MPA vs. MBA: Differences and Outcomes

Pursuing a graduate education can open many doors for those seeking to advance their careers or pivot in different directions by developing new skill sets. Earning a master’s degree can also boost an individual’s earnings and improve their employability. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that individuals with a master’s degree earn nearly $250 more per week, on average, and have a slightly lower unemployment rate compared to those with only a bachelor’s degree.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) are two of the most popular graduate degrees. MPA and MBA programs share some broad similarities — both focus on the development of leadership abilities and emphasize similar concepts in their curricula — yet their philosophies are distinct. An MBA primarily focuses on business, finance and entrepreneurship and is geared toward success in the private sector, while an MPA is primarily focused on the public sector.

Deciding between an MPA vs. an MBA ultimately comes down to an individual’s personal interests and professional goals. Understanding what the programs entail, including the admissions requirements and potential career paths, can help aspiring graduates determine which one best suits them.

What Is an MPA?

An MPA is a graduate degree that focuses on public affairs and the development and implementation of public policy. It also explores government operations and how government policies impact society.

Additionally, one of the hallmarks of many MPA programs is an emphasis on the development of leadership competencies.

The curriculum of an MPA program covers many aspects of public administration and public affairs and provides training to help students develop the practical skills to excel in their chosen profession. The concepts explored in an MPA program often include the following:

Leadership and ethics
Public policy analysis
Grant writing
Community development
Criminal justice
Emergency management

Similar to an MBA, an MPA program educates students on matters related to economics and finance, including budgeting, financial management and how government policies impact financial markets.

Some MPAs offer specializations in particular aspects of public administration, such as criminal justice, health care or education.

While program length may vary by institution, MPA programs typically take about two years to complete.

MPA Requirements

Admissions requirements for MPA programs vary by institution. One universal prerequisite is possession of an undergraduate degree. Some institutions specify certain degrees, while others simply require that applicants hold any undergraduate degree.

Other requirements may include letters of recommendation and a resume (CV) with their application to be considered for admission.

What Can You Do With an MPA?

MPA graduates emerge from their programs equipped with leadership and analytical competencies and advanced knowledge of various areas related to public administration and public affairs, including policy, law and economics. Their expertise makes them well suited for a wide range of roles.

MPA graduates typically pursue careers within the public sector or as professionals at nonprofits or nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Because of the program’s leadership focus, graduates often qualify for senior roles, either as executives or leaders in government. Individuals with an MPA may also work in the private sector, often in roles or at organizations that intersect with public policy.

Their broad skill set, deep knowledge of public policy and keen understanding of how policy impacts economics make MPA graduates attractive candidates for a host of employers in various industries. MPA graduates can find jobs working with or for government bodies, human rights groups, schools, health systems, charities and international organizations, among others.

MPA Careers

The various careers an MPA graduate can pursue is extensive, including roles in government or at nonprofit organizations, as well as private sector jobs that intersect with public policy. Below are some common career paths for MPA graduates.

City Managers

The role of a city manager is comparable to that of an executive in a private sector organization. They oversee the various departments of a municipal government and the delivery of public services, including sanitation, public safety and economic development. They work closely with elected officials and department heads to craft annual budgets and determine how resources should be allocated to improve the community.

Salary: The BLS classifies city managers as top executives. Those working in government earned a median annual salary of $136,870 as of May 2023.
Employment outlook: The BLS projects that employment of top executives will grow by 3 percent between 2022 and 2032, on par with the average for all occupations.

Fundraising Managers

Fundraising managers oversee campaigns to bring in donations for their organizations. They can work for nonprofits, religious groups or educational institutions. As part of their responsibilities, they may develop fundraising strategies, identify and contact potential donors, coordinate events, and apply for grants.

Salary: Fundraising managers earned a median annual wage of $119,200 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.
Employment outlook: Employment of fundraising managers is projected to grow by 5 percent between 2022 and 2032.

Urban and Regional Planners

Urban and regional planners work with community stakeholders, including government officials and members of the public, to develop plans and programs for the use of land and physical facilities. The projects they work on are designed to help communities manage economic, social and environmental issues. Examples include creating parks, expanding affordable housing and preserving historical landmarks.

Salary: Urban and regional planners earned a median annual wage of $81,800 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.
Employment outlook: Job opportunities for urban and regional planners are projected to grow by 4 percent between 2022 and 2032.

Budget Analysts

A profession suited for both MPA and MBA graduates, budget analysts help public and private sector entities manage their finances. They analyze data to assess the costs and benefits of various programs and provide funding recommendations based on their findings. Budget analysts who work in government may attend committee hearings to explain their recommendations to lawmakers and help draft budget-related legislation.

Salary: Budget analysts earned a median annual wage of $84,940 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.
Employment outlook: Prospective budget analysts can expect to see job opportunities grow by about 3 percent over the next decade.

What Is an MBA?

An MBA is a graduate degree that provides students with advanced business knowledge and helps them hone their leadership and management capabilities. MBA programs expand on the foundational skills and expertise gained in undergraduate business programs, empowering graduates with a comprehensive skill set and positioning them for professional success.

The curriculum in an MBA program explores a wide spectrum of business-related topics, including the following:

Accounting
Finance
Marketing
Data analytics
Entrepreneurship
International business

Leadership training is a fundamental component of all MBA programs, with a focus on management, planning, strategy and organizational behavior. MBA programs also typically emphasize the interpersonal elements of running a business, exploring concepts such as motivation and group dynamics as well as ethics.

Similar to programs for an MPA, MBA programs may offer specializations, enabling students to tailor their academic journeys to their professional goals. Common MBA specializations include health care management, finance, entrepreneurship and marketing.

Program length varies, but MBAs typically take one to two years to complete.

MBA Requirements

Admissions requirements for MBAs vary by institution. Completing an undergraduate degree program at an accredited institution is generally the minimum requirement for acceptance into an MBA program. Some MBA programs also require prospective students to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), while others may accept the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as an alternative.

Submitting letters of recommendation and a resume (CV) with an application may also be required. Submission of GMAT and GRE scores is optional. Additionally, students seeking to enter MBA programs may also need to have at least two years of professional business experience.

What Can You Do With an MBA?

What the MPA provides for those pursuing a career in the public sector, the MBA provides for private sector professionals: more advanced skills, professional competencies and leadership capabilities.

MBA graduates come away with expert knowledge of various aspects of business, including finance, accounting, business law and marketing. Their expertise makes them highly desired by employers for a wide range of roles in virtually any industry. An MBA not only helps graduates expand their career opportunities but also can also lead to higher compensation and career advancement.

Some people pursue an MBA to pivot their careers, either into new roles within their current industry or into an entirely different industry.

Regardless of their motivations, the reality is that employers want MBA graduates. According to the 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), hiring for MBA graduates has been steadily climbing for the last several years (with a slight dip in 2020), stretching across several industries, including technology, finance, health care and manufacturing.

MBA Careers

MBA graduates often have an inside track to many professional pathways, from executive positions to specialized roles within organizations, and their skills are applicable in a wide range of industries and settings.

Below are some potential career paths for MBA graduates.

Medical and Health Services Managers

Medical and health services managers, sometimes referred to as health care administrators, oversee medical services and handle administrative duties for entire medical facilities (such as a hospital or clinic), specific departments within medical facilities or private practices. They carry a host of responsibilities, including recruiting, training and managing staff; preparing budgets and managing finances; and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and industry regulations.

Salary: Medical and health services managers earned a median annual wage of $110,680 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.
Employment outlook: Fueled by increasing demand for health care services, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow by 28 percent between 2022 and 2032.

Executives

Similar to programs for an MPA, MBA programs focus on developing students’ leadership abilities. As a result, MBA graduates — particularly those who already have professional experience — may qualify for executive roles. Titles such as CEO, chief financial officer (CFO), and general and operations managers fall under this umbrella. These individuals devise goals, strategies and policies for their organizations and oversee financial activities and budgeting. Their specific responsibilities often depend on the size of the organization: Executives at smaller companies may have more involvement in day-to-day operations, while those at large corporations typically focus on policy and strategy.

Salary: Salary levels for executives vary significantly depending on several factors, including their role and the size of the organization they work for. Variables such as stock options and performance bonuses may also impact an executive’s total compensation. The BLS breaks down executive pay into the following categories:
- Chief executives: $206,680 (2023)
- General and operations managers: $101,280
Employment outlook: Overall employment of executives is projected to grow by 3 percent between 2022 and 2032.

Management Analysts

Management analysts, sometimes known as management consultants, advise organizational leadership on ways to improve efficiency, cut costs and increase revenues. They analyze data and may conduct interviews and on-site observations to inform their recommendations and follow up with managers and other leaders to ensure that the changes they recommended are working.

Salary: Management analysts earned a median annual wage of $99,410 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.
Employment outlook: Job opportunities for management analysts are projected to grow by 10 percent between 2022 and 2032.

Marketing Managers

Marketing managers help organizations maintain and expand their market share. They perform market research studies (e.g., surveys and interviews) and research their organization’s competitors, and then analyze their findings to understand consumer habits and identity opportunities, including potential new markets. Marketing managers regularly work across teams within an organization, including product development, public relations and sales.

Salary: The median annual wage for marketing managers was $157,620 as of May 2023, the BLS reports.
Employment outlook: Employment of marketing managers will grow by 7 percent between 2022 and 2032.

Become a Public Service Leader With an MPA

For ambitious individuals seeking to make a greater impact in their careers, pursuing an MPA or MBA can be highly beneficial, equipping graduates with advanced skills and expertise and positioning them for sustained professional success. Compared to those with just a bachelor’s degree, graduate degree holders are more likely to earn higher wages and have greater career opportunities.

Choosing the one that’s right for you depends on your personal passions and professional ambitions. The MBA is ideal for those who want to excel in business, while the MPA is designed for individuals who are committed to public service.

If you’re looking to make an impact as a leader in public service, explore Augusta University Online’s MPA program. With its comprehensive curriculum, experiential learning opportunities and collaborative projects, our MPA program can help you develop the real-world skills you need to achieve success in this field.

Learn more about the program — including our optional nonprofit certificate — and find out how AU Online can help you become a more socially conscious public servant.

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