MPA, MBA, or MPP: Which Graduate Degree is Right for You?
Choosing the right professional graduate degree is a critical step in shaping your future career. If you’re considering public service or policy leadership, understanding the differences between a Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Public Policy (MPP) can help you decide which program fits your goals best.
What is a Master of Public Administration (MPA)?
According to the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the MPA is “the core professional degree for a management career in public service. The curriculum is designed to aid students in developing the skills and techniques used by leaders and managers to implement policies, projects, and programs that resolve important societal problems.”
NASPAA also notes that MPA graduates pursue careers in a wide range of settings, including:
- Federal, state, and local government
- Nonprofit organizations
- International agencies
- Consulting firms
- Private sector organizations with a public mission
MBA and MPA Curriculum: Comparing Coursework
The different focus areas of an MPA vs. an MBA are reflected in their coursework.
| Degree | Focus | Career Path Examples | Outcome Orientation |
| MPA | Public administration, management, policy implementation | Public sector managers, nonprofit leaders, policy implementers | Mission-driven impact |
| MBA | Business management, profit maximization, entrepreneurship | Corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and business analysts | Profit-driven results |
| MPP | Policy analysis, economic forecasting, research | Policy analysts, consultants, researchers | Data-driven analysis |
MBA vs. MPA: Profit-Driven vs Mission-Driven
Both degrees combine management and economics, but an MBA focuses on private sector profitability, while an MPA emphasizes public service and societal impact. MPA graduates pursue careers across both the public and private sectors, often stepping into leadership roles that advance the public interest through accountability, transparency, and equity.
The MPA program equips them to drive the “business of public affairs,” tackling complex challenges in government at all levels, nonprofit organizations, and international public institutions.
MPP vs. MPA: Analysis vs Leadership
An MPP trains students in rigorous policy analysis and forecasting, preparing them for research and advisory roles. The MPA builds practical management and leadership skills, which is perfect for professionals eager to create real-world change in diverse sectors.
Is an MPA Worth It?
Graduate school is demanding but rewarding. An MPA equips you with skills to address urgent issues like:
- Climate change and disaster management
- Infrastructure development in underserved areas
- Criminal justice reform and reentry programs
- Public health and the opioid epidemic
- Education equity worldwide
- Economic development in urban areas
If you are passionate about public impact and lifelong learning, an MPA can open doors to meaningful leadership roles.
Why Choose an Ivy League MPA Program?
Not all MPAs are the same. An Ivy League MPA offers:
- Customizable concentrations tailored to your career goals
- Hands-on internships and real-world experience
- Faculty experts with practical and academic expertise
- Dedicated career services for professional growth
- Affordable education backed by a land-grant mission
Explore Cornell’s 7 MPA Concentrations
- Data Science
- Economic Policy
- Environmental and Sustainability Policy
- International Policy and Management
- Public and Nonprofit Management
- Science and Technology Policy
- Social Policy: Health, Education, Inequality
If you’re seeking a leadership role in public service—whether in community development, criminal justice, environmental policy, education, public health, or nonprofit management—the Cornell Brooks MPA program offers the skills and experience to help you make a lasting impact.
Ready to Make a Difference? Apply for Cornell’s MPA Program Today.
Master of Public Administration (MPA):
If you’re a mission-oriented professional eager to tackle society’s biggest challenges, from homelessness to climate change, Cornell’s MPA is designed for you. Connect with our admissions team to learn how you can transform your career and impact lives.
