Hands-on experience provided through master's degree programs

Hands-on experience provided through master's degree programs

Students who are interested in public administration careers could find that acquiring hands-on experience may better prepare them for a job in this field. Fortunately, some schools offer master's degrees that provide these individuals with opportunities to work with and observe professionals in this industry.

For instance, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) offers a master's in public administration (MPA) that allows students to view policy-making at the New Hampshire State House, according to The Huntington. This is integrated into the curriculum for the program's administrative law course.

Norman J. Patenaude, one of the school's MPA professors, told the newspaper that students who enroll in this course are encouraged to consider a job in public service as they "observe the processes that they learn about in class" and use their knowledge to "interact with officials from all three branches of state government."

The news source reports that students who attend similar sessions may learn about public budgeting processes for New Hampshire and discuss administrative law with professionals who work at the state house.

Individuals who obtain an MPA could find they have many career options. According to Payscale.com, professionals with this degree may work as city managers, budget analysts or directors of development.

By Stephanie Hughes