The traditional academic view of research is to derive new knowledge, generally involving studious inquiry and a search for new theories in order to contribute to an existing academic wealth of knowledge. This is alongside the primary objective of publishing peer reviewed articles in academic journals and the publication of relevant texts.

Three approaches to public administration are analyzed in light of their contributions to preparation for careers in public service. The approaches are graduate education in political science, traditional public administration training, and public management. The three types of programs stress different subject matter and have different…