Benefits of a Master of Arts Administrative Science Degree
The following information was cited in the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition outlining a few common occupations that seek advanced degrees and the projected outlook for their field.
State and Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals
- Local government employs more than twice as many workers as State government; fire fighters and law enforcement workers, concentrated in local government, are the largest occupations.
- Employer-provided benefits are more common among State and local government employees than among workers in the private sector.
Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Managers and Specialists
- In filling entry-level jobs, many employers seek college graduates who have majored in human resources, human resources administration, or industrial and labor relations; other employers look for college graduates with a technical or business background or a well-rounded liberal arts education.
- For many specialized jobs, previous experience is an asset; for more advanced positions, including those of managers, arbitrators, and mediators, it is essential.
- Keen competition for jobs is expected because of the plentiful supply of qualified college graduates and experienced workers.
Advocacy, Grantmaking, and Civic Organizations
- Advocacy, grantmaking, and civic organizations had 1.2 million wage and salary jobs in 2004, with 75 percent in civic and social organizations or professional and similar organizations.
- Employers need individuals with strong communication and fundraising skills, because organizations must constantly mobilize public support for their activities.
- Employment is expected to grow 15 percent as social and demographic shifts increase demand for services.
Medical and Health Services Managers
- Rapid employment growth is projected; job opportunities will be especially good in offices of health practitioners, general medical and surgical hospitals, home health care services, and outpatient care centers.
- Applicants with work experience in health care and strong business and management skills likely will have the best opportunities.
- Earnings are high.
- A master’s degree is the standard credential for most positions.
Administrative Services Managers
- Employment of administrative services managers is projected to increase 9 to 17 percent for all occupations through 2014.
- Earnings of administrative services managers vary greatly depending on the employer, the specialty, and the geographic area. In general, however, median annual earnings of administrative services managers in May 2004 were $60,290.
Education Administrators
- Many jobs require a master’s or doctoral degree and experience in a related occupation.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential because much of an administrator’s job involves working and collaborating with others.
- Excellent opportunities are expected since a large proportion of education administrators is expected to retire over the next 10 years.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Education Administrators, on the Internet at www.bls.gov/oco/ocos007.htm (visited January 24, 2007).