What is the difference between a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Public Policy?
Master of Public Administration Overview
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree prepares students for a management career in public service sectors, including federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as nonprofits and international organizations. This type of degree can help students learn how to successfully implement policy and programs. Earning an MPA degree at the University of Arizona in particular will prepare students to be leaders in one of several different concentrations, such as Collaborative Governance, Environmental Management and Policy, Nonprofit Management, and Public Management.
A Master of Public Administration degree prepares students for the following career paths:
- Program Managers
- City Managers
- Executive Directors
- Chief Financial Officers
- Human Resources
- Development Directors
Master of Public Policy Overview
A Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree prepares students to work in several different areas of the public sector, such as federal, state, and local government agencies, nonprofit agencies, as well as private consulting firms as researchers and analysts. MPP programs place an emphasis on analyzing policy, creating policy, and solving existing policy problems using quantitative and qualitative data. Earning an MPP degree at the University of Arizona will prepare graduates to start or continue public and private sector work with a better understanding of policy and development, with concentrations in Education Policy, Environmental Management & Water Policy, Health Policy, and Policy Analysis. As a rigorous academic program, it may also prepare students to continue in certain Ph.D. programs.
A Master of Public Policy degree prepares students for the following career paths:
- Policy Analysts
- Consultant
- Management Consultant
- Government Affairs Director
- Business Development Director
- Policy Advisor
See our FAQ page as well for more information.