MPA vs MPP: Which master’s degree should I pursue?

Choosing between a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree and Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree is a pivotal decision for those aspiring to lead and shape public policy. While both degrees share common roots in the realm of public service, they differ in their core focus and approach.

Designed for future change-makers, students that are interested in careers in government and the nonprofit sectors might be familiar with both the MPA and MPP degrees, but figuring out which advanced degree to pursue might be overwhelming. Let’s break down the differences and decide which one is right for you.

What are the key differences between a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree? 

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is a professional degree for leaders interested in pursuing a career working with nonprofits, government agencies, and the private sector in ways that are effective, efficient, and ethical. The MPA degree focuses on leading and managing with the public interest in mind and learning how to participate and contribute to the policy process. The degree gives professionals the skills and knowledge to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make evidence-informed decisions.

A Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree is a professional degree for leaders who are interested in formulating, implementing, and evaluating public policy within government agencies, nonprofits, and the private sector. The MPP degree focuses on creating policies for programs that serve the public good.

What will I learn in an MPA program versus an MPP program? 

The MPA degree focuses on management, finance, and budgeting. MPA students will take courses that include finance, data analysis, project management, and economics in the public sector. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of public administration, policy analysis, organizational management, and leadership. The program is suitable for students with a diverse range of undergraduate degrees, particularly those in public administration, political science, economics, sociology, or social work.

The MPP degree focuses on policy analysis, statistics, and program evaluation. The program is ideal for students who have undergraduate degrees in the social sciences and humanities who are seeking to strengthen their analytical skills. MPP students can choose from concentrations in a variety of policy areas including education, health, and planning.

What are the different careers and salary ranges? 

Considered the public sector equivalent to the private sector’s MBA degree, an MPA degree offers the analytical and leadership skills necessary to pursue a variety of career opportunities. MPA graduates will often find jobs in executive-level management positions. According to Indeed.com, professionals with an MPA degree can find jobs in the following roles:

• Urban planner ($65,763 average salary) 
• Operations analyst ($70,247 average salary) 
• Financial analyst ($70,332 average salary) 
• City Manager ($71,337 average salary) 
• Budget Manager ($83,609 average salary) 

MPP graduates usually find jobs as analysts and leaders because of their ability to evaluate large quantitative datasets using a variety of statistical tools. According to Indeed.com, professionals with an MPP degree can find jobs in the following roles: 

• Public relations manager ($62,355 average salary) 
• Program manager ($69,425 average salary) 
• Policy analyst ($73,781 average salary) 
• Market researcher ($84,548 average salary) 
• Regulatory affairs manager ($93,722 average salary) 

Reasons to consider the Online MPA at UIC 

The online Master of Public Administration program at UIC provides students with the core knowledge and skills needed to become effective leaders in government, public service and nonprofit organizations. Graduates of the degree can look forward to careers in government organizations and nonprofits to support and enact policies in areas of public administration.

“An MPA is a versatile degree that allows graduates to pursue careers in the public sector,” said Program Director Dr. Allyson Holbrook. “Graduates of our MPA degree have gone on to careers in education, law enforcement, health, in local, state, and federal government, and in nonprofit organizations.”

The MPA program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of public management, policy analysis, budgeting, financial management, and organizational leadership. These skills assist graduates in becoming effective leaders and problem solvers in their communities. Students can choose from two concentration options, Public Management and Non-Profit Management.

“The UIC MPA program trains professionals who understand the challenges and trade-offs faced by public organizations and are motivated by developing innovative solutions to overcome them,” said UIC Assistant Professor Federica Fusi.

UIC’s 100% online MPA program is accredited by NASPAA, the field standard for academic program review in public affairs. Talk to an enrollment specialist today to learn more.