form of government, which is how most city management positions are structured within the greater scope of a municipality’s government.

Organizations with resources and job postings for prospective city managers with Masters of Public Administration degrees

To better their chances of success on their path to achieve a job as a town or city manager, MPA degree holders may want to take advantage of as many resources as possible. The organizations listed below may be of assistance toward that end.

Municipal Management Association of Northern California (MMANC):Here, a number of open job postings in city management positions (or related fields) in the Northern California region can be found. MPA program graduates may be able to find similar organizations in their own area.

Public Affairs Council (PAC):Although not all of the positions listed here are directly involved with city management, they are all related to the sort of administrative and policy-based work that is the foundation of work as a city manager. As a result, they may be viable as jobs to build the experience necessary for city management.

Oregon Emerging Local Government Leadership Network (OELGL):Several of the positions listed here are in city administration (virtually identical to city management) or assistant city management. Others may provide pertinent experience to pursue city management in the future. MPP degree holders can find similar groups in their own state.

Alliance for Innovation: This webpage details a number of job postings for city administrators and assistants to the city manager, along with some less directly related to the city management and administration field.

Town of Barre, Vermont:  Many towns have internship programs like the one detailed here, which helps provide on-the-job training for MPP students looking to break into city management.

City managers who hold a Masters in Public Administration

Many city managers hold either MPP or MPA degrees and count them among their chief academic distinctions. The following examples depict just two of these individuals, who may provide inspiration for MPP graduates hoping to attain these positions.

City of Alamosa, Colorado:Current city manager Nathan Cherpeski holds an Masters of Public Administration, and gained his experience working in the finance department and city manager’s office in Redding, California.

City of Bonita Springs, Florida: In addition to his MPA degree, Bonita Springs city manager Carl L. Schwing boasts 11 years of experience as an assistant city manager in the city of Cape Coral, elsewhere in Florida. His example proves how extensive experience and a quality education in public policy and administration are essential requirements of becoming a city manager.

Public policy is a field known for being particularly wide in its scope. It covers a wide variety of topics and, as a result, students who are seeking a master’s of public administration (MPA Program)  will have a large number of choices when deciding what their concentration will be in their academic and professional careers. One field covered under the umbrella of public policy, domestic or homeland security in the U.S., has grown considerably in its importance in recent years.