Whether an individual is pursuing a career in public service, the nonprofit sector or even the private sector, earning a degree in public administration can be an excellent way to gain the knowledge and skills needed for success. For those seeking leadership roles, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program can provide them with a strong foundation for these roles. 

But what are the various benefits of an MPA, and is the degree worth it? Answering those questions starts with exploring what an MPA program entails. 

What Is an MPA? 

Public administration refers to all the efforts involved in implementing government policies. A Master of Public Administration program is a graduate degree program that focuses on leading this type of work. MPA programs help professionals build on their knowledge and skills in leadership and management, especially as they relate to government and nonprofit organizations. 

The courses this advanced degree program typically features can also be useful for those pursuing high-level roles in other sectors, including private sector business roles in finance and international business. Additionally, some MPA graduates go on to earn doctoral degrees and teach at the university level. 

MPA Objective 

Ultimately, the goal of MPA programs is to prepare students to be ethical and responsible leaders. These degree programs typically emphasize: 

• Communication with individuals, communities and groups 

• Organization of ideas and information for sharing in reports and presentations 

• Analysis of issues facing public and nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve  

MPA Courses 

Among the subject areas in a typical MPA program are: 

• Public administration fundamentals 

• Organizational theory 

• Research methods 

• Government budgeting 

Students in MPA programs also often have the opportunity to focus on a specific type of public administration, such as local governance or nonprofit operations. These specialization tracks can include courses such as: 

• Nonprofit management 

• Grants and fundraising 

• Political science 

• Behavioral statistics 

MPA programs also typically feature thesis or internship opportunities. 

MPA Careers 

One of the key benefits of an MPA is the variety of career opportunities in management and executive-level roles that graduates of these degree programs can pursue. Some examples of positions that MPA graduates hold are: 

• Emergency management director: Plans for disasters and other emergencies, collaborating with organizational leaders to identify risks and manage them 

• Human resources manager: Manages personnel, supporting the employee-employer relationship and overseeing hiring, payroll and benefits enrollment 

• Operations research analyst: Uses advanced statistical and mathematical equations, often performed using high-tech programs and databases, to determine an organization’s risks and challenges 

• Public works manager: Oversees public services such as water and sewage treatment, parks, transportation, streets and utilities 

• Policy manager: Develops organizational policies and procedures, especially those related to government policy and advocacy 

Benefits of an MPA 

In addition to the broad range of career options available to MPA graduates, students choose to pursue an MPA for its many other benefits. Four of the key benefits of an MPA are: 

Leadership Roles 

The MPA curriculum aims to develop leaders with the knowledge and skills required to create and implement government and nonprofit organization policies and plans. It can be a great fit for those seeking to move into a higher-level position, such as a manager or executive position. 

Community Impact 

As a degree program focused on public service, the MPA program can prepare students for professional opportunities that allow them to make an impact in their communities and beyond. From local and state government agencies to nonprofits of every size and type, the potential employers of MPA graduates support a variety of community programs. 

Advanced Expertise 

Earning an MPA shows potential employers that a candidate has a commitment to learning and advancement. MPA programs help students build their expertise in public administration, making them ideal candidates for high-level roles — or doctoral degree programs. 

Job Growth and Salary Potential 

While salaries and expected job growth of individual positions depend on a variety of factors, including their location and field, many roles available to MPA graduates are fast-growing, well-paying or both. 

One role that an MPA can prepare students for, operations research analyst, is among the professions that the BLS lists as the fastest growing for 2024. The agency projects 21 percent job growth for operations research analysts between 2024 and 2034 and reports a $91,290 median annual salary for the role in May 2024.  

Another example of a well-paying role for MPA graduates is human resources manager, a position whose median annual salary was $140,030 in May 2024, according to the BLS. The median pay for all occupations, by comparison, was $49,500. 

Is an MPA Worth It? 

Ultimately, determining whether an MPA is worth it depends on an individual’s interests and goals. Those who are thinking about pursuing the degree should consider what the program entails and whether the MPA’s benefits mesh with what they want to accomplish. 

For those looking to build on their professional skills, pursue leadership roles and make a difference in their community, earning an MPA may be the right choice.  

Explore the SEMO Online MPA 

If you’re ready to discover more about how earning an MPA can help you elevate your leadership knowledge and skills — and prepare for any of a host of high-level positions in the government or nonprofit sectors — explore SEMO Online’s Master of Public Administration degree program. 

In the SEMO Online MPA program, students not only can build expertise in public administration topics related to policy, research and budgeting, they also can tailor their degree to fit their needs. The program includes nonprofit and government tracks to choose from as well as thesis or internship options. And with a flexible, online format, the program allows students to fit their coursework in with their work and other obligations. 

Discover how SEMO Online’s MPA program can help you achieve your career goals.