Public service motivation and socialization in graduate education

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which the characteristics of public administration degree programs are related to public service motivation (PSM) using a higher education socialization framework. Using a sample of approximately 500 students enrolled in 26 Master’s degree programs across the country, this study confirms that gender, work experience, core course requirements, service learning opportunities, climate, Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration accreditation, and full-time status were all meaningful predictors of PSM among the students. The implications of these findings are discussed.