“Career Outcomes of Master in Public Administration Graduates: A Tracer Study of Salary, Promotion, and Job Performance Recognition”

This tracer study examined the career outcomes of Master in Public Administration (MPA) graduates from North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), focusing on salary grade, promotion, and job performance recognition. Results revealed that most graduates were married (60.0%), female (60.0%), and aged 31–35 (40.0%), indicating a predominantly mid-career, family-oriented cohort. In terms of salary, the majority (60.0%) occupied Salary Grade (SG) 11–15, corresponding to mid-level professional roles, while a smaller proportion held higher supervisory or managerial positions (SG 16–25). Only 6.7% were in entry-level (SG 6–10) or top executive (SG 26–30) positions, reflecting both upward mobility potential and the experience required for top-tier roles. Promotion data showed career advancements across various sectors—academe, government administration, law enforcement, and healthcare—with transitions from entry-level to professional posts and from technical to managerial or executive roles. These patterns affirm the MPA’s role in meeting qualification standards for higher appointments and enhancing leadership readiness. Additionally, six graduates received awards recognizing professional excellence, operational efficiency, community facilitation, law enforcement service, education program implementation, and youth development leadership. Such recognitions underscore the program’s contribution to fostering public service values and high-performance competencies. Overall, findings align with literature linking postgraduate education to improved employability, leadership capacity, and career advancement in public administration.

Master in Public Administration, Tracer Study, Salary Grade, Promotion

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