— Career Pathways
Where This Minor Can Take You
Our faculty work closely with local and state officials throughout North Carolina on a daily basis to help solve the most pressing problems facing the public sector, whether advising and training local and elected officials or judges and judicial officials. The breadth of their work spans from the mountains to the sea in North Carolina. They bring this real-world experience back into the classroom as they teach students to grapple with many of the same complex and interdisciplinary challenges they will face in their own public service careers.
Further Education
This minor is ideal for students applying to one of the following graduate and professional programs:
- Law School
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Master of Public Affairs
- Master of Social Work
- Master of Public Health
- Master of City and Regional Planning
If you believe that government can be a force for good—that laws can protect people, that institutions can be strengthened, and that public servants can make a real difference—then this minor is for you.
— Public Sector Career Paths
The public sector is vast, and it needs smart, well-prepared people. This minor provides you with a foundation to build a career in areas such as:
Government
- City or County Manager
- State Agency Administrator
- Budget and Finance Officer
- Local Government Workforce
Law
- Public Interest Attorney
- Government Lawyer
- Legal Aid Advocate
- Judicial Clerk
Nonprofits
- Nonprofit Program Director
- Advocacy and Policy Coordinator
- Grant Writer and Fund Developer
- Program Officer
Public Policy
- Policy Researcher
- Government Relations Professional
- Think Tank Analyst
- Campaign and Electoral Strategist
Public Sector Career Paths
The undergraduate minor is just the beginning. The School of Government offers additional programs designed to help you explore what a career in public service can look like—and to prepare you for it.
Jump Straight Into Service with Lead for North Carolina
Consider the Lead for North Carolina (LFNC) fellowship, an initiative of the School of Government that recruits, trains, and places recent graduates in local government fellowships across the state. Many fellows go on to law school, graduate school, or full-time careers in local government. The minor pairs perfectly with this hands-on opportunity.
Explore LFNC
Invest in Your Future by Earning a Master of Public Administration
Many students choose to pursue an MPA to prepare for a leadership role in a specific field, such as education, public health, social services, emergency management, or environmental sustainability. MPA coursework integrates theory with practice, equipping graduates for successful careers in government as well as in public and private organizations that support the public interest.
Explore MPAReady to Learn More?
We'd love to connect with you. Reach out to our team to discuss the minor, your goals, and how we can help you achieve them.
