Public Administration is more than just a field of study - it’s a gateway to becoming a leader in public affairs, economics or management. A Master’s of Public Administration will empower you to play a crucial role in driving development, implementing change, and enhancing the overall well-being of a community.

Key highlights:

• What is a Master’s in Public Administration?
• Benefits of pursuing a Public Administration degree
• Top courses in Public Administration to consider
• Popular universities for a Master’s in Public Administration
• Public Administration – Eligibility

What is a Master’s in Public Administration?

A Master’s degree in Public Administration is like an MBA for people who want to pursue careers in government and non-government organisations (NGOs). The course covers key subjects such as Public Administration Policies, Effective Policy Implementation, and Policy Development and Management.

Completing an MS in Public Administration will enhance your scope to pursue upper-management roles in government organisations, global NGOs, non-profit organisations, politics, education, healthcare and private companies. You could also consider a career as a Public Policy Advocate and Researcher to make a difference in how policies are shaped and applied.

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Benefits of pursuing a Public Administration degree

Boost your leadership and management skills

Your Public Administration course will help you develop strong leadership and management skills. You can then pursue management roles in Public Administration, Policy-making, and the Non-profit sector. The degree is focused on leadership tasks like creating policies, managing public funds, and leading teams, which is exactly what you need to climb the ladder in this field.

Build a network

While studying Public Administration at the postgraduate level, you can connect with peers from various backgrounds. Many students are already working in public sector roles, so you can immediately have access to a valuable network of professionals in your field. Additionally, several programs have an international focus and explore how different economies around the world tackle public issues. The global perspective attracts students from all over the world, giving you the opportunity to build an international network.

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Become an expert in public sector topics

The master’s programme will let you specialise and deepen your knowledge in areas that matter to you. You can focus on international development, public management, health management, non-profit management, or policy analysis.

Top courses in public administration to consider

Full-time Master’s in Public Administration

In a full-time public administration course, students must attend lectures and seminars on the college premises. A full-time master’s course usually takes 1-3 years.

PhD study programme

You can pursue PhD post-completion of your master’s. Depending on the university, the duration can be 2-5 years. In addition to gaining advanced knowledge, you will be participating in formulating your unique research.

Popular universities for a Master’s in Public Administration

Name of the universities
Harvard University
University of Oxford
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
University of Cambridge
Stanford University
National University of Singapore
The University of Edinburgh
University of California, Berkeley
Yale University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

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Who is eligible for an MS/MA in Public Administration?

You need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college to enrol in a postgraduate programme in Public Administration. Many universities also ask students to provide GRE scores with their applications. The course will cover a mix of topics, including sociology, anthropology, economics, and law. Having a background or bachelor’s degree in one of these subjects can make it easier for you to complete the Public Administration course. Please remember that the criteria may change depending on your varsity. Therefore, it is advised to check the university-specific requirements before applying.

Pursuing a Public Administration postgraduate course is worth it for individuals hoping to make a difference in public governance. Whether you aim to work in government, non-profit organisations, or international agencies, the degree can equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to lead and innovate in public service.

Many young Indians hoping to pursue their postgraduation rely on student loans in India to finance their degree independently. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer education loans that cover the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, travelling expenses, accommodation costs, living costs, cost of learning devices and other education-related expenses.

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You can use online tools like an education loan EMI calculator to gain clarity on estimated monthly EMIs. Opting for a loan will empower you to pursue your higher education and enhance your career without using your family savings.