MPA vs. MPH

calendar_today 13 March, 2026

Reviewed by Mark Henderson and Etai Mizrav

Those who want to make a difference in the world as part of their careers are often driven to public service, like public policy, public administration, nonprofit management, or healthcare. Advancing to leadership roles in these industries often requires a master’s degree, but choosing the right graduate program can be complicated when there seems to be overlap between degrees.

Two degrees that can set students up for success in the public sector include the Master of Public Administration and the Master of Public Health. While these degrees both deal with public sector issues and prepare students for leadership, they develop different skill sets that are aligned with different leadership outcomes. Read on to learn more about these degrees and how to choose the right one for you. 

What Is a Master of Public Administration?

A Master of Public Administration (or MPA) prepares students to lead organizations that serve the public, such as nonprofits, public sector organizations, and government agencies. MPA programs develop versatile, real-world leadership skills. The curriculum of an MPA may cover:

• Policy development and implementation
• Organizational operations
• Effective program management
• Resource management
• Strategic decision-making
• Budgeting and financial management
• Policy analysis

However, the curriculum can vary depending on the location of the university you choose. Programs based near major government hubs, such as Arlington or Washington, D.C., may emphasize federal government and international organizations, while West Coast programs may emphasize social justice, technology, or tourism policy.

Master of Public Administration graduates tend to oversee public services and government projects, with a focus on implementing policy and managing public resources. Others work in the nonprofit or healthcare sectors, guiding organizations as they support communities.

What Is a Master of Public Health?

Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees teach students how to improve health outcomes for communities. MPH students will learn to:

• Examine trends in population health
• Design programs that prevent and address illness 
• Implement the right interventions in diverse communities
• Research how health policies affect different communities
• Lead and manage in a healthcare setting

The career opportunities for master’s in public health graduates are often straightforward: they become leaders of healthcare organizations and develop effective programs that lead to healthier, happier communities.

MPA vs. MPH: Key Differences

Overall Emphasis

The main difference between the MPA and MPH is that they are intended to prepare students for different career outcomes. MPH graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the science and delivery of public health interventions, while MPA graduates have opportunities in policy analysis and implementation across a wide range of issues, from public health and human services to environmental policy, international development, and more.

Both programs may also allow students to focus on specific areas of interest as well. MPA students can explore urban analytics, sustainability, policy analysis, or nonprofit management, and MPH students can concentrate on areas such as epidemiology or community health. These specializations help students match their education to the work they hope to do after graduation.

Skill Development

While the exact skills you develop in your graduate program will depend on the university you study at, MPA and MPH programs typically have fairly standardized outcomes. 

An MPA prepares students to lead organizations and manage programs across a variety of sectors. The coursework covers:

• Policy analysis and evaluation
• Strategic planning
• Resource allocation
• Organizational management, operations, and administration
• Administrative decision-making

An MPH focuses exclusively on public health leadership and population outcomes. MPH students typically study:

• Epidemiology
• Health policy
• Health data analysis
• Program design and management for disease prevention and care quality

Career Outcomes

Oftentimes, MPA graduates have access to a broad range of career opportunities. They may become leaders in federal government agencies, city management, nonprofit organizations, or even private-sector organizations that require policy advocacy. Roles can also expand to international development agencies, think tanks, and policy research institutions. Some jobs and median annual salaries for MPA graduates include:

• City Manager ($160,600)
• Fundraising Manager ($132,870)
• Public Relations Manager ($132,870)
• Urban Planner ($83,720)
• Budget Analyst ($87,930)

MPH graduates benefit from excellent career prospects as well, but they tend to be limited to the public and private healthcare industries. Some roles they may pursue, along with their median annual salaries, include:

• Healthcare Administrator ($117,960)
• Epidemiologist ($83,980)
• Biostatistician ($104,350)
• Health Policy Director ($141,100)
• Social/Community Services Manager ($78,240)

Which Administration Degree Is Right for Me?

Choosing between a master’s in public administration and master’s in public health largely depends on your career goals. 

Both degrees are excellent for leadership development, but an MPA may be a better choice for those who want flexibility in organizational leadership and versatile public service opportunities. 

An MPH may be better suited to those who want to improve public health outcomes and manage health policy programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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. 

• The Master of Public Administration is a career-oriented program designed to shape leaders who are ethical, efficient, and effective. 
• The 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 School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. 

Students may take classes online, in person, or in a mixed modality format. MPA and MPP classes are offered on our campuses in Boston, Arlington, and Oakland.