MPA vs. MBA: Similarities and Differences

Career advancement in today’s job market can be challenging. For many individuals, pursuing an advanced education to increase their leadership and professional skills can be a significant but valuable investment of both time and finances. 

A graduate degree can be a great way for candidates to set themselves apart by building a versatile set of advanced skills. After identifying the differences between degrees such as the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA), future students can decide which program can help them reach their professional goals. 

When comparing an MPA versus an MBA, prospective students should consider their desired career outcomes and work settings. For those interested in working in the public sector, gaining a well-rounded education through an MPA program can provide a path toward getting the edge over the competition.
 

MPA vs. MBA: Definitions, Duration, and Curricula

Advanced education can help individuals prepare for the next phase in their careers. A valuable option for anyone who’s just finished an undergraduate degree or who’s already gained work experience and is focused on career advancement, master’s level programs can place candidates at the forefront of their fields. 

When considering an MPA versus an MBA, both programs notably emphasize valuable leadership, management, and communication skills. Among other advantages, the versatility of a master’s degree is one of the many reasons students enter a graduate program. Beyond their leadership focus, however, both MPA and MBA programs prepare their graduates in different ways and for various careers. 

Earning an MPA

A master’s degree in public administration, typically a two-year program, requires that applicants hold a bachelor’s degree. Some programs may also require that students have several years of work experience. 

One of the key differences when comparing an MPA versus an MBA is that an MBA is normally geared toward jobs in the private sector, whereas an MPA is normally geared toward jobs in the public and nonprofit sectors. These MPA roles can include careers in government, nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, and private entities. 

Most MPA programs focus on the principles of administration, policy, and management and prepare graduates to work in roles that involve policy development, working within government organizations to implement new policies, or assisting in nonprofit agencies to effect change. This focus equips graduates with the skills to navigate the complexities of government agencies and nonprofit organizations, ensuring they can effectively manage resources, influence policy, and drive positive change.

Some of the courses MPA graduates may be required to complete include the following: 

• Public Sector Human Resources Management
• Organizational Leadership
• Program Implementation and Strategic Management
• The Management of Public Sector Projects
• Finance and Budgeting

Whereas an MBA graduate might work in a company in the finance or business sector, an MPA graduate might work on the policies that shape how the business sector functions. 

Earning an MBA

The application requirements for an MBA are the same as those for an MPA. Prospective students must have completed a bachelor’s degree to apply, and some programs require that students have work experience. A typical MBA takes approximately two years of full-time study to complete. 

Sometimes described as the private sector equivalent of an MPA, MBA programs prepare graduates for management and leadership positions in business. To prepare for careers in industries such as finance, marketing, advertising, and investment, MBA students typically take courses such as:

• Accounting
• Statistics
• Entrepreneurship
• Risk Management
• Business Management 

When looking at the focus of an MPA versus an MBA, MBA programs are designed to help students gain a better understanding of business management and how to steer private corporations toward success.
 

MPA vs. MBA: Career Outcomes

Education and work experience matter when candidates are looking to advance their careers or compete for coveted roles. Whether a candidate has a graduate degree and their amount of work experience can give employers an idea of their skills, the responsibilities they may be able to take on, and whether they have the necessary foundation to meet the organization’s needs. 

MPA Careers

Many prospective graduates choose between an MPA or an MBA program based on the future careers they hope to secure. For MPA graduates, these careers often fall in the public sector, leveraging their expertise in human resources, community organization, public policy, and administration to reach their goals. MPA careers include the following:

• Public affairs specialist
• Human resources manager
• Urban planner
• Public works manager
• Policy manager

MBA Careers

Candidates for MBA programs typically look to the private sector to advance their careers. Career opportunities for MBA graduates include the following:

• Marketing manager
• Business operations manager
• Investment fund manager
• Financial advisor
• Project manager
   

MPA vs. MBA: Salary and Job Outlook

Investing in an MPA or an MBA can prepare graduates to compete for various leadership and senior-level roles. Depending on individuals’ career goals, an advanced education can help them play an influential part in an organization’s success and the initiatives they want to achieve. While many MBA graduates work in the finance or business sector, MPA graduates can take on roles that positively impact their communities or address a particular societal issue.

MPA Salary and Job Outlook

For those deciding between an MPA versus an MBA, the public-private sector debate can be a key consideration. While some MBA graduates may find more lucrative roles in the private sector, MPA graduates often focus on making a positive impact in the lives of others through policy development, implementation, and government reform.

Roles in the public sector can vary widely, and salaries vary as well. Graduates of an MPA program can pursue fulfilling management roles in areas such as emergency management, public relations, and social and community services. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), emergency management directors reported a median annual salary of $83,960 as of May 2023, while social community services managers reported a median annual salary of $77,030. Comparatively, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $66,750 for public relations specialists and $136,350 for experienced human resources managers. 

MBA Salary and Job Outlook

One of the key advantages of choosing an MBA is its versatility. The program can prepare graduates with valuable leadership skills for management roles in various companies or industries. 

According to the BLS, those in business and finance occupations earned a median annual salary of $79,050 as of May 2023, with personal financial advisors earning a median annual salary of $99,580 and financial analysts earning a median annual salary of $99,890. Management roles in business and finance — highly competitive industries — often require graduates to have the skills gained during an MBA to be considered for industry-leading organizations. 
 

Prepare for Success With an MPA

Whether pursuing an MPA or an MBA, earning an advanced degree can allow graduates to take control of their futures, making the transition toward senior-level roles and shaping their careers to work toward their personal and professional goals. 

In the Master of Public Administration program from Tseng College at California State University, Northridge, students can learn the in-depth skills they need to blaze a new path. A program rooted in a sound theoretical foundation, the MPA offers online or in-person concentration options in Nonprofit Sector Management or Public Sector Management and Leadership. 

Using practical applications and including exceptional student services, this MPA was designed to provide students with the practical knowledge to succeed. Discover how you can reach your career goals with an MPA.