What Can You Do With a Public Policy Degree?
- A public policy degree prepares students to analyze community problems and influence lawmaking at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Public policy majors work in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, such as a government agency or advocacy group.
- Many public policy professionals hold a master’s or doctorate degree. Continuing education, such as a certification or fellowship, can also advance your career.
A career in public policy offers graduates the opportunity to craft and enact policies that promote public well-being.
Many schools offer specialized programs in public policy that blend political science, sociology, and data analytics.
Careers in public policy depend heavily on empirical research and data. As such, public policy degree programs build skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and decision-making.
This work prepares students to address community problems and concerns and evaluate how local, state, or federal policies can help the situation.
Public Policy vs. Political Science
Political science is a broad field of study in the social sciences that focuses on systems of government and the analysis of political activities and behaviors.
Public policy is a branch of political science that addresses public concerns and problems. Policymakers influence lawmaking at the local, state, and federal levels to address those issues.
What is the Salary for a Public Policy Major?
Many graduates find careers in public policy in government agencies and the offices of elected officials. Nonprofit organizations also need public policy graduates for lobbying and legislative advocacy.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), political scientists earn a median annual salary of $122,220.
The BLS projects 6% job growth for political scientists between 2019 and 2029. Political scientists typically hold a master’s degree or a doctorate.
| Job Title | Entry-Level (0-12 months) | Early Career (1-4 Years) | Midcareer (5-9 Years) | Experienced (10-19 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $49,380 | $53,490 | $63,640 | $75,050 |
| Public Policy Director | N/A | $65,660 | $80,740 | $94,810 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $40,280 | $45,830 | $58,440 | $61,190 |
Source: PayScale
Explore Featured Related Master’s Degree Programs
Where Can You Work With a Public Policy Degree?
Earning a public policy degree can open the door to career paths in the public and private sectors.
For example, graduates can use their expertise to serve low-income clients at a legal aid clinic or public defender’s office. They can also work at a law firm or in the legal department of a large corporation.
Some public policy graduates also choose careers in law enforcement or corrections.
Public policy careers often require a thorough understanding of a specialized topic, like healthcare or energy.
You can prepare for these specialized roles by choosing a degree concentration or by supplementing your degree with electives or a minor.
Top Industries for Public Policy Majors
Source: BLS
Top Locations for Public Policy Majors
Washington, D.C. offers the highest employment level for political scientists, followed by Virginia, Texas, California, and Pennsylvania.
Political scientists earn the highest median salaries when working in Virginia, New York, and Washington, D.C.
How to Start Your Career in Public Policy
A degree in public policy or administration prepares graduates for a broad range of jobs in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
By studying core business skills, public policy graduates also prepare to work in fields like marketing, financial management, and human resources management.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Public Policy?
Bachelor’s programs in public administration and policy typically take four years, requiring students to earn at least 120 credits.
Bachelor’s programs teach foundational skills like administrative leadership, policy development and implementation, and research methods.
Public relations specialists work in many fields and industries. They help companies cultivate and maintain a positive public image. This may involve developing social media and traditional marketing campaigns to raise awareness of an organization’s goals and projects. These workers also help organizational leaders communicate with the media by drafting speeches and reviewing official correspondence.
Salary:$61,150
Source: BLS
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Public Policy?
Master’s programs in public policy typically require students to complete 30-40 credits, which generally takes about two years.
Master’s curricula typically includes classes like public budgeting, ethics and law, and advanced policy analysis and program evaluation.
Students also cultivate creative leadership skills, preparing to work as managers and directors.
These research scientists study political topics on a national and international scale. They develop and test political theories using methods like public opinion surveys. They often work as academics who publish their research findings and teach at universities. They can also hold advising positions, monitoring current events and forecasting political developments for government agencies and private enterprises.
Salary:$122,220
Source: BLS
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Public Policy?
Professionals who earn a doctoral degree in public policy can compete for executive positions within nonprofit organizations, private companies, and government agencies.
Many graduates also pursue teaching jobs at colleges and universities.
Doctoral programs typically require 50-70 credits and take students 5-7 years to complete.
In addition to providing classroom instruction, postsecondary teachers help students pursue internships, complete research projects, and plan for careers or graduate school. They conduct their own research for publication and presentation. These teachers also fill administrative roles in their departments, assisting with curriculum development and student enrollment.
Salary:$79,540
Source: BLS
How to Advance Your Career in Public Policy
Public Policy Licensure and Certifications
Some public policy organizations offer professional development programs and certifications that build leadership skills and improve knowledge in specific areas.
Some states offer credentials through their municipal and county advisory services related to local government administration.
The County Technical Assistance Service in Tennessee, for example, provides a certified county finance officer program and a county administrative professional certificate.
Federal employees can participate in specific training programs that can help them advance through the general schedule employment grades.
For employees within the Department of Agriculture, the Aspiring Leader Program offers professional mentoring, coaching, and individual development.
Additionally, lobbyists can pursue public policy certification from the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics.
Public Policy Fellowships
Fellowships can also enhance your resume and provide unique work experience in public policy.
These programs typically include a stipend and target early-career professionals or graduate students in public policy.
Examples include the Fulbright-Anne Wexler Master’s Award in Public Policy, the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute’s Global Leaders Internship and Fellowship Program, and the National Urban Fellows Master of Public Administration Fellowship.
Resources for Public Policy Majors
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Policy
Is a degree in public policy worth it?
Many graduates find that a public policy degree allows them to develop and implement policy changes that help people live better lives. Careers for public policy majors include research-focused jobs, roles within government agencies, and lobbyist positions.
What kind of jobs can you get with a public policy degree?
Graduates can work as policy analysts with state or federal agencies. They can also work as administrators for local governments. Graduates can also begin careers in academia, business, and public relations.
How much do public policy majors make?
Salary expectations vary by field, experience, education, and location. However, according to the BLS, political scientists earn a median annual salary of $122,220. This career typically requires at least a master’s degree. Additionally, according to PayScale, policy analysts earn an average annual salary of around $60,000.
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