Public administration can offer the opportunity for specialization in such fields as global public policy, fiscal economics and management, and international finances. Another aspect of public administration may involve research. Policy research, program planning, and market analysis are areas that can require this expertise.

Many students earn associate degrees during their first few years of higher education. Since they usually require about two years of study, these degrees can act either as job qualifications or as precursors to more advanced degrees.

Part-time learning allows one to obtain a degree or qualification even if one cannot attend school on a full-time basis. One can learn at one's own pace, gradually accumulating credits that count towards a final qualification.