Working for a nonprofit or a government organization can help you make a positive impact in your community. Earning a master of public administration (MPA) degree can prepare you for a fulfilling leadership career in either these sectors or the private sector.
But what is public administration? Professionals in this field take on societal challenges like poverty and environmental preservation. Public administration officials typically plan and create policies to help improve their communities.
Jobs in the public sector or nonprofit organizations require excellent communication skills, technical knowledge, analytical skills and empathy. You can expect to learn these essential skills when you earn an MPA degree.
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What Is an MPA Degree?
An MPA serves those in leadership roles in nonprofit organizations or the public sector. A graduate-level public administration degree covers business and finance fundamentals, plus public policy issues. Check out our guides to compare public policy vs. public administration and an MPA vs. an MBA.
Some MPA programs require capstone projects or residencies, where teams of students conduct research, develop solutions for real-world problems and prepare and deliver research presentations.
As with other master’s degrees, you can typically complete an MPA master’s program within two years. However, some universities offer accelerated programs that take as little as one year to complete.
Admission Requirements for an MPA
Below, we list typical admission requirements for an MPA program. Each school sets its own admission standards, so your program’s requirements may differ.
Undergraduate Degree or Previous Coursework
Some programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in a specific field of study, such as political science, public administration, law, economics or sociology. Other programs may ask for prerequisite coursework in areas such as American government.
Relevant Work Experience or Internship
Some MPA programs require work experience in an area related to public administration, such as government service.
Other Common Requirements
Though admission requirements vary by institution, standard requirements include:
Transcripts from previous coursework
A minimum GPA
GRE or GMAT test scores
A résumé
A statement of purpose or personal essay
Writing samples
Letters of recommendation
Common Courses for MPA Programs
Coursework for MPA programs prepares you to advance in leadership roles in the public sector or nonprofit organizations. Specific courses vary by educational institution, but below are some typical options for coursework.
Public Leadership and Ethics
This course covers ethical issues related to public and nonprofit leadership. Students learn about the evolution of American public service and the role of public organizations in democracy.
Public Budgeting
This course focuses on creating and managing budgets for the public sector. Students learn about the components of a budget cycle, how to implement public budgets and study significant revenue sources in the public sector.
Leadership and Public Policy
A leadership and public policy course discusses theories and practices for creating, implementing and evaluating public policies. This course prepares students for leadership roles in the public sector.
Public Personnel Administration
This course focuses on issues related to personnel administration in nonprofit organizations and government agencies, including working with volunteers and paid employees. Students learn about the legal, managerial and political contexts of management in the public and private sectors.
Concentrations for MPA Programs
An MPA program may allow you to focus your degree on a specific concentration area. The options for concentrations vary by institution, but below are some typical offerings.
Economic development
Nonprofit and strategic philanthropy management
K-12 education leadership
Environmental management
Crisis and emergency management
Public leadership and management
State and local government management
Jobs for MPA Graduates
An MPA degree prepares you for various career paths in the public and private sector. Below we explore a few popular MPA jobs.
Urban or Regional Planner
Median Annual Salary: $78,500 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Projected Job Growth: (2021-2031): +4%
Job Description: Urban and regional planners create plans for developing and revitalizing communities. They work with governmental organizations and planning officials to identify and address community needs, such as improving environmental impact, homelessness and economic development.
Training and Development Specialist
Median Annual Salary: $61,570 (BLS)
Projected Job Growth: (2021-2031): +8%
Job Description: Training and development specialists create and implement programs to train employees and help them build leadership skills. These professionals make training manuals, online learning materials and other instructional techniques for employee training.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Median Annual Salary: $101,340 (BLS)
Projected Job Growth: (2021-2031): +28%
Job Description: Medical and health services managers oversee medical and health services at medical facilities, clinics or medical practices. Their work may include managing finances and budgets, creating work schedules, monitoring compliance with regulations and supervising and training employees.
Financial Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $91,580 (BLS)
Projected Job Growth: (2021-2031): +9%
Job Description: Financial analysts work with individuals and organizations to assist them with making educated decisions about their finances, including stocks, bonds and investment portfolios. To learn more, check out our guide on how to become a financial analyst.
Advanced Degrees for MPA Graduates
If you already have an MPA and want to advance in your career, consider earning a doctorate. These terminal degrees prepare graduates to serve the public and society in civic-minded, mission-focused roles. A Ph.D. in public policy or a Ph.D. in public administration may help you expand your reach on a community or global level.
Ph.D. in Public Policy
A Ph.D. in public policy teaches students how to address policy issues and conduct research in academia, the government, nonprofit organizations or the private sector. Coursework in this program focuses on economics, politics and institutions, decision-making and policy studies in science and technology.
Ph.D. in Public Administration
A Ph.D. in public administration prepares graduates to advance into managing agencies or organizations, such as research firms, academic institutions, think tanks and public and private organizations. Coursework for this program focuses on public finance, public policy, health policy, education policy, international development and urban policy.
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Organizations for MPA Graduates
American Society for Public Administration
ASPA is an excellent resource for those working in public administration. It offers special events, networking opportunities, informative publications and a summit for students and new professionals.
International City/County Management Association
ICMA provides resources for those working in city or county management or local government, including leadership development resources, continuing education and career coaching.
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
NASPAA is responsible for accrediting master’s degree programs in public administration and related fields. It offers networking opportunities at annual conferences, relevant statistical data and student support through Ph.D. pathway resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About MPA Degrees
What is an MPA degree for?
An MPA prepares graduates to become leaders in both the public and private sectors. This degree provides a sound business education in addition to coursework in public policy.
Is an MPA degree hard?
Earning any degree requires commitment and effort; an MPA is no different. If earning an MPA would help you meet your career goals, and you are willing to do the work, you can succeed in an MPA program.