The student profile of the professional master’s degree in public administration in the Brazilian national network: An analysis of expectations and motives

Abstract

This article aimed to identify the student profile of the Professional Master in Public Administration (Profiap) in Brazil, in order to describe their expectations and reasons for entering the course. This research study was descriptive, with a predominantly quantitative approach, using document analysis and a survey with structured questions sent to the 694 students in 21 institutions across all regions of the country. The answers are equivalent to 43% of the entire population. The theoretical approach addressed educational public policies, professional master’s degrees offered in Brazil, and the expectations and motivators of students. The results were analyzed using the R² statistical software, using the Friedman test, complemented by the Siegel paired criterion and the Kruskal-Wallis and Nemenyi tests. The results showed that the most important reasons for entry were the impacts on remuneration, personal satisfaction, and professional activities, since the most desired expectation is to earn a higher salary. It was found that the reasons and expectations are partially consistent with the objectives of the program, the main alignment being improved work practices and professional training for public institutions.