When people want to get into the management of local, state, federal, or even nonprofit projects or campaigns, they have two options to pick from. They either need an MPA or MPP degree. Both of these acronyms sound very similar, but they also are quite similar considering what students need to study to get that kind of degree. However, there are also some distinct differences between these two. So, if you want to pick the right one, you will need to figure out exactly what those differences are.
First, I think we should start explaining the acronyms. MPA is Master of Public Administration while MPP is Master of Public Policy. Again, they are quite similar, but there is a huge difference between administration and policy.
If you are having trouble understanding what both of these degrees can bring to you, you can use this article as a guide and see the main differences between these two. I hope that I will provide all the information you need in this article.
What is an MPA degree?
Before we can start talking about those differences that I mentioned between these two, I think that it would be better first to explain what exactly you will be studying as a student.
Well, as you can figure out from the name itself, it is about managing public projects, people, teams, and organizations that are on a national, state, or even a community level. People go down this path when they want to make some serious changes in their country. Of course, if you aim to make changes on a national level, you will have to work your way through.
You will need to start with the administration on a community level. First, help your neighborhood then try to help your city and after that, you may reach the levels of national management stop with an MPA, you could even handle administration for private companies, corporations, or social enterprises. You are not tied to government agencies or nonprofit organizations. You can still use this is agreed to go into the private sector.
What is MPP?
If an MPA holder handles the administration aspect of many government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or even private companies, what does not MPP do? Well, a Master of Public Policy focuses more on data.
If you are the type of person that prefers working with information and data while avoiding interactions with people, this is the degree that you should be looking at.
Most of the time, your job would be to analyze information and then translate it to something that will be easier to explain or understand. By interpreting this data accurately, you can help solve some current issues only community-based level or even on a national level. You will be forming and reevaluating the policies of your country. It is your job to try and change them for the better or maybe even completely remove them.
Which one is more difficult to earn?
Before you can make a decision that will have a huge impact on the outcome of your life, you will probably want to know which degree is easier to master.
Well, I think that the answer to this question is not very simple. The experience might vary from person to person. Some might feel that getting an MPP is actually much simpler than an MPA. However, from what I have seen most people claim that getting a Master of Public Administration degree is a bit easier.
The best thing about both of these degrees is the fact that you can get them online. All you need is access to the Internet and the dedication to learn. There are so many different universities out there that are offering courses that are completely online.
Even if your studies are online, you will still get a deeper understanding of constitutional law and public administration. If you go on the website of Grand Canyon University you can see exactly what kind of studies you will be focusing on and which skills you will develop while studying.
What are the potential outcomes?
One of the main differences between getting an MPA or MPP degree is job possibilities. They teach you about similar things, but in the end, the outcome will be unrelated.
If you get to be a Master of Public Administration, there is a high chance that you will end up managing our nonprofit organization or a government agency. Keep in mind, the government agency could be local, state, or even federal. If you want to reach that federal level, you will have to work your way through as I mentioned previously.
Keep in mind, there is also the potential to work with private companies and corporations, and institutions such as hospitals, schools, etc.
A Master of Public Policy will have a different outcome in life. The job opportunities are a little bit different. MPPs will not have a need for direct communication with people because they will mostly be focusing and working on analyzing data. They do not handle administration or any kind of management.
Basically, an MPP would find themselves working for the City Council or in government relations. MPPs are also commonly used for mayoral or presidential campaigning. An MPP works through the data to see which decisions could bring victory for the president.
MPA requires authority and leadership skills
If you read through this entire article, you probably have figured out that a Master of Public Administration requires skills of management. But, for proper management, the skills for leadership and authority are also essential. As I said previously, an MPA will be working with people constantly.
If you feel like you have that kind of authority, I say go ahead and get yourself an MPA degree.
As you can see, both the MPP and MPA sound quite similar, but there are some major differences between these two. I hope that you now finally have a good understanding of what these degrees mean and that you will be able to decide which one of them you need or want.