MPA vs. MBA: What’s the Difference?

calendar_today 15 October, 2024

For professionals considering completing graduate education to advance their management skills, a Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Administration are two common choices.

When comparing these programs, it’s important to think about your desired career goals after earning the degree. If you are interested in public service leadership, a master’s in public administration can help you gain the skills you need, while a master’s in business administration is more helpful in preparing you for a managerial role in the private sector. Read on for an overview of degree requirements, learning outcomes, and career paths for each type of program.

If you’re deliberating whether to complete a Master of Public Administration or Master of Public Policy, that article can help you make a decision.

Master of Public Administration vs. Master of Business Administration

While there are commonalities when assessing MPA vs. MBA, the outcome of each program differs. In an MPA, students gain skills in public management and budgeting, policy analysis, program evaluation, statistics, and leadership. MBA programs are centered on expanding students’ knowledge of core business areas in the context of the global environment, along with management expertise.

Whether you choose to pursue an MPA or MBA, among the aspects to weigh is whether the school or program is accredited. Accreditation is important because it shows that the school or program meets the rigorous standards of the accrediting body. The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is considered the top accreditation for MPA programs. For MBA programs and schools of business, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation is the most highly regarded.

Degree Requirements and Curriculum

When looking at a master’s of public administration vs. a master’s of business administration, there are important differences in coursework, credit hour requirements, and time to completion. There may be overlap in core course topics, but the focus of each program is distinct. For example, a leadership course offered in an MPA is geared toward management in the public sector and nonprofit organizations, while the same course in an MBA program is centered on the private sector.

Below is a breakdown of some of the key features of each degree program.

The time it takes to complete an MPA or MBA varies widely by school and depends on a number of factors including the total number of credit hours required, whether students have the option to complete the program part- or full-time, and if any of the experiential learning opportunities may extend the time it takes to earn the degree.

For programs that offer flexibility in their curriculum, students who do not wish to pursue a concentration can usually choose to complete an assortment of elective courses based on their interests. Some MPA programs, like the Northeastern University Master of Public Administration, offer graduate certificates that are available to earn along the way to the master’s. Options include nonprofit sector, philanthropy, and social change; security and resilience studies; and sustainability and climate change policy.

Master’s in Public Administration Careers

MPA graduates often assume leadership positions in the public or nonprofit sectors. They are looking for mission-driven careers and may have a passion for helping people. The career outlook for professionals with an MPA degree varies by position. Job openings for social and community service managers are expected to increase 8% from 2023 to 2033; for medical and health services managers over the same time period, a 29% increase is expected.

According to PayScale, the average annual base salary for professionals with a Master of Public Administration degree is $77,000, but earnings for master’s in public administration jobs differ by level of experience and role.

While there are many opportunities for MPA graduates, below we’ve included a brief description and average salary information* for three careers with a master’s in public administration.

*Average salary information from Lightcast.

Master’s in Business Administration Careers

Professionals who earn their Master of Business Administration degree can expect an average annual base salary of $98,000. There are a wide variety of careers with a master’s in business administration, from management positions to entrepreneurship. Management occupations are expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033, with over 1.2 million new jobs.

Below are several options for master’s in business administration jobs and the average salary* for each.

*Average salary information from Lightcast.

About the Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy Programs at Northeastern University

Northeastern University, a top-50, R1 research institution, offers two interdisciplinary, community-focused degree options for professionals ready to make their mark in the world of public service. Northeastern’s School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs offers these two degree programs. Our Master of Public Administration option is a career-oriented program designed to shape leaders who are ethical, efficient, and effective. Meanwhile, our Master of Public Policy (MPP) program equips future policymakers with the comprehensive research and analysis skills they’ll need to best support the public good. Students in each program benefit from the world-class education, research opportunities, and expert faculty provided by Northeastern’s College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Students may take classes online, in person, or in a mixed modality format. MPP classes are offered on our Boston and Arlington campuses. MPA classes are available on our Boston campus and will also be offered on our Oakland and Arlington campuses beginning in Fall 2024.