Government & Public Administration
The Government and Public Administration cluster incorporates career opportunities in planning and performing government functions at all levels: local, state, and federal.
South Carolina Department of Education offers two pathways in the Government and Public Administration Career Cluster, Governance and Government Management and Administration. In the Governance pathway, people work in leadership positions that include elected and appointed officials to various governmental positions. They are responsible for making and executing public policy. This pathway includes the President and members of Congress, governors and state legislators, and local elected officials such as councilpersons or commissioners. Also included are the staff members that support them. Careers in this pathway often require working with constituents or interest groups with conflicting goals. This program includes a strong emphasis on the purpose and functions of government and the application of democratic principles in the process of governmental and administrative policymaking. Leadership, consensus building and conflict resolution are important skills for success.
In the Public Management and Administration Pathway, people work in government agencies, public corporations, and trusts that have specific and rigorous standards for the stewardship of public resources. This program includes a strong emphasis on the purpose and functions of government and the application of democratic principles in the process of governmental and administrative policymaking. Public management careers require technical skills related to budgeting, personnel management, procurement or other activities, and specific knowledge of the regulations and policies that govern public management.
Source: South Carolina Department of Education