Do you want to be involved in the future of public policy in our nation? Have politics and their workings always thrilled you? Then a career in public policy might be your future. Those seeking for a career in public policy need to obtain at least a bachelors degree or 4 year degree, even better is a master's degree in public policy. Those going into this field can go into an exciting variety of careers like non-profit management, policy analyst, strategic planner, survey research, lobbyist, legislative staff, and management analyst. Some use a degree in public policy as their undergraduate degree before going to law school.
When obtaining a degree in public policy, students will take courses that focus on relationships between economics and politics. They will also study public decision making and policy creation. Courses can also include resource allocation, microeconomics, cost and benefits analysis, and statistical methods.
Job Outlook for Public Policy
Almost, 40 percent of those working in the field of public policy are employed by government institutions. However, many public policy graduates are also working in the private sector. For example, 10 percent of public policy graduates are working in the field of education, 5 percent are self-employed, and another 3 percent work in nonprofit management, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Public service is expected to have excellent job growth between now and 2016. For example, those employed as research analysts are expected to have job growth of 22 percent. Non-profit planners are expected to have job growth of over 14 percent. Strategic planners are expected to see nine percent job growth between now and 2018.
Earning Potential for Public Policy Graduates
Those graduating with a degree in public policy have excellent earning potential. For example, someone employed as a research analyst has a salary anywhere between $51,000 and $92,000 annually. Non-profit planners can have an annual salary from $44.00 to $19.00 per hour. This information was obtained from the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Educational Programs in Public Policy
The good news is many colleges and universities are now offering strong programs in the field of public policy. Generally, programs in this field must be taken in a degree program, either 4-year, bachelors degree or graduate degree, master's degree. Many programs are now available through online programs. This allows students to further their education according to their own schedules and even continue working, while attending college. A future in public policy is only an education away.
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