A Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a graduate degree for people who want to manage public and nonprofit organizations. It covers topics such as public policy, budgeting and finance, human resources, ethics, and organizational leadership.
Graduates often work in government agencies, city management, nonprofits, and public policy organizations. Common roles include program manager, policy analyst, budget analyst, and nonprofit director.
Many MPA students are working professionals, and programs are often designed with evening, part-time, or online options. Some students use the degree to move from frontline public service into management. If you are weighing graduate school in general, read about the skills gained from earning a masters degree and the path from a masters degree to a doctorate.
An MPA is different from an MBA in focus: the MPA centers on public service and governance, while the MBA centers on business. Compare it with a business administration degree to see which fits your goals. Choose based on where you want to work, not on which sounds more prestigious.

