MA in Public Administration is a two-year postgraduate degree program in the arts. In India, around 120 private and government engineering institutes provide MPA. Public administration is a subfield of political science that enables students to study politics, social welfare, and economics. The curriculum prepares students to carry out government projects and work in public departments and agencies so that students are well prepared for civil services examinations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, a focus on working in a team, and the capacity to arrange and understand numerical data are requirements for this course. Students who get a Master’s degree in Public Administration can work as Human Resource Managers, Marketing Managers, Consultants, or even Legal Counsellors.
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MA in Public Administration Course Highlight
| Degree | Master |
| Full Form | Master of Arts |
| Admission Process | Entrance and Merit-based |
| Eligibility Criteria | A minimum of 50% marks in graduation course from a recognized university |
| Average Annual Course Fee | INR 60,000 – INR 10,00,00 |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Average Salary | INR 4-7 LPA |
| Job Roles | Lecturer, Researcher, Foreign service, Tax examiner, Budget analyst, Consultant, etc. |
Why Pursue an MA in Public Administration?
Here are some compelling reasons to pursue an MA in Public Administration degree:
- An MA in Public Administration (MA in PA) enhances your knowledge of policy analysis and public management.
- Gain advanced skills in organizational leadership and decision-making processes.
- With an MA in PA, you can pursue roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and consulting firms.
- Unlock high-level positions in public policy development, program management, and public finance.
- Connect with industry professionals and experts in the field through internships and networking events.
- Collaborate on research projects and initiatives that address real-world public administration challenges.
- Tailor your MA in PA program to focus on areas such as healthcare management, environmental policy, or urban planning.
- Develop expertise in a specific domain to stand out in the competitive job market.
What is the MA in Public Administration Admission Process in India?
To pursue an MA in Public Administration in India, follow a step-by-step admission process.
- Begin by researching universities offering an MA in Public Administration. Shortlist based on your preferences.
- Review the eligibility criteria for each university. Ensure you meet the academic requirements.
- Gather necessary documents such as academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and entrance exam scores.
- Some universities may require you to clear specific entrance exams like the CAT or MAT. Prepare accordingly.
- Fill out the application forms for the selected universities. Pay attention to deadlines.
- Craft a compelling personal statement highlighting your reasons for choosing an MA in Public Administration.
- Some universities may conduct interviews as part of the admission process.
- Wait for the admission decisions from the universities you applied to.
- Once accepted, complete the enrollment formalities to secure your seat in the MA in Public Administration program.
What is the MA in Public Administration Eligibility?
You must meet specific criteria to be eligible for an MA in Public Administration program. Here are the key eligibility requirements:
- Candidates must typically hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Political Science, Sociology, Economics, or Public Administration.
- Universities often require a minimum percentage in the bachelor’s degree, commonly ranging from 50% to 55%.
- Many institutions conduct entrance exams like the UPSC Civil Services Examination or institute-specific tests for admissions.
- Some universities may prefer candidates with relevant work experience in the public sector.
- Reservation for certain categories like SC, ST, OBC, and EWS may apply as per government regulations.
- Proficiency in English is crucial for pursuing the MA in Public Administration program.
Top MA in Public Administration Colleges in India
Here is a list of ten renowned institutions offering this program:
| Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) | National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR) |
| Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) | Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) |
| University of Mumbai | University of Delhi |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) |
| University of Madras | Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) |
What is the MA in Public Administration Course Syllabus?
| Semester One | Semester Two |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Public Administration | Financial Management in the Public Sector |
| Organizational Behavior in the Public Sector | Ethics and Accountability in Public Administration |
| Public Policy Analysis and Implementation | Quantitative Methods for Public Administration |
| Semester Three | Semester Four |
|---|---|
| Human Resource Management in the Public Sector | Comparative Public Administration |
| Strategic Planning and Management | Policy Evaluation and Program Assessment |
| Public Service Delivery | Research Methods in Public Administration |
MA in Public Administration: Recommended Books
Here are some recommended books to deepen your knowledge and enhance your studies:
| Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
|---|---|
| Public Administration: Concepts and Cases | Richard Stillman |
| Introduction to Public Administration | Mary Guy and Meredith Newman |
| Public Policy: A New Introduction | Christoph Knill and Jale Tosun |
| Leadership in Public Organizations | Montgomery Van Wart |
MA in Public Administration Jobs and Salary in India
Here are ten job roles and their average salaries in India for MA in Public Administration graduates:
| Job Role | Average Salary (per year) |
|---|---|
| Policy Analyst | INR 5-6 lakhs |
| Urban Planner | INR 4-5 lakhs |
| Government Administrator | INR 6-8 lakhs |
| Non-Profit Manager | INR 4-6 lakhs |
| Consultant | INR 5-7 lakhs |
| Research Analyst | INR 4-6 lakhs |
| Program Coordinator | INR 4-5 lakhs |
| Public Relations Officer | INR 3-4 lakhs |
| Human Resource Manager | INR 6-8 lakhs |
| Legislative Assistant | INR 4-5 lakhs |
MA in Public Administration: FAQs with answers
What is an MA in Public Administration?
An MA in Public Administration is a graduate-level program that focuses on developing skills and knowledge in areas such as public policy, management, leadership, and governance.
Is an MA in Public Administration worth it for career advancement?
Yes, pursuing an MA in Public Administration can significantly enhance career prospects in the public sector, nonprofit organizations, and even the private sector.
What job opportunities are available for MA in Public Administration graduates?
Graduates with an MA in Public Administration can explore various career paths such as public policy analyst, government affairs specialist, program manager, or urban planner.
How long does it take to complete an MA in Public Administration program?
Typically, an MA in Public Administration program can be completed in 1-2 years, depending on whether you are pursuing it full-time or part-time.
Are there any specialized areas of study within an MA in Public Administration program?
Yes, students can choose to specialize in areas such as healthcare administration, environmental policy, or nonprofit management within an MA in Public Administration program.
