What is an MPA? Know Everything About This Lucrative Degree!

With an MPA, there is a lot that one can do. MPA stands for Master’s in Public Administration. Public administration is what happens at every level of government, including federal, state, and local. To obtain high positions within public administration or to work within nonprofit management, this could be the degree you need.

Here, we will share all the details you need to know about MPAs. From what you can do with the degree to what you will learn, you will be informed as to whether or not the graduate-level degree makes sense for your career pursuits.

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Why Study Public Administration?

Public administration is a field in which leaders serve communities in an effort to create positive impact and change. Officials in these positions are responsible for implementing policies and making decisions.

Public administrators work across departments within government and nonprofits, including:

• Transportation
• Parks and recreation
• Housing
• Law enforcement and public safety
• Emergency management
• Disaster response
• Public works
• Public health/social services
• Community and economic development

What is an MPA Degree?

An Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) is a terminal degree in the field. This means that it’s the highest level degree one can earn in public administration.

For many, the degree and what you learn is unknown, which is why so many will opt to earn a Master’s in Business Administration instead. However, the professional degree makes it well-suited to enter the field and obtain a high-level position.

To put it simply, the MPA degree is like a hybrid between an MBA and a Master of Public Policy (MPP). You’ll cover topics like: finance, strategy, and human resource management. If you’d like to learn more about jobs in public policy, check out this list. 

Depending on where you earn your MPA degree, concentrations and specializations may vary. For example, you can attend a program that is heavily focused on administration. Alternatively, you can select a program with a spotlight on analytics and planning.

MPA degrees may require an internship, research seminar, or practicum, along with its core and elective courses, to graduate.

What You Can Do with an MPA

With an MPA, you can work in the public sector or nonprofit sector. While it is also possible to work in the private sector with this degree, an MBA may be a better option (more on this later).

Here’s a look at some of the roles you can fill given the knowledge and skills gained from this graduate degree.

Public sector

Towns, cities, and states all have employees working in public administration across governments. Some of the positions you can obtain with an MPA in the public sector include:

• Recreation manager
• Director of economic development
• Budget manager
• Policy analyst
• City manager
• Urban and regional planner

Nonprofit sector

Within nonprofits, the degree prepares you for roles like:

• Executive director
• Membership director
• Advocacy director
• Public relations manager
• Grant administrator
• Development director

What Will I Learn in an MPA Program?

Public administrators’ duties vary on a case-by-case basis. But, overall, they are committed to serving their respective communities and making decisions that are in the best interest for people. The terminal degree will teach students how to manage tasks to work at any level of government or within nonprofit organizations.

Students hone their skills and knowledge in: communication, law, human resource management, data analysis, budgeting, and theory, to name a few topics.

Types of MPA Concentrations

Some universities provide students with the option to select a concentration for their master’s degree. Depending on career goals, one could choose a concentration in: healthcare, public sector, urban policy, human rights, or international affairs, to name a few.

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What is an Executive MPA?

An Executive MBA (EMPA) can help mid-level professionals excel in their respective career path. A huge benefit of an EMPA program is that they are often online because they are geared towards working professionals. The online nature of the programs means that you can continue working while earning your degree.

What is Required for MPA Admissions?

Depending on the program you choose to attend, the specific requirements can vary. However, in most cases, you’ll have to have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited university.

Many programs will want you to have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Additionally, some schools may require that you have accumulated a few years of work experience. A GRE score may or may not be required for admission.

How Long Does an MPA Take?

To complete an MPA degree, it generally takes students two years, when attending school full-time. It’s also possible to complete the program in an accelerated structure in just 12-18 months.

Typically, the average amount of credit units required to graduate are 36.

Alternate Option: MBA Degree

While a Master’s in Public Administration is a great degree for anyone looking to maximize their potential in the field of public service, a Master’s of Business Administration is similarly structured, but better intended for anyone looking to work in the private sector.

MBA programs prepare students to work in organizations and companies at the managerial level or higher.

At the University of the People, we offer an entirely online MBA program. Additionally, it is tuition-free, which allows our graduates to earn an affordable graduate degree.

At the University of the People, students enrolled in the MBA program will take courses like:

• Managerial Accounting
• Financial Management
• Business Law, Ethics, and Social Responsibility
• Organizational Theory and Behavior
• Operations Management
• Strategic Decision Making and Management

The Bottom Line

A Master’s in Public Administration is the highest level degree you can earn in the subject. The  terminal degree prepares graduates in a professional manner (as opposed to academically and theoretically). So, once you complete this degree, you have earned the highest level credentials and are qualified for any position.

The MPA degree is internationally recognized, which makes it transferable no matter where you’d want to work.

Those with an MPA will be ready to work in the public sector or for non-profit organizations.

Alternatively, if you wish to work in a high-level position within the private sector, then consider earning your Master’s in Business Administration.