Graduate degrees are gaining popularity as more businesses seek experienced, specialized workers to fill the gaps in their ranks. However, with little information readily available about these degrees, how do you know which one is right for your specific needs? Let’s look at two of them to clear up some confusion.
Motivation
The first step to determining whether you should put your energy toward a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is to honestly examine where your interests lie. Typically speaking, MBA students end up working in the private business sector, whereas MPA students are far more likely to accept leadership roles in public industry.
For these reasons, private businesses look for MBA candidates, and nonprofit organizations are more drawn toward professionals with an MPA degree. So, you must ask yourself the age-old interview question: Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
MPA vs. MBA
An MBA is defined as a “graduate degree […] that provides theoretical and practical training to help graduates gain a better understanding of general business management functions.” An MPA is a professional “degree in public affairs that prepares recipients of the degree to serve in executive positions in municipal, state, federal levels of government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).”
This goes back to what we discussed earlier: whether you are more interested in business or public affairs. MBA students will pay more for their degree upfront, but they will also see a much more rapid monetary return on their investment. Each degree takes about two years to complete.
Testing Requirements
Generally, MBA programs require applicants to take the GMAT before entering the program, and MPA programs ask for the GRE. However, each program has its own requirements, and not all of them follow this pattern. If you have the time and the resources, it can only help you to take both exams. Like with any other graduate program, it’s important to stand out from the other applicants in any way possible.
Coursework
MBA students engage in a program much more rooted in business. Their classes include economics, personal finance, and marketing, teaching students the tools and secrets of the industry. MPA programs are more oriented toward teaching students how to manage a group of individuals. These courses can be anything from administration to community engagement, depending on the school and the student’s specific interests.
Average Salaries
MBA students typically take home a larger paycheck than their public administration counterparts. The average starting salary for MBA graduates falls between $90,000 and $100,000 per year, whereas MPA graduates typically start with a salary of around $60,000.
