Career Outlook

Professional opportunities for graduates of Northwestern's MPPA program are as broad and varied as the field of public policy and administration itself. With four concentrations to choose from - health services policy; public policy; public safety and security; and urban policy and administration - MPPA graduates set their sights on leadership roles in government at the local, regional, and federal levels, in nonprofit organizations, or in private enterprise.

Employment in state and local governments - among the largest employers in the economy with approximately 8 million workers - is projected to increase 8 percent between 2006 and 2016, with job growth stemming from the rising demand for services, an increasing population, and the retirement of Baby Boomers. According to the ICMA (International City/County Management Association), the largest "replacement talent gaps" will be in public sector managerial and administrative ranks. In 2003 the average salary of county managers was $106,511, and the average salary of a county chief administrative officer was $79,077.

Job growth in other areas of public service will be faster than the average for all occupations. Employment for health services managers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2006 to 2016 as the health care industry expands and diversities. In 2006 health services managers earned a median salary of $73,340. Employment of urban and regional planners is expected to grow 15 percent, with most new jobs in local government as planners address an array of problems associated with population growth. Urban and regional planners earned a median salary of $56,630 in 2006. Employment for community service managers is expected to grow much faster than average, and demand for government IT managers will also be strong. The field of emergency management continues to grow nationally and locally. In 2004 emergency management specialists earned a median salary of $45,670.

Increasing interest about politics and foreign affairs, including social and environmental policy issues and immigration, is driving demand for political science research. The Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management maintains information for job seekers. Experienced federal workers at the GS-15 level earn from $93,000 to $145,000, while analysts at the GS-7 level earn $31,740. Whatever focus they choose, MPPA graduates take satisfaction in helping to shape the policies that affect our lives.