What is an M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration)?
A Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) is a master’s degree that trains graduates to serve in executive roles in local, state, and federal governments and nongovernmental organizations (N.G.O.s). The program emphasizes public administration principles, policy development and management, and policy implementation. It also prepares the candidate to meet the unique problems of public administration.
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) Understanding
A master of public administration (M.P.A.) degree is the public sector counterpart of a master of business administration (M.B.A.) degree. It is also related to the more theoretical master’s degree in public policy (M.P.P.). The M.P.P. is concerned with policy analysis and design, whereas the M.P.A. is concerned with program implementation. Many graduate schools provide a combined J.D. (legal degree) and M.P.A. curriculum, and a handful also offer an MBA/MPA program.
The M.P.A., being a professional-level degree, requires students first to earn an undergraduate degree from a qualifying university. Students enrolled in an M.P.A. degree must have above-average leadership abilities and proficiency in economic and quantitative analysis, among other talents.
Students with an M.P.A. degree can seek employment in high management positions in the federal government, nonprofits, worldwide N.G.O.s, and commercial enterprises. M.P.A. holders may also find work as public policy advocates and researchers.
Course Prerequisites
M.P.A. candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university, and many graduate institutions require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before applying. Economic, sociology, legal, anthropology, and political science classes are included in the programs. Most programs take two years to complete. Some executive M.P.A. programs for experienced, mid-career professionals can be completed in a year. In addition, only a few programs award a Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A. ), a terminal degree typically meant for research. The D.P.A. is regarded as equivalent to a Ph.D.
Applications for Jobs
An M.P.A. degree prepares graduates for corporate, public, and nonprofit leadership positions. Those with an M.P.A. are frequently well-versed in various fields, including policy, law, business, finance, and management.
Analysts, researchers, grant writers, and program managers are common entry-level positions for newly minted M.P.A. graduates, but these positions typically advance to executive positions. Those with experience and an M.P.A. are more likely to be hired immediately at a senior level.
Because M.P.A. graduates typically understand policy and public affairs and how policies affect business and economics, there are numerous job prospects in the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
To mention a few employment choices, having an M.P.A. allows you to work with human rights organizations, schools, nonprofit medical centers, philanthropic organizations, public media such as radio and broadcasting, development organizations, and international organizations.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of a Master of Public Administration
Obtaining an M.P.A., like any postgraduate degree, requires time and money. If you pursue an M.P.A., you will almost certainly take many exciting courses. Unlike several master’s programs, admission to an M.P.A. program does not require a specific undergraduate degree.
Individuals with M.P.A.s may graduate with many work options in various career fields. Aside from money and reputation, gaining an M.P.A. frequently involves enrolling in several intriguing courses, ranging from international affairs to environmental law.
These positions, however, may be highly competitive, and public administrators may find themselves in high-stress positions with low turnover rates. Executive jobs are frequently held until a person retires, especially if the compensation and status are high. Working one-on-one with individuals and organizations in high-profile roles in public administration might be difficult for those who prefer to work independently or without bringing attention to themselves.
Pros
- Offers entrée into several careers, including high-paying ones overseas.
- Studying for an M.P.A. frequently entails engaging coursework.
- An M.P.A. program does not require a specific undergraduate degree.
Cons
- Depending on the curriculum, earning your M.P.A. may be costly.
- Long hours and significant stress may be associated with jobs requiring an M.P.A.
- Coursework for an M.P.A. can be challenging due to the high level of competition.
Master of Public Administration History
The first master’s degree program in public administration was created in 1914 as part of the Department of Political Science at the University of Michigan. The purpose was to increase local government efficiency and reduce corruption. Department chair Jesse S. Reeves created the program, and he later served as a technical adviser to the League of Nations Hague Conference in 1930. Since then, the program has grown into a full-fledged graduate school known as the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.
The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and the Woodrow Wilson School of Government at Princeton University were established amid the Great Depression as part of a more significant effort to provide a scientific and professional foundation for government and social services.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal policies dramatically expanded the scope of the U.S. government and its activities, generating a demand for skilled, professional managers.
M.B.A. versus M.P.A.
Choosing between an M.P.A. and an M.B.A. degree will depend on whether you like studying business or public policy, but there is considerable overlap. Most M.B.A. graduates work in finance in the private sector, while M.P.A. grads frequently end up in senior positions in organizations and government.
M.B.A. graduates are not typically employed in the finance and economics policy realms. On the other hand, an M.P.A. holder may work in the private sector, researching the policies behind financial markets and why they succeed or fail. M.P.A.s typically work in organizations dedicated to bettering the world, such as N.G.O.s or nongovernmental organizations.
M.P.A. and M.B.A. holders may find work in other countries and will have most certainly gained the credentials to work for multinational corporations. Neither degree is superior to the other, and both can be useful in various professions and job markets.
What does an M.P.A. degree earn?
The pay of someone with an M.P.A. degree varies depending on their profession, but the average compensation for someone with an M.P.A. degree is $68,599, according to PayScale and Northeastern University.
What Types of Jobs Do M.P.A. Graduates Get?
An M.P.A. graduate will be qualified to work for a nonprofit, a federal or state government agency, a nongovernmental organization, or a private institution.
How Long Does It Take to Get an M.P.A.?
An M.P.A. degree typically takes two years to complete. Some schools allow qualified and motivated students to obtain an M.P.A. in at least one year.
What is taught in an M.P.A. program?
Law, foreign affairs, political theory, urban planning, nonprofit organizations, and public service leadership are standard courses covered in an M.P.A. program.
Conclusion
The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree is a professional-oriented graduate degree designed for students who want to work in government agencies, nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations (N.G.O.s), and other policy-related institutions. Policy formulation and analysis, public administration, organizational leadership, financial accounting, and research methodologies are common study topics. M.P.A. degrees are frequently required for high-level policy or government positions, and many top colleges now offer M.P.A. programs.
