Public administration is a government career that manages public services and resources and implements governmental policies. People who work in public administration, civil servants, are involved with the planning, coordinating and directing of various governmental activities. Public administration is an essential facet of all types of governments across political systems — it’s how the everyday workings of government are accomplished.

What is public administration like as a career? There is significant variety; some civil servants work on procurement and contracts, while others may focus on analyzing proposed and pending legislation. Since there are many opportunities for specialization, it’s likely that students can find an area that aligns with their interests and strengths.

Before getting started with pursuing a career in public administration, take a closer look at the definition, roles and purpose of public administration in government. Consider the core skills that are essential for this type of work and then reflect on the question, Is public administration a good degree for you?

Public administration is essential for the everyday functioning of governmental agencies at the federal, state and local levels. Public administration also refers to the work of administrative services professionals in the nonprofit sector, as they must also manage resources and direct programs and services that are in the public’s interest.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

According to ThoughtCo, public administration “can be thought of as the transformation of politics into the reality that the average citizen sees every day.”^{(See disclaimer 1)} In other words, for example. public administration is how roads and bridges are built and maintained; how seniors can access the healthcare services they need; and how corporations are required to adhere to safety standards for their workers and public stakeholders throughout the community. Essentially, public administration touches on many aspects of everyday life for people in a society.

Public administration is not a new concept. In fact, it has roots in ancient Greece. During the 7th and 8th centuries BC, rulers of ancient Greece selected individuals to carry out their policies and oversee the functioning of daily life. Public administration became a more organized concept in the 16th century AD, when Niccoló Machiavelli of Italy developed an organized system for appointing civil servants to various functions of government.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Public administration is essential for the everyday functioning of society. Without public administration professionals running operations behind the scenes, governmental agencies would not be able to implement their policies, enforce regulations, manage resources effectively or deliver essential public services.

Public administration is essential for:

• Mail delivery
• Infrastructure development and maintenance
• Public transportation
• Access to education and healthcare
• Disaster preparedness and emergency response
• Urban planning
• Development and maintenance of public parks and lands
• Wildfire mitigation and response
• …and many more public services

Public administration professionals are responsible for turning public policies and regulations into day-to-day actions. They manage the public programs and services that people rely on, and they ensure that governmental operations function as intended.

Some of the key roles of public administration include:

• Resource management
• Policy implementation
• Delivery of services
• Crisis management (e.g., emergency response)
• Regulatory administration
• Budgetary planning
• Human resource management
• Urban planning

Public administrators also serve as a liaison between government and the people. When an individual has a problem and needs assistance, public administrators may be the ones to connect that individual to the programs and services they need.

Public administration is how the everyday work of government is accomplished. It’s not only about implementing policies and managing paperwork, however. The ultimate purpose of public administration is to serve the interests of the public.

Public servants, or civil servants, have this title for a reason: Their purpose is to place the interest of others before their own— to ensure their needs are met and to facilitate interactions between the people and their government. Public administration professionals are charged with ethical governance that adheres to strict codes of conduct. They are responsible for promoting accountability and transparency in government, as well as improving the efficiency of the daily operations of governmental agencies.

Civil servants are required to act as stewards of public resources who provide ethical leadership and adhere strictly to laws and regulations. They must act with honesty and integrity for the purpose of maintaining the public trust, and they must uphold social equity when advancing the public interest. It’s essential for public administration professionals to prioritize the welfare of the public over their own personal interests.

The skills required for a career in public administration often depend on the area of specialization and the specific occupation. In general, however, civil servants need a blend of technical or hard skills and soft skills.

Some of the most relevant hard skills to consider acquiring include:^{(See disclaimer 2)}

• Data analysis and statistical software usage
• Budgeting and financial management
• Project management methodologies
• Public policy analysis
• Information technology infrastructure and cybersecurity fundamentals
• Geographic information systems (for resource management and infrastructure development)

Public administration professionals also need strong soft skills to succeed in their roles. Some of the most important soft skills may include:^{(See disclaimer 2)}

• Communication skills: For conveying information to a variety of stakeholders, including internally and to members of the public
• Teamwork: For collaborating and cooperating with a team focused on the public good
• Critical thinking: Often necessary for evaluating public policies and managing resources
• Problem-solving skills: For analyzing complex problems and developing innovative solutions that are aligned with the public interest
• Adaptability: For adjusting to shifting public priorities and changes in the legislative landscape

There are many different career options in public administration across a wide range of specializations. Students can look for a career path that aligns with their interests and taps into their strengths.

What is a public administration career option? Some career paths in public service in the governmental and nonprofit sectors may include:^{(See disclaimer 3)}

• Public affairs specialist: A public affairs specialist plans, develops and implements public programs, including media campaigns.
• Development coordinator: In the nonprofit sector, a development coordinator manages fundraising efforts, such as writing grant applications, coordinating fundraising events and managing teams of volunteers.
• Park manager: At public parks, park managers plan and develop park projects, oversee maintenance, coordinate vendors and allocate public resources.
• Human resources managers: In governmental and nonprofit sectors, human resources managers help their agencies achieve their goals through strategic hiring and employee development programs.
• Urban planner: Urban planners design and develop plans for public land use and development. They develop proposals, liaise with city officials and oversee projects.

Grand Canyon University offers public administration programs with purpose: faith-integrated courses that examine ethical judgment and promote character among future public servants. If you’re just beginning your journey in higher education, consider applying for enrollment in the Bachelor of Arts in Government with an Emphasis in Public Administration degree program, which explores political theory and public policy analysis. Continue your academic exploration of the field with a Master of Public Administration degree, with a variety of emphasis options to choose from.