Master of Public Administration (MPA) vs. Master of Public Policy (MPP)

Two Paths, One Mission—Changing the World

You’re here because you believe in something bigger than yourself. You see problems in the world and refuse to accept them as they are. You want to make a difference—real change, not just talk.

But here’s the big question: How do you want to make that change happen?

Do you want to design the solutions and shape policies that set the rules?
Or do you want to lead organizations, implement programs, and make sure those solutions happen?

That’s the difference between MPP (Master of Public Policy) and MPA (Master of Public Administration).

Both are powerful. Both are essential. And both are for people who won’t settle for the status quo.

Why Choose?
Both Make a Difference.
Both Get Paid.

Whether you pick MPP or MPA, you’re joining a community of changemakers—people who won’t sit back while problems go unsolved.

And let’s be honest: This is also a career move. Passion is great, but so is paying your rent AND making an impact.

You CAN do good and get paid well:

MPP graduates land roles in policy analysis, government consulting, and research, earning $75K–$150K or more.
MPA graduates move into leadership positions in government, nonprofits, and management, and their salaries often reach six figures as they advance.

This isn’t about choosing which path is better—it’s about choosing which path fits your strengths and mission.

Master of Public Administration (MPA):

The Leader of Change

“A better world starts with better leadership.”

Mission:
Turn policies into action by leading teams, managing resources, and building stronger communities.

As an MPA student, you believe that change doesn’t just happen on paper—it happens when people step up and lead. You’re the one who wants to run the organizations, direct the budgets, and make sure policies improve lives.

You’re about making things happen—not just analyzing problems but solving them.
You know that leadership, communication, and strategy are just as important as policy.
You thrive in the chaos of government agencies, nonprofits, and mission-driven businesses.

Your Impact:

Running a city or county government and improving public services.
Managing a nonprofit that empowers underserved communities.
Overseeing disaster relief and public health programs.
Leading social justice initiatives that turn policy ideas into action.

Where You’ll Make Change:

City, county, and state government (e.g., City Manager, Public Works Director)
Nonprofits and foundations (e.g., Habitat for Humanity, Gates Foundation)
International development agencies (e.g., WHO, Red Cross)
Social enterprises and public-private partnerships

Master of Public Policy (MPP):

The Architect of Change

“A better world starts with better policies.”

Mission:
Craft bold, data-driven policies that solve society’s toughest challenges.

As an MPP student, you believe that change starts with good ideas—but not just any ideas. Smart, evidence-based, well-researched policies that work. You’re the person who looks at inequality, climate change, healthcare, or education and asks, “What does the data tell us?”

You want to create policies that don’t just sound good—but deliver results.
You trust research, models, and analysis to drive decisions, not just politics.
You want to be the behind-the-scenes brain shaping government, nonprofits, and businesses.

Your Impact:

Designing social programs that reduce poverty and increase opportunity.
Analyzing crime data to create policies that improve public safety.
Developing climate policies that balance sustainability and economic growth.
Crafting health policies that expand access and affordability.

Where You’ll Make Change:

Government agencies (e.g., Congress, City Hall)
Think tanks (e.g., Brookings, RAND, Urban Institute)
International organizations (e.g., UN, World Bank)
Advocacy groups and nonprofits (e.g., ACLU, Climate Action orgs)

Final Question:

Which One Are You?

Whichever one you choose, the world needs more people like you.

Let’s research and write the best policy solution

Master of Public Policy

Let’s mobilize resources and fix this NOW

Master of Public Administration