Those who have Master of Arts in Public Administration have good scope in terms of higher study options and job opportunities. Aspirants can pursue M.Phil and Ph.D after an MA in Public Administration. Job opportunities are available in a number of areas like Governance, Public Management, Planning, Revenue and Taxation, etc. An MA in Public Administration also offers excellent prospects for clearing the Civil Service exam.

Higher Study options after MA in Public Administration

Candidates who have completed the Master’s programme in Public Administration can opt to pursue research in relevant fields. Candidates can choose to pursue an M. Phil and/ or a Ph. D in Public Administration.

Master of Philosophy in Public Administration is a two year post graduate course. Various subjects like Administrative theory, Public Policy, Dynamics of Social Administration etc are included in this course. Students are also taught on advanced research methodology that equips them to undertake research.

Aspirants can opt for Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration after an MA or an M.Phil in Public Administration. Research can be done in various areas like State and Local Governance, Public Policy and Social Change, NGO management, Political economy of cities etc. Research can also be carried out in interdisciplinary areas.

Career avenues after MA in Public Administration

There is an increasing demand for graduates in Public Administration. Job opportunities are available in central, state and local governments. With the outsourcing of public administrative works, graduates can also seek employment opportunities in private organisations. Health services, social services and protective services offer career avenues for these graduates. There are also a number of support services that require skilled Public Administration graduates.

The job of public administration personnel includes:

• Analyzing information
• Conducting safety inspections
• Consultations
• Drafting and implementing governmental and public policy
• Investigating suspected criminal activity
• Implementing information technologies
• Managing people and resources
• Overseeing expenditures

The job profile will vary according to the organisation in which the graduate is employed. Public Administration graduates can seek employment in the following capacities. The job types available are:

• Criminal Investigator
• Administrative Officer
• Consultant
• Corporate Manager
• Labour Management Relations Specialist
• Social Worker
• Customs Inspector
• Industrial Relations Specialist
• Teacher
• Consumer Safety Inspector
• Management Analyst
• Personnel Management Specialist
• Systems Analyst

Career avenues are available for graduates in different sectors. The expertise in public administration is required in areas that require managing, implementation and drafting of projects. Graduates can find employment in the following areas:

• Tribal Administration
• Secretariat
• Public Works
• Postal services
• Police Department
• Panchayati Raj
• Municipal Bodies
• Land Revenue Systems
• Indian Civil Services
• Fire and Emergency Services
• Education
• Economic Development
• Corporate Management
• Bureaucracy

The remuneration in public sector organizations is  fixed by the government. It varies according to the job profile and area of employment. Aspirants can expect an increase in salary with experience in the field.