What is public administration?

What can I do with a Bachelor in Criminal Justice and a Master in Public Administration?

• Right now I am 6 classes away from graduating with my Bachelor in Criminal Justice. I am wanting to continue my education as soon as I am finished but I do not feel that completing my Master in Criminal Justice would do me any good. I know government jobs are scarce here in Illinois so I am trying to look at my options. My advisor suggested that I look into the Master of Public Administration but the jobs I have found so far are not appealing to me. They include private consultants, human resources, marketing, and financial planning. I am wanting to work in the criminal justice field but on a higher level. Would this be a good move for me? Does anyone know what exact career I could get into with both of these degrees?

• Answer:

  I do not recommend earning a degree in public administration. The job market in this field will become tighter for the indefinite future. A master's degree in criminal justice would only be of value during a career in criminal justice when you were ready to compete for a supervisorial position. I suggest that you seriously consider law school. A law degree leads to many more career paths than are available in the fields you named. Although fewer lawyers are being hired by top law firms and government agencies, there is always room in the legal profession for new attorneys with good legal ability who want to develop a private law practice. Having the ability to create your own job and be your own boss is one of the big advantages of having earned a law degree. You may want to consider going to law school in the state where you want to practice, but this is not necessary. A good legal education makes it very possible to pass the bar exam in any state.