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First, some facts. Of the Public Administration graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 300 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 63%, Public Administration graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-4%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 35% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), which is right in line with the average across all fields.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 70% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from California State University-San Bernardino with a Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA in Public Administration. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssistant Manager, Workforce Development San Bernardino Community College District May 2023 - Nov 2023 Project Coordinator  City of Riverside Nov 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Public Administration - MPACalifornia State University-San Bernardino 2022 - 2024 ABOUTSix years of Experience in Grant Administration with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Bilingual Communications, Administration, Customer Service, Office Administration, and Data Entry. Strong community and social services professional with a Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA focused in Public Administration from California State University-San Bernardino. Currently pursuing MPA- Masters in Public Administration, Concentration in Leadership from California State University-San Bernardino |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the job trajectories of individuals who graduated with a degree in Public Administration, it's evident that their career paths are diverse, reflecting both relevant and tangential roles across various sectors. Many graduates found positions that directly utilize the skills and knowledge gained from their degrees, while others ended up in roles that, while showcasing some transferable skills, diverge from the core principles of public policy and administrative governance.
The most common type of job among these graduates lies within governmental and nonprofit sectors. Positions such as budget analysts, program managers, and legislative aides feature prominently, strongly leveraging public administration skills like public policy analysis, program evaluation, and community management. For instance, jobs at agencies like the City of Miami Beach or various government roles, including case management and public service coordination, demonstrate a clear and direct applicability of public administration principles. These roles typically require skill sets that involve regulatory comprehension, program management, and community engagement—core competencies developed during their academic studies.
However, a notable proportion of graduates pursued career paths that are considerably less aligned with public administration. Common positions like sales associates, customer service representatives, and various technical roles (in fields such as engineering or IT) tend to focus more on direct operations or customer relations rather than governance or policy frameworks. For example, roles in the private sector, such as a chef, bookkeeper, or in retail management, do not significantly engage the depth of policy or managerial theory that a Public Administration degree encompasses. This reality showcases that while a degree in Public Administration provides valuable skills, some graduates tend to find themselves in unrelated fields due to various factors such as job availability, personal interests, or shifts in career focus.
Overall, it is clear that while many graduates are successfully applying their knowledge in roles that are relevant to Public Administration, there is also a significant contingent working in roles that, while they may utilize some skills from their degree, do not fundamentally align with the core qualifications expected in this field. This mixture reflects both the flexibility and the challenges within the job market, highlighting the importance of further connecting educational outcomes with career pathways that truly utilize public administration principles.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Public Administration graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of Public Administration graduates, there’s a mixed bag of experiences that can offer insights into the trajectories they often take after graduation. Generally, the first jobs tend to be within governmental or administrative roles. For example, many graduates start as administrative assistants or in various entry-level roles within public service, city councils, or non-profit organizations. This initial phase typically involves gaining hands-on experience in management or operational tasks, which is crucial for building a professional foundation in public administration.
As graduates gain experience, within five to ten years after their initial employment, many of them find themselves in higher-level positions, often managing teams or overseeing significant projects within government entities or larger organizations. Many graduates advance to roles such as program managers, department leads, or project coordinators, often with a focus on improving community services or public initiatives. However, it’s important to note that there are quite a few individuals who may drift into unrelated fields or roles that don’t necessarily leverage their education in public administration. Some pursue paths in educational sectors, health services, or private companies without a clear connection to their degrees, which indicates that while some graduates thrive in relevant fields, others may end up feeling somewhat disconnected from their original career aspirations.
Overall, while many Public Administration graduates find meaningful work related to their studies and contribute to public service sectors, there exists a noticeable trend where others may venture off into less relevant positions as time progresses. Ultimately, the success of these job trajectories can be influenced by factors such as individual ambition, networking opportunities, and the overall job market at the time of graduation. So, if you’re considering a degree in Public Administration, it’s good to recognize these variability trends and remain flexible and proactive in pursuing career opportunities that align with your aspirations in public governance and administration.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration is pretty manageable compared to some other majors, especially if you're someone who likes thinking about how governments and organizations work. You'll dive into topics like policy-making, ethics, and management, which can be interesting and engaging. Sure, you’ll have to tackle some essays and projects, but if you stay organized and participate in class, you should be fine. It's definitely not a walk in the park, but most students find it less intense than degrees in the hardcore sciences or engineering, so it might be a good fit if you're looking for something that challenges you without totally overwhelming you.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Public Administration.
Looking at the careers of these Public Administration graduates, it's clear that many have found positions that likely offer decent salaries, especially those who have climbed the ladder in government or significant private sector roles. For example, graduates who have moved into management or specialized positions, like an Assistant Director of Staffing Development or City Managers, in places such as the City of St. Hedwig or the Deputy Chief position at a Sheriff’s department, are probably making a pretty good living. Additionally, jobs in healthcare administration or large corporations often come with competitive pay and benefits. However, roles like administrative assistants or entry-level positions in customer service generally pay much less, which could indicate that not everyone is “raking it in.”
Overall, while several individuals have cultivated career paths that suggest they’re making a decent wage as they progress, there are some who might still be on the lower end of the salary spectrum, especially early in their careers or in non-profit sectors. So, if you're considering a Public Administration degree, it seems that with experience and the right opportunities, you can certainly find yourself in a rewarding financial position down the line!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Public Administration. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Public Administration (ordered by the average relevance score of their Public Administration graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 San Diego State University
|
63 | 10 |
 Florida International University
|
62 | 13 |
 University of Central Florida
|
61 | 15 |
 Northern Arizona University
|
44 | 12 |