
Public sector professionals and government are more important — and in higher demand — than ever before. Two areas in the public sector that have many career opportunities include public administration and public policy. The difference between public policy vs. public administration is fairly simple: public policy is the set of laws, regulations, court decisions and ordinances that govern a population, while public administration is the practice of managing and implementing policy, as well as overseeing and coordinating the structures in the public sector.
Given the complexity of these fields, it is vital that professionals in these areas are well-educated and prepared to lead policy development into the future. Two degrees often stand out as options for advanced education and training: the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP). To better understand the differences between these two programs, we’ll explore key features of each degree, as well as the potential outcomes and what skills students will develop through both programs.
General differences: MPA vs. MPP
Both MPAs and MPPs interact meaningfully with public policy and administration, so the degree that’s right for you largely depends on what skills you want to learn and what careers you may want to pursue.
Skills, emphasis and curriculum
MPAs and MPPs primarily differ in terms of their focus. MPA programs teach skills related to management, leadership and public sector operations, while MPPs typically cover policy analysis, writing and research.
These themes are reflected in the curriculums of MPA and MPP programs. Both programs will touch on matters in public policy, but each will have a curriculum tailored to the specific needs of either administration or policy research and development.
Master of Public Administration | Master of Public Policy |
---|---|
Develop skills in the management and administration of public sector organizations | Develop technical skills in policy analysis, creation, evaluation and implementation |
Emphasis is on implementation of policies and the day-to-day operations of public organizations | Emphasizes research, data analysis and evaluation |
Courses in leadership, organizational development, bureaucracy, ethics | Courses include research methods, statistics, ethics/leadership, public finance |
Career trajectories
The career trajectories of graduates with MPAs and MPPs often differ significantly. Graduates of either degree may do work that impacts public policy, but they can be vastly different roles:
- MPA graduates often work in roles where they’re tasked with management, administration or implementation of policy.
- MPP graduates often work in roles where they’re tasked with analyzing data, producing written reports and understanding policy areas or processes deeply.
Master of Public Administration overview: What is an MPA?
A master’s in public administration degree program typically blends traditional leadership competencies with public policy skills. An MPA is often compared to an MBA, because both offer a management education. However, the two differ in that an MPA is focused on managing and operating for the public sector, rather than general or business leadership in the private sector.
MPA curriculum and skills
An MPA’s core curriculum emphasizes subjects such as public administration, strategic communication and leadership. At SMU, the Master of Public Administration curriculum is designed to hone abilities in public sector management. It includes courses like:
- Principles of Public Administration
- Economics for Public Policy
- Strategic Planning and Management of Public Organizations
- Strategic Communications
- Ethics and Leadership
Through the dedicated curriculum, M.P.A. students will gain skills in leadership, human resources, economics and policy. This training provides aspiring public sector professionals with the knowledge and competencies that they’ll need in their careers.
Careers with an MPA
Professionals with a master’s in public administration are qualified for a wide variety of management, leadership and administrative careers in the public sector. They may also be well-suited toward industries that interact with public policy, such as political science, business, social work and public health.
Some potential jobs graduates might pursue with an MPA include:
Job title | Job description | Median salary* |
---|---|---|
City manager | City managers are tasked with managing various parts of the municipal government, including across different departments and overseeing day-to-day operations. | $163,700 |
Executive director | Executive directors work as the head of their organization, typically a nonprofit, and serve in a role similar to CEOs. They’re responsible for the direction of the organization and making high-level decisions. | $87,400 |
Public policy manager | Public policy managers are tasked with implementing public policy, including the specific considerations and logistics behind it. | $151,300 |
*Source: Lightcast
Remember that completing an MPA does not guarantee a position or salary; salaries and roles can vary based on geographic location, years of experience and the specific organization or sector.
Master of Public Policy overview: What is an MPP?
A master’s degree in public policy equips students with skills in policymaking, statistics, critical analysis and effective policy design and evaluation. These abilities are incredibly useful, preparing professionals for technical and analytical roles in the public sector. MPP graduates often leverage research ability, analyze public policy and make recommendations to leaders in the public sphere.
MPP curriculum and skills
Master of Public Policy programs are designed to offer education and training in a variety of areas key to public policy professionals. SMU’s M.P.P. curriculum emphasizes a holistic knowledge base, teaching valuable quantitative and qualitative skills for policy analysis, design, implementation and evaluation. Students take courses like:
- Foundations of Public Policy
- Research Methods and Design
- Statistical Methods for Policymaking
- Policy Implementation and Evaluation
A public policy master’s program will allow students to engage with a curriculum aimed at professionals who deal with the detail-oriented work of policy development. In an MPP program, students will strengthen their skills in research, statistical analysis, economics and public sector finance.
Careers with an MPP
A Master of Public Policy prepares students for careers where public policy must be understood from various perspectives. While this degree is typically associated with analytical and technical roles in the public and nonprofit sections, graduates can utilize their skills in the private sector or academia as well.
Potential careers for MPP graduates might include:
Job title | Job description | Median salary* |
---|---|---|
Research analyst | Research analysts are tasked with analyzing data to derive insights and conclusions. These professionals can work in a range of industries in the public and private sector. | $72,600 |
Policy analyst | Public policy analysts are tasked with analyzing data with the specific goal of impacting public policy in meaningful and positive ways. | $90,500 |
Public affairs specialist | Public affairs specialists are tasked with helping to ensure that their organization is well-received and has a positive impact on its community and the public. | $100,200 |
*Source: Lightcast
Remember that completing an MPP does not guarantee a position or salary; salaries and roles can vary based on geographic location, years of experience and the specific organization or sector.
Which degree is right for you?
Ultimately, which path is right for you depends on your career goals, the skills you hope to acquire and your interests.
If you are more interested in the administrative, operational or leadership side of public policy, an MPA might be a good fit for you. But, if you want to gain the analytical and technical skills for policy design and evaluation, an MPP may be a better fit.
Overall, both degree paths are worthwhile investments for those seeking to start or advance a public sector role.
Lead the way in policy with SMU’s M.P.A. or M.P.P.
SMU’s Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy degrees equip students with crucial skills to make meaningful change through policy and public administration. Our curricula, which can be tailored to your interests, emphasize practical application so that you can feel confident in your ability to use policy tools and management skills. You’ll collaborate with peers, gain insight from policy professionals and benefit from the expertise of our distinguished faculty.
A nationally ranked private university near the heart of Dallas, SMU is a distinguished center for global research and teaching. SMU’s diverse, high-achieving students come from the U.S. and around the world to take advantage of the University’s small classes, innovation, leadership development and career opportunities that can provide a launch pad for global impact.
Download a brochure to learn more about the program, or start your application today.
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To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Public Policy or the Master of Public Administration offered by SMU, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 855-741-1818.