Top-Paying Government Degrees

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources

Human resource management covers a wide variety of tasks and functions within an organization, including: recruiting and hiring, employee compensation and benefits, corporate policy, employee assistance, and training. Within the field of human resource management there is an endless list of possible jobs. Some of these include: recruiters, EEO officers, employer relations specialist, benefits managers, training and development managers, and labor relations, just to name a few.


Potential Careers:
•HR Manager
•HR Generalist
•Employment, Recruitment or Placement Specialist

Salary Range:
$41,395 – $145,816


2. Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration

Public administration degrees are specifically designed for those who are seeking careers in government policy and administration; therefore, this degree has a more exact focus than a Criminal Justice degree or an MBA. The curriculum includes leadership and management skills, strategic planning, media relations, and disaster response. One can expect to come away from a program in public administration with a clear understanding of how to react, manage and direct in critical situations, making it a persuasive companion to a resume submitted to Homeland Security and Defense jobs.


Potential Careers:
• Budget Analysts
• Public Relations Specialists
• Administrative Specialists
• Program Analysts
• Public Utilities Specialists

Median Salary
$66,263


3. BS in Health Administration

A Bachelor of Science in Health Administration provides a balance of health sciences knowledge with business administration skills. The degree is awarded by a college or university after completion of a minimum number of academic units, with a specific number of units in the Health Administration major. A BS in Health Administration is often the minimum requirement for most medical and health services manager positions. A BS is also a stepping stone toward a Master of Science in Health Administration or a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis on healthcare administration.


Potential Careers:
•Healthcare Administrator
•Medical and Health Services Manager
•Administrative Assistant

Salary Range:
$42,000 – $74,000


4. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The Master of Business Administration degree might not be an obvious choice for those considering government careers – yet MBA graduates are currently in very strong demand at some of the major government agencies, including the Department of Labor, US Postal Service, and NASA. A master’s degree is especially valuable among local and state government departments, since a bachelor’s degree does not always meet the qualification standards of local and state government jobs.


Potential Careers:
• Financial Managers, Analysts
• Accountants and Economists
• Government Administrator
• Court and Judicial Law
• Criminology and Forensics

Salary Range:
$53,215 – $122,997


5. Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice programs combine a broad variety of topics and disciplines related to law enforcement, the courts, and America’s governmental and criminal justice systems. As an academic discipline, studies in criminal justice focus on the role and origin of criminality, social policy, and the law. A Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice provides the fundamental basis for those who wish to pursue careers in government work, criminal or social law, and law enforcement.



Potential Careers:
• Tax Examiners, Collectors, and Revenue Agents
• Social Workers
• Federal Law Enforcement (DoD, Homeland Security, Food and Drug Administration)
• Court and Judicial System
• Criminology and Forensics

Salary Range:
$36,408-$55,553

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