MPP vs. MPA: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Choose?
If you're considering a graduate degree in public service, you've likely come across two popular options: the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and the Master of Public Administration (MPA).
While both degrees prepare students for careers in government, nonprofit organizations, and policy-making, they have distinct focuses. The MPP is more analytical and research-driven, while the MPA emphasizes leadership, management, and administration.
So, which one is right for you? This guide breaks down the key differences, career outcomes, and factors to consider when choosing between an MPP and an MPA.
1. What is an MPP (Master of Public Policy)?
✅ Key Features of an MPP:
Focuses on policy research, data analysis, and economics.
Prepares graduates for policy advising, government consulting, and think tank roles.
Requires strong quantitative and analytical skills.
✅ Typical MPP Coursework:
Microeconomics & Macroeconomics for Policy
Statistics & Data Analysis
Policy Research Methods
Political Institutions & Public Policy
Cost-Benefit Analysis
💡 Best for: People interested in policy research, data-driven decision-making, and legislative analysis.
2. What is an MPA (Master of Public Administration)?
✅ Key Features of an MPA:
Focuses on leadership, public management, and organizational governance.
Prepares graduates for government administration, nonprofit leadership, and city management.
Less quantitative than an MPP, with a stronger focus on administration and strategy.
✅ Typical MPA Coursework:
Public Sector Leadership
Budgeting & Public Finance
Human Resources & Labor Relations
Strategic Management for Nonprofits
Ethics in Public Administration
💡 Best for: People who want to manage organizations, oversee public budgets, and implement policies rather than analyze them.
3. MPP vs. MPA: What’s the Difference?
4. Should You Choose an MPP?
✅ An MPP is right for you if:
You enjoy researching and analyzing policies.
You want to work in think tanks, government research, or legislative offices.
You like working with data, statistics, and economic models.
You’re interested in lobbying, advocacy, or political strategy.
🚫 An MPP may NOT be the best fit if:
You don’t like working with data, spreadsheets, and research papers.
You prefer leading teams and making management decisions over analyzing numbers.
💡 Example Careers for MPP Graduates:
Legislative Analyst (Works in government advising on policy).
Policy Researcher (Conducts studies for think tanks like Brookings or Urban Institute).
Government Affairs Consultant (Advises companies and nonprofits on policy impact).
5. Should You Choose an MPA?
✅ An MPA is right for you if:
You enjoy managing people and organizations.
You want to lead a government agency, nonprofit, or public service program.
You prefer hands-on leadership roles over policy research.
You’re interested in finance, budgeting, and organizational decision-making.
🚫 An MPA may NOT be the best fit if:
You dislike administrative tasks and public sector management.
You want a career in policy research, statistics, or economic modeling.
💡 Example Careers for MPA Graduates:
City Manager (Oversees a city’s public services and government operations).
Executive Director of a Nonprofit (Leads a nonprofit’s strategy, finances, and growth).
Public Sector Consultant (Advises governments on operational improvements).
6. How Long Does an MPP or MPA Take?
Most MPP and MPA programs take 1.5 to 2 years if pursued full-time. Some universities offer part-time or online options, which can take 2-3 years.
📌 JD-MPP or JD-MPA dual degrees take around 4 years total, instead of 5 years separately.
7. What’s the Cost?
🚀 Funding Options:
✅ Fellowships & Scholarships – Many public policy/administration schools offer full funding.
✅ Employer Sponsorship – Some government agencies and nonprofits cover tuition.
✅ Graduate Assistantships – Some students work as research or teaching assistants to earn tuition waivers.
8. MPP vs. MPA: Which One Leads to Better Jobs?
💡 MPP Jobs (More Analytical & Research-Based):
Think tanks (Brookings, RAND Corporation)
Government research (Congressional Budget Office)
Lobbying firms & political consulting
💡 MPA Jobs (More Leadership & Management-Based):
City & state government agencies
Nonprofit executive leadership
Public administration (education, healthcare, urban planning)
🚀 Pro Tip: If you’re interested in leading a government agency, go for an MPA. If you want to analyze policies and influence legislation, go for an MPP.
9. Final Decision: Should You Get an MPP or MPA?
✅ Choose an MPP if:
You enjoy research, data, and policy evaluation.
You want a career in government research, lobbying, or academia.
You’re interested in influencing policy decisions at the legislative level.
✅ Choose an MPA if:
You want to lead government agencies, nonprofits, or public service programs.
You prefer strategic decision-making and team leadership.
You’re more interested in day-to-day public sector operations than theory.
Final Thoughts: Which Degree is Right for You?
Both MPP and MPA degrees lead to impactful careers in public service. Your choice should depend on:
🔹 Do you want to analyze policy? → Choose an MPP.
🔹 Do you want to manage public agencies? → Choose an MPA.
🔹 Are you interested in government leadership? → MPA is better.
🔹 Do you love research and statistics? → MPP is better.
🚀 Still unsure? Talk to alumni, professors, or Kappa Alpha Pi mentors to learn more!
