There is a large pool of job seekers interested in working for the federal or state government. It may take a while to land a government job, but once you do, it ensures a solid paycheck along with long-term job security. While many degrees could help you get into the government sector, some put you in a better position to secure a job with higher perks and privileges. To learn about these degrees in detail, read on:
Degrees to Explore for a Government Job
Business Administration
While their primary purpose is not profit, government agencies use many of the same structures and procedures as commercial enterprises. As a result, leaders in both sectors need the same skills to oversee complicated practices and make the best possible use of the available resources.
That is why a solid academic background in business administration is useful for individuals who want to make a place for themselves in a government institution.
Students who pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration have well-rounded experience in many facets, including finance, human resources, marketing, and accounting. This knowledge makes you the ideal candidate for various government jobs such as a tax collector, a purchasing agent, a budget analyst, or labor relations specialist.
Homeland Security
The field of homeland security is one with a strong sense of purpose. Homeland security graduates are dedicated to safeguarding the public from terrorism, natural catastrophes, and public health emergencies. If you are a true patriot and want to ontribute to the country’s social welfare, this is the ideal job for you.
More than 240,000 people work in various departments and agencies that make up the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); a cabinet department of the United States federal government.
Emergency management director is one of the most sought-after careers in homeland security where experts often work in tandem with law enforcement, politicians, and NGOs to reduce the impact of crises. Their responsibilities include putting together emergency plans and procedures, supervising staff, volunteers, and local agencies through catastrophe drills, issuing alerts, and managing resources and equipment for several communities.
Depending on your qualifications, other lucrative government pathways for homeland security professionals could include a special agent, criminal intelligence analyst, and chief security officer.
Public Administration
Government agencies frequently collaborate with nonprofit and commercial sector entities to better serve the public interest. Therefore, government institutions need staff that can conceive, start, and manages initiatives in cross-sectoral governance.
For example, the jobs comprise private/public collaborations in urban redevelopment and partnerships with grocery stores and local food banks to combat hunger. With a public administration degree, you will be an ideal candidate to play this role.
The formal education in this program will teach you how to provide services to the general public in a way that is economically viable, morally sound, and transparent. Some programs also teach students how to manage funds, draft contracts, deal with conflicts, and form alliances. You might find work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The potential employment opportunities give you the role of an environmental health administrator, public relations specialist, or director of public safety. Your salary may range from $80,000 to six figures according to Zippia.
Social Work
The department of health and human services, the social security administration, and the department of justice are just some of the many federal agencies that often have openings for social workers. All across America, people rely on the assistance of social workers to get them through difficult times. Simply put, they are the pillars of our many social assistance initiatives.
To work as a social worker for the government, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in social work. The subjects covered in the coursework typically include communities and social systems, substance abuse, child welfare, behavioral health, and trauma and violence.
Push yourself to acquire a master’s in social work. Then, you might be able to work as a mental health counselor, clinical therapist, or substance addiction counselor and earn a salary of between $50,000 and $70,000 per year as per Indeed.
Public Health
Public health received a lot of attention after the COVID-19 pandemic. This is one reason why public health is one of the most promising fields today.
Modern-day schools offer a wide variety of unique specializations in public health. Take the example of combined public health and tropical medicine, which enables graduates to work in government positions with a worldwide reach and provide the opportunity to impact positive change across borders.
Courses cover topics like epidemiology, behavioral science, environmental science, and the management of health policies.
The Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service offers some of the country’s most prestigious careers in public health. Make sure you check out the job openings at this government agency.
Information Technology
Even the government has not been able to bypass the ongoing digital revolution. To keep up with the chaning times, the government is maintaining an online presence like everyone else. Therefore, IT personnel now make up a sizable portion of any government organization’s workforce.
Most IT graduation programs require students to take courses in areas like IT project management, security applications, and programming.
With so many online and on-campus options, it is important to get an IT degree that suits your skills and aligns with your passion. With a bachelor’s degree, you can expect to make around $71,000, while those with a master’s degree can earn up to $84,000.
Government agencies of all stripes require IT professionals these days. This means that you can choose from a variety of courses offered in universities across the U.S. and offer your services in any work setting that suits you. In addition, every sector requires an IT team from security organizations to forces, healthcare institutions, and administration.
Conclusion
According to Federal Workforce Statistics, 2.8 million people are working for the federal government, and state and municipal governments employ another 19.8 million in the United States. This shows that government jobs are not scarce at all. If you want a government job, earning a bachelor’s, master’s degree or doctorate in the abovementioned majors is a way of getting one.
Also Read: Things You Can Do With An Education Degree
