• City Management: City management professionals oversee the operations of a city by directing personnel to create regulations, assess current laws, and implement policies for the public and staff. 
• Comptroller: Financial reporting and accounting in an organization is supervised by this management position known as a comptroller.
• Education Administration: Whether it is K-12 or at the postgraduate level, education administration manages the staff at an educational institution by applying instructional leadership and daily supervision. 
• Healthcare Management: Healthcare managers guide practitioners and staff in a manner that provides a safe and efficient environment for the public.
• Law: Professionals in the field of law include lawyers, police officer administrators, or judges.

• Master's degree: 1.5-3 years to complete

The prerequisite for most MBA in public administration programs is a bachelor's degree. This undergraduate degree can be a general public administration degree or in a specific field that the student plans to be employed in as a supervisor or manager. Students who wish to explore their options may want to first complete an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree. An associate degree is a way to ease into college curriculum, improve on areas that the student feels needs more improvement, or to lift test scores that are mandated to be met by an undergraduate program.

Depending on where a student plans to work after obtaining an MBA in public administration, there are a number of related courses all students should take if they are planning to major in this upper-level program. The classes include business administration, organizational governance, public relations, finance, public policy, public management, and human resource development. The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) accredits many MBA programs in public administration. Students interested in a career strictly in public administration should select a program that is accredited by NASPAA.

Public administration careers can be advanced further with a doctoral degree. Careers are more focused in a doctoral degree and are related to postgraduate education and research in public administration. While there are no requirements to be certified in public administration, those who are interested can obtain certification through NASPAA or through the specific area they are employed. The Public Health Practitioner Board Inc. certifies those in the public health arena.

As with most careers, experience is a key identifier of most annual salaries, An upper-level degree is another way to increase a salary. The location of a job varies salaries as well. The lowest salary for those with an MBA in public administration earn $44,928. The median annual salary is $69,960. The highest wage received annually, which is earned by those with the most experience with an MBA in public administration, is approximately $94,992. In addition to the annual salary, another benefit of working in public administration is that health insurance, retirement benefits, and life insurance are available in these careers. (BLS)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most careers in public administration are favorable, detailing that openings in public administration occupations along with retirement will create a number of job prospects in this field. Those with managerial experience are expected to be in the greatest demand in most public administration jobs. From 2008-2018, public administration careers are anticipated to grow eight percent. The average of all occupations is slightly higher, at 11 percent. Local, state, and federal government agencies are expected to increase hiring when economies improve. (BLS)

The multitude of subjects that can be included in an MBA in public administration bestow this career with many related careers. Many professionals enroll in public administration programs to advance their career and learn the skills to obtain a management position that crosses a wide spectrum of professions. Some of these careers include an economist or emergency management manager.

An economist studies practical modeling techniques and economic theories to make predictions based off of market trends. Businesses and government agencies hire economists to ensure the financial future for the entity and assess larger economies. Sales can be forecast by economists, and national markets are investigated.

Emergency management managers direct staff, anticipate worst-case scenarios for an area, strategize how to react to disasters, and communicate with a number of other agencies to prepare for a disaster. Police, emergency management staff, fire department, dispatch, and others are all involved in an emergency. Emergency management managers may work for local, state, or national government agencies, hospitals, nonprofits, schools, or volunteer organizations.