What Is a Master of Public Administration (MPA)?

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What Is a Master of Public Administration (MPA)?

Let me explain what a Master of Public Administration, or MPA, really is. It's a master's degree in public affairs that gets you ready to take on executive positions in municipal, state, and federal government, as well as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). If you're aiming for leadership in these areas, this is the degree that sets you up for it.

Key Takeaways

You should know that an MPA is designed for those seeking governance roles in public and nonprofit sectors. Think of it as the public-sector version of an MBA. If global work interests you, an MPA is a solid choice. You'll need a bachelor's from an accredited school to apply, and graduates often land upper-level management jobs.

Understanding a Master of Public Administration (MPA)

I see the MPA as the public-sector counterpart to the MBA in the private world. It's related to the Master of Public Policy (MPP), but while MPP dives into policy analysis and design, the MPA emphasizes implementing those programs. Some schools combine it with a J.D. or even an MBA.

The focus here is on public administration principles, policy development, management, and putting policies into action. It equips you to handle the unique challenges in this field. As a professional degree, you must have an undergraduate degree first, and programs expect strong leadership, economic, and quantitative skills from you.

Once you graduate, you can apply for upper-management roles in federal government, nonprofits, global NGOs, or private companies. You might also work as a public policy advocate or researcher.

Course Requirements

To get into an MPA program, you need a bachelor's from an accredited college or university, and many require the GRE. The courses are interdisciplinary, covering economics, sociology, law, anthropology, and political science. Most programs take two years, though some executive ones for mid-career pros finish in one. There's also a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) for research, equivalent to a Ph.D.

Important Salary Information

Pay for MPA jobs varies widely. Based on Glassdoor data as of June 2025, average starting total pay is between $90,000 and $169,000. For specifics, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $139,380 for political scientists in 2024, who often hold an MPA.

Career Applications

With an MPA, you're set for leadership in private, public, and nonprofit agencies. You'll be well-versed in policy, law, business, finance, and management. New graduates often start as analysts, researchers, grant writers, or program managers, moving up to executive roles. If you have experience, you might jump straight to senior positions.

Your knowledge of policy and public affairs, plus how they affect business and economics, opens doors in private and nonprofit sectors. You could work with human rights groups, schools, nonprofit medical centers, charities, public media, development groups, or international organizations.

Advantages and Disadvantages of an MPA Degree

Pursuing an MPA takes time and money, just like any advanced degree. You'll likely take engaging courses, and you don't need a specific undergrad degree to apply. Graduates have multiple job options across various paths, with benefits beyond pay and prestige, including studies in international affairs and environmental law.

On the downside, these jobs can be highly competitive, involving high stress and low turnover. Executive spots often open only on retirement, especially high-profile ones. If you prefer independent work without much attention, the people-facing nature might not suit you.

Pros

Provides entry into a variety of careers, including overseas
High-paying jobs
Studying for an MPA often means interesting coursework
You don’t need a specific undergraduate degree to apply to an MPA program

Cons

Getting your MPA may be expensive depending on the program
Jobs that call for an MPA may mean long hours and high stress
Highly competitive
Coursework to earn an MPA can be challenging

History of the MPA Degree

The first MPA program started at the University of Michigan in 1914 within the Department of Political Science, aimed at boosting municipal government efficiency and fighting corruption. Jesse S. Reeves, the department chair, developed it and later advised the League of Nations. It grew into the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

Schools like Harvard's John F. Kennedy School and Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School emerged during the Great Depression to professionalize government and social services. Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal expanded government, creating demand for skilled managers.

MPA vs. MBA

Choosing between an MPA and MBA depends on whether you lean toward business or public policy, though there's overlap. MBA grads typically work in private sector finance, while MPA holders take executive roles in nonprofits and government.

MBAs don't usually handle policy aspects of finance, but MPAs might study those in the private sector, focusing on why markets succeed or fail. MPAs often join world-improving organizations like NGOs. Both degrees can lead to international work and are valuable in various industries.

Top MPA Programs

Sources like U.S. News & World Report rank the best MPA programs annually. For 2025, they evaluated 268 programs on a 1-to-5 peer assessment scale.

U.S. News & World Report Best MPA Programs (2025)

Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York - #1, 4.4
Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana - #2, 4.3
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts - #3 (Tie), 4.1
University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California - #3 (Tie), 4.1
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan - #3 (Tie), 4.1
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California - #3 (Tie), 4.1
University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia - #7 (Tie), 4.0
University of Washington, Seattle, Washington - #7 (Tie), 4.0
American University, Washington, District of Columbia - #9 (Tie), 3.9
University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois - #9 (Tie), 3.9
Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona - #11 (Tie), 3.8
New York University, New York, New York - #11 (Tie), 3.8
Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey - #11 (Tie), 3.8
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota - #11 (Tie), 3.8
University of Texas-Austin, Austin, Texas - #11 (Tie), 3.8
Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. - #16 (Tie), 3.7
George Washington University, Washington, D.C. - #16 (Tie), 3.7
Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia - #16 (Tie), 3.7
Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio - #16 (Tie), 3.7
University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California - #16 (Tie), 3.7

What Career Opportunities Are Available to Graduates With an MPA Degree?

You can pursue many careers with an MPA, mostly in public and nonprofit sectors, like government administrators, policy analysts, program managers, nonprofit directors, international development specialists, and urban planners.

Is Work Experience Required for an MPA?

Work experience isn't always required, but many programs prefer applicants with backgrounds in public service or related fields. It can strengthen your application.

How Many Years Does It Take to Get an MPA Degree?

It usually takes two years, though some programs let qualified students finish in one.

What Is Taught in an MPA?

Programs cover law, international affairs, political theory, urban planning, nonprofit organizations, and public service leadership, among others.

The Bottom Line

The MPA is a professional graduate degree for those wanting to work in government agencies, nonprofits, NGOs, and policy institutions. Coursework focuses on policy making, analysis, administration, leadership, accounting, and research methods. It's often required for high-level jobs, and top universities offer these programs.

What Is a Master of Public Administration (MPA)?

Highlights