Average Salary With a Public Policy Degree
With a degree in public policy, there are actually a number of careers you can consider. Depending on your specific interests and specialty, you could work doing anything from policy management to analysis to planning. Let’s take a look at some of your job options, a well as the salaries you can expect in this field.
Public Policy Salary by Position
Since public policy salaries vary by position, let’s start there with our review of jobs and how much money you can make in this field. On average, those with a public policy degree earn about $53,000 – more if you have a masters degree and experience or a doctorate and less if you have a bachelor’s degree or are a recent masters degree program grad. Many public policy workers start in entry-level positions, such as working as an administrative assistant or secretary for a public office or public policy related company. As a secretary in this field, you can expect to make an average of $33,000 annually. Other career options in this field, along with their average salaries, include the following:
- Program Specialist: $53,000
- Budget Analyst: $55,000
- Public Affairs Specialist: $56,000
- Management Analyst: $58,000
- Assistant Director of Public Policy: $73,000
Other Public Policy Perks
Keep in mind that your salary isn’t the only thing you should consider if you are comparing jobs. When it comes to total earning, public policy workers should also consider benefits such as health and dental insurance, annual bonuses, paid vacation and sick days, paid travel, transportation reimbursement, work from home policies, and more. Combined, the perks for one public policy job might make it better than another, even if the salaries say otherwise.
Other Factors that Affect Public Policy Salary and Benefits
Want to make more money working in public policy? Consider moving – along with experience (which you can only get through working in the field over the years, location is one of the top factors that affects your salary in the public policy industry. Washington, D.C. is of course a great location for this, and you can also consider living in one of the state capitals. In addition, other factors that can affect your salary include the type of company you work for, the size of your employer, and licenses or certifications you’ve earned.
Guide to Public Policy Degree and Related Programs
Public policy looks at governmental systems and how laws and procedures are established and enforced. You can find several schools offering public policy and related programs like political science and public administration below. In addition, you will find links to contact the schools for free information on tuition, curriculum and various other questions.
PhD: Public Policy & Admin
MPA: Law & Public Policy
MPA: Healthcare Policy
MPA: Policy Analysis
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Walden University -
The Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration at Walden University features a curriculum that offers the student two learning tracks. The course-based model is a structured online format, while the mixed-model option is more flexible and includes Knowledge Area Modules. For those students interested in a masters program, the university offers specializations in health care, law & public policy, and policy analysis.
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MA in Public Policy & Admin
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Northwestern University -
Students in the Northwestern University MA in Public Policy and Administration have several specialization options, including Health Services Policy, Public Policy, Public Safety and Security, and Urban Policy and Administration. The program is designed for early and midcareer managers and executives that work for local, state, and federal agencies.
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BA in Political Science
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Arizona State University -
The BA in Political Science degree at Arizona State graduates individuals empowered to interact effectively in the government, business, and the global village. Graduates find jobs in law, politics, education, journalism, communications, and public service. Others go on to attend top tier graduate schools, such as Columbia, Duke, Harvard, University of Chicago, and UCLA.
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BS in Political Science
MPA: Public Admin
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Kaplan University -
The BS in Political Science and Master of Public Administration degree from Kaplan University feature a curriculum that instructs how government and society are intertwined at the local, regional, national, and global level. Courses include public administration and management, ethics and leadership, budgeting, and the administration of public funds.
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MA in Public Policy
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New England College -
The New England College MAPP program presents an online curriculum that strives to provide insight into the foundations of public policy discussions. Courses focus on how citizens and governments interact. This degree program is a worthwhile choice for anyone passionate about creating change in the local, state, or national theater.
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BA in Social Science
BA in Poli Sci & Gov
BA in Edu. & Public Policy
MA in Edu. & Public Policy
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Ashford University -
The BA in Social Science at Ashford University provides the student a broad review of history, culture, psychology, and sociology. Courses examine the society we call home, including its individuals, families, communities, governments, and cultures. Ashford allows students to transfer up to 99 credits toward their Bachelors' degree. Ashford also has degrees for students who want to specialize in Political Science and get a Bachelors or Masters degree in Education and Public Policy.
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MPA: Public Admin
MPH in Heathcare Policy
MS in Social Services
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Capella University -
The MPA program at Capella University has been designed around standards to provide the student a dynamic public affairs education. Courses teach the value of networks, ethics, communication, and innovation in the public sector. For those interested in healthcare policy, Kapan offers a MPH degree complete with several specializations. Service to others is the hallmark mission of the MS Social Services program.
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MPA: Public Admin
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Western International University -
The MPA program at Western International University requires undergraduate prerequisites including accounting, organization behavior, and ethics. The program additionally requires core and major requirements, these include Public Finance: Government Accounting and Control and Procurement and Contract Administration.
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MPA: Public Admin
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University of Phoenix -
The MPA degree program at the University of Phoenix is designed to teach the skills required to achieve policy proficiency at the local and state level. Courses examine public administration, human capital development, law, and data analysis. Most importantly, the curriculum is integrated around technology's place in the new governmental environment.
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MPA in Public Policy
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South University -
The Master of Public Administration in Public Policy degree program at South University seeks working professionals who currently have a bachelor's degree. Courses review foundations of public administration, public and non-profit organizational behavior, budgeting, accounting, research, and data analysis.
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MA in Diplomacy
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Norwich University -
The online Master of Arts in Diplomacy at Norwich University is designed for working professionals to obtain proficiency in communication within the international system. After taking a variety of core courses, students are able to choose between several specializations, including International Conflict Management, International Commerce, and International Terrorism.
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BA in Political Science
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Oregon State University -
Oregon State University offers a world recognized online program in political science. Graduates of this program will gain the knowledge required to handle complex political issues and address them ethically and with a sense of dedication. Courses examine American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory and research methods.
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