Best-Kept-Secret Career: Program Analyst

By Marty Nemko

Posted: December 11, 2008

Snapshot: Respond to a dirty-bomb scare in New York City. Estimate the resources needed to create a green education initiative in rural Alaska. These are just some of the tasks that could be required of program analysts, who work in federal and local government to provide needed information. Program analysts, often titled management analysts, might also be called on to gather information and write a report on the nation's model tutoring programs or the impact of new legislation on community banks. Most program analysts earn $50,000 to $100,000 annually and receive an excellent government benefits package.

Getting there: Master's degrees, such as in public policy, are often preferred, but many program analysts have just a bachelor's degree or even less, with in-house or outside training added later.

Learn more:

Inspection and Oversight

John Jay College has launched a fully-accredited online Master of Public Administration program in affiliation with the Association of Inspectors General. The link is here:

http://jjcweb.jjay.cuny.edu/mpa/online

The specialized program focuses on oversight of public agencies and programs, and includes both investigation and evaluation courses, which include program analysis as core skills.

The article is right that there is growth in positions related to regulation, oversight and evaluation of public programs.

Ned Benton of NY @ Sep 21, 2009 10:57:24 AM

Degree Validity

Have you ever taken an online course? Not all of us have the time and resources to continue to attend regular classes. Evening classes are not always available depending on your course of study, and in my case juggling school, a full time job and a child in school is difficult enough. Phoenix is an accredited institution and I will hope that any hiring manager I come in contact with in the future will take that into account, as well as the same 4 years I spent on my bachelors as you did, if not in the same environment

Nicole of PA @ Sep 17, 2009 20:44:15 PM

Did you get your degree's online?

If you have a Ph.D. and an MBA, both with excellent GPAs, then you shouldn't have a problem finding a job. Unless of course these degrees were "purchased" through online courses at University of Phoenix.

End of the day people have different needs and desires at different stages of their life. I'm 24 and I'd love to work for the government, but right now the private sector is where I find myself.

Bob of FL @ Sep 03, 2009 15:43:04 PM

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