Are you looking for an advanced professional degree in the world of public affairs but aren’t sure whether the MPA or MPP is right for you? Read on as we compare these programs, both generally and within American University, in terms of skills built, sample courses, sample careers, and average pay after graduation.

1. Focus. The Masters of Public Administration (MPA) degree prepares students for leadership roles in public (governmental) or nonprofit organizations, while the Masters of Public Policy (MPP) teaches how to analyze public problems and identify and propose solutions. Put differently, the MPP focuses on analyzing, designing, and evaluating public policy, while the MPA focuses on how best to implement these policies within governmental and nonprofit programs.
2. Skills. MPA programs develop the management skills and techniques graduates need to implement public policies and run public and nonprofit programs, such as leadership, budgeting, personnel management, public-private partnerships, project management and organizational theory. In contrast, the MPP trains students to analyze and evaluate various aspects of public policy. MPP students learn how to work with quantitative and qualitative data to develop, assess, and evaluate solutions to various public policy problems and issues. Both programs usually take two years to complete full time, and many schools offer part-time and evening options for mid-career professionals. When choosing a program, keep in mind that each public affairs school may have different strengths and weaknesses depending on the training you seek.
3. Curriculum. In general, while students in both programs will share a number of elective courses, MPA programs place more emphasis on organizational or program management techniques, while MPP programs emphasize policy research and evaluation, including rigorous statistical analysis. For example, a course on analyzing policy methods, such as program evaluation or cost-benefit analysis, would be more popular among MPP students, while a course in managerial economics may pertain more to MPA students. Be sure to compare specialties across schools to find the program fit for you.
   
   MPA vs. MPP? Understand 4 Differences Before You Apply
4. Careers. Both MPA and MPP programs at most reputable institutions boast very high (>90%) placement rates after graduation. MPA careers typically begin with program management roles at nonprofits and all levels of government (federal, state, local). Recent AU MPA grads have received positions such as Corporate Relations Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Program Manager at The Nature Conservancy, and Transit Database Program Manager at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Others work as City Managers or Public Works Directors for local governments.
   MPP careers tend to start with data or policy analyst positions with governments, think tanks, or private industry. AU MPP graduates hold positions such as Policy & Research Manager at People’s Action Institute, Climate Change Consultant at The World Bank, Public Policy Analyst at U.S. Pharmacopeia, and Legislative Policy Analyst with various municipal governments.
5. Typical Workday. While some government agencies and other organizations employ both MPA and MPP graduates, and workplace culture varies widely, you can expect some differences in your typical workday depending on which degree you choose. MPA graduates tend towards managerial positions, meaning that much of your day may involve leading and motivating people while remaining responsible for your program’s performance, budget, and compliance with the law. MPP graduates typically find jobs involving research and data analysis, meaning fewer managerial requirements and more independent work that supports the design and implementation of policy. In short, MPPs analyze and design public policy; MPAs implement these policies by leading key public organizations.
   
   Learn more about AU MPA and MPP degrees.