Is an MPA Worth It? 5 Key Benefits & 10 Career Insights

What is an MPA?

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a graduate-level degree designed to prepare students for leadership and management roles in the public, nonprofit and private sectors. If you’re someone who wants to make a meaningful impact, whether by working in government, or for a nonprofit or an organization that serves the public, an MPA is what will help you build the theory, skills and experience to do just that.
The MPA is conceptually similar to the Master of Business Administration (MBA), but where an MBA focuses primarily on private enterprise, finance and corporate leadership, the MPA emphasizes managing organizations that serve the public good. You’ll learn how to lead teams, manage budgets and design policies within the unique context of government agencies, nonprofits, NGOs or mission-driven private organizations.
However, that isn’t to say that MPA graduates work exclusively in nonprofits or for the government. Many public-private partnerships greatly benefit from a public administration professional’s insights and expertise.

MPA Areas of Study

In general, the MPA curriculum is designed to give you both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to:

• Effectively manage public resources such as budgets, grants and personnel
• Develop, evaluate and implement policies that solve complex problems in your community or organization
• Lead diverse teams, navigate political environments and collaborate across sectors to drive positive change
• Address societal challenges in areas such as housing, healthcare, environmental protection, transportation and social services

However, there are many different areas where these skills are needed, each with its own regulations to follow, needs to meet and communities to serve. This is why MPA programs allow you to tailor your education through specialized coursework. As a student, you can choose to concentrate on different areas of study, including:

• Public Policy Analysis, where you learn how to design, analyze and evaluate public policies that impact communities.
• Nonprofit Management if you want to focus on the leadership, fundraising and operational needs of nonprofit organizations.
• Urban and Regional Planning to better prepare to help communities with issues such as land use, infrastructure, transportation and sustainable development.
• Environmental Policy, where your studies will focus on how to develop and implement policies that address climate change, sustainability and environmental justice.
• Healthcare Administration, perfect if you’re interested in managing healthcare systems, public health programs or health-focused nonprofits.

MPA Degree Requirements

• An MPA program’s coursework typically includes a mix of core classes, such as public finance, leadership, policy analysis and ethics, along with elective courses designed to match your career interests.
• Nearly all MPA programs culminate in a capstone project or thesis, where you’ll apply your learning to address a real-world policy or management issue.
• Most MPA programs require between 36 and 48 credit hours to graduate. Full-time MPA programs generally take 1.5 to 2 years to complete, but many schools also offer part-time, online or hybrid options for working professionals.

Admission Requirements for an MPA

• Like most other master’s degree programs, MPA programs require that you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution for admission. That degree doesn’t have to be in public administration, but it helps if your undergraduate studies apply to your career area of interest.
• Most programs expect a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher. You will need to submit your official transcripts.
• Some programs require that you submit GRE/GMAT test scores and letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Other programs may waive the requirements based on work experience or academic performance or, like Marshall’s program, may not require GRE scores or reference letters.
• Unlike MBA programs, you don’t need professional experience. However, if you have worked in public service or related fields, it can help your chances of admission.

5 Key Benefits of an MPA

What ultimately makes earning an MPA “worth it” is the value you’ll gain from investing in your education. Job satisfaction and working toward causes you believe in should be at the top of your list of reasons to earn the MPA degree, but there are always concerns about salary, job security and career advancement.
Thankfully, there are real, tangible benefits to earning your MPA degree. Here are the top five benefits of an MPA degree:

1. Higher Salary Potential

Yes, earning an MPA increases your potential for earning a higher salary. Across public administration careers, professionals with a master’s degree consistently out-earn those with only a bachelor’s degree.

• Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that master’s degree holders earn an average of 18–25% more per week compared to those with a bachelor’s.
• The BLS also shows that half of everyone hired for public policy and social service positions has earned an advanced degree. That’s in comparison to just 38% of people employed in all other fields. Earning your degree isn’t just an expectation; it’s more likely to get you hired.

2. More Career Advancement Opportunities

An MPA is more than just a credential; it’s a recognized qualification for those aiming for mid- to senior-level leadership roles in government, public service and nonprofit organizations.

• Employers often require or prefer a master’s degree when filling leadership and senior roles such as city manager, executive director, policy advisor or agency director.
• BLS data shows that individuals with a master’s degree have an unemployment rate of just 2%, which is lower than those with only a bachelor’s degree (typically around 3.5–4%).

3. Enhanced Competitiveness in the Job Market

In today’s job market, you’re competing against other qualified and experienced professionals. An MPA can help set you apart from other applicants.

• You’ll develop advanced skills in budget management, public policy analysis, organizational leadership, strategic planning and ethics, making you highly desirable for both public and private sector roles.
• An MPA enhances your profile as a highly skilled administrator and problem-solver which is why, compared to bachelor’s degree holders, MPA graduates find it easier to qualify for roles with higher responsibility, greater autonomy and larger teams or budgets under their supervision.

4. Enhanced Leadership and Policy-making Skills

When you work in administration, you have to take the lead. Whether you’re tasked with managing an organization, are trying to earn buy-in from local businesses or are attempting to start a community initiative, people are looking to you for guidance. An MPA equips you with the tools and confidence needed to become a leader.

• You’ll not only learn the theory behind negotiation, conflict resolution, strategic decision-making and public finance, but you’ll also put these key skills into practice through real, hands-on projects.
• The MPA degree provides a strong foundation in both leadership and ethical governance, which prepares you to lead diverse teams, drive institutional change and work collaboratively across sectors to improve public services and create more equitable policies.

5. Greater Networking Opportunities

Getting things done is often as much about who you know as what you know, which is why one of the most underrated advantages of an MPA program is how it offers you direct access to an invaluable professional network.

• Many programs put you in direct contact with local government agencies, nonprofits and public organizations, which can lead directly to internships and other career opportunities.
• Guest lectures, mentorships and collaborative projects bring in industry leaders and local government representatives to share their experiences and offer guidance, which gives you a chance to connect with stakeholders who are doing the work you’re preparing for.

Many of Marshall’s MPA students turned their networking opportunities into job offers, consulting opportunities and long-term partnerships. Read their stories on our MPA graduates page.

10 Careers Available with an MPA

You have many possible career options with an MPA degree, both in the public and nonprofit sectors, as well as working with private enterprises. We’re highlighting the following for their popularity, competitive salaries and engaging work that make them top choices for many of our graduates.

1. City Managers

City managers oversee the day-to-day operations of municipalities, including budgeting, ordinance enforcement and local governance. They’re generally responsible for implementing the city council’s policies and managing city employees. This could be the right career for you if you’re passionate about working for a particular town or city and want to ensure that citizens are receiving the best possible services.

Essential skills:

• Strong leadership and management abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Financial acumen for budget preparation and resource allocation
• Knowledge of public administration, urban planning and municipal law
• Analytical and problem-solving skills for addressing complex municipal issues
• Political savvy to navigate relationships with elected officials and community leaders
• Crisis management skills for handling emergencies and public relations challenges

Estimated salary range*: $86,000 to $149,000

2. Economic Development Manager

Economic development managers design and implement strategies to attract business investment and spur economic growth in local communities. They’re expected to understand and analyze economic trends, real estate values and development opportunities. This role is perfect for those interested in working toward the growth and prosperity of a community. You could play an important role in attracting new businesses, supporting existing ones and working toward improving a region’s overall quality of life.

Essential skills:

• Strategic planning and project management abilities
• Analytical skills for evaluating economic trends and development opportunities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging stakeholders
• Financial acumen, including budgeting, grant management and investment analysis
• Knowledge of economic development principles, policies and financing mechanisms
• Problem-solving and negotiation skills to resolve conflicts and drive successful partnerships

Estimated salary range*: $94,000 to $164,000

3. Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators oversee health programs in government agencies, hospitals or nonprofit organizations. They manage staff, budgets and patient care, focusing on aligning healthcare delivery with organizational missions. Consider this career if you want to work in healthcare, have a knack for organizing people and processes and want to play a key role in creating efficiencies to improve patient care.

Essential skills:

• Leadership and team management abilities
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Knowledge of healthcare laws, ethics and regulations
• Proficiency in financial management and budgeting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills for performance evaluations and process improvement
• Familiarity with healthcare management software and electronic health records

Estimated salary range*: $119,000 to $193,000

4. Human Resource Manager

Human resource managers lead all aspects of an organization’s staffing efforts. They head training and development, manage employee relations and ensure that the organization can meet its personnel and logistical needs. If you enjoy working with people and helping them realize their potential within their career, as well as ensuring your staff has access to everything they need to thrive in their roles, then this could be the right career for you.

Essential skills:

• Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
• Proficiency in HR software and systems
• Leadership and team management capabilities
• Analytical skills for interpreting HR data and metrics
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with diverse teams
• Knowledge of labor laws, employment regulations and HR best practices
• Organizational and multitasking abilities to manage multiple HR functions

Estimated salary range*: $83,000 to $140,000

5. Nonprofit Executive Director

Nonprofit executive directors lead a nonprofit organization and are responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations — from long-term strategy to day-to-day administration. They’re expected to successfully lead fundraising while ensuring all operations stay true to the organization’s mission. This is a high-level career with a lot of requirements, but if you’re passionate about overseeing your own nonprofit organization, then you could work your way up to this leadership position.

Essential skills:

• Strong leadership and organizational management abilities
• Financial acumen for managing budgets and securing funding
• Experience with fundraising, grant writing and donor relations
• Understanding of nonprofit laws, regulations and compliance issues
• Communication and public relations skills for interacting with staff and the community
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills for navigating challenges and setting long-term goals

Estimated salary range*: $164,000 to $287,000

6. Program Manager / Analyst

Program managers and program analysts evaluate a program’s effectiveness to ensure it aligns with organizational goals. Depending on their role, they can manage budgets, oversee teams, select and prioritize projects, and advise leadership. This is a perfect position for those who insist on getting things done in an efficient manner and want to work across teams to ensure that everyone in an organization is able to succeed.

Essential skills:

• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools
• Familiarity with program evaluation methodologies
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Financial management skills, including budgeting and forecasting
• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively under tight deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement

Estimated salary range*: $90,000 to $157,000

7. Public Policy Analyst

Policy analysts gather data and research how to evaluate policies that affect the public. They use statistical methods to inform and improve the creation of regulations, rule-making and laws. It’s an excellent position if you’re interested in addressing social issues through research, monitoring the progress of policies and programs and communicating with stakeholders and the public.

Essential skills:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
• Knowledge of statistical tools and software
• Project management and organizational skills
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Understanding of political, economic and social systems
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings

Estimated salary range*: $77,000 to $140,000

8. Social / Community Service Managers

Social service managers and community service managers direct programs to enhance public well-being. Often working in the nonprofit or public sector, they coordinate with stakeholders and community members to identify and manage necessary programs and services. Do you have a talent for making things happen and want to help nonprofit and government programs achieve their goals? Then you should explore this career path.

Essential skills:

• Excellent leadership and team management abilities
• Budgeting and financial management proficiency
• Analytical skills to evaluate program outcomes and effectiveness
• Knowledge of social services regulations, laws and best practices
• Cultural competency and ability to work effectively with diverse groups
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse populations
• Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities to address program challenges

Estimated salary range*: $70,000 to $111,000

9. Urban and Regional Planners

Urban and regional planners evaluate and plan for how to use land and physical facilities to address the needs of communities. They design and promote comprehensive plans and programs to assist local and state governments in long-term development planning. This is an important position for anyone who is interested in helping develop land for public use and wants to ensure that the use and access are just, equitable and promote the common good.

Essential skills:

• Excellent analytical and critical thinking abilities for evaluating data and projects
• Proficiency in geographic information systems (GIS) and planning software
• Understanding of sustainable development and urban design principles
• Knowledge of zoning laws, land-use regulations and environmental policies
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills for balancing competing interests
• Project management and organizational abilities to oversee multiple initiatives
• Strong communication and presentation skills to engage with diverse stakeholders

Estimated salary range*: $76,000 to $135,000

10. Zoning Administrator

Zoning administrators ensure local governments enforce zoning laws and ordinances. They work with businesses and developers on land use, providing technical expertise, oversight and guidance in urban planning. Consider this career if you’re concerned about land use and want to play a key role in shaping the physical landscape of a city or town by ensuring that everyone uses the land in a responsible and regulated manner.

Essential skills:

• Understanding of zoning laws, land-use regulations and urban planning principles
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with stakeholders
• Attention to detail for reviewing plans and ensuring adherence to regulations
• Ability to interpret technical documents, maps and legal descriptions
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and analysis
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate compliance and recommend solutions
• Conflict resolution skills for mediating disputes between developers and the community

Estimated salary range*: $65,000 to $109,000

Possible Careers

• Orthotist/Prosthetist
• Biomechanics Researcher
• Chiropractic
• Physical Therapist

• Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Safety Specialist
• Physician Assistant
• Physical Therapist

MPA Graduate Career Comparison Chart

*Salaries were sourced from Glassdoor in July 2025

Read more about these public administration careers, plus details on five additional jobs in our free guide: Top 15 High-Paying Careers for MPA Graduates

MPA vs. Certification or Alternative Pathways

An MPA doesn’t have to be your only path toward a career in public administration, but there are trade-offs that you should consider. Some options may be faster but provide less depth of knowledge. Others may allow you to focus on certain skills but at the expense of connecting with people in the field. Here’s what you need to know about your options.

Certifications

Certifications are short-term educational programs designed to help you develop a specific set of professional skills. Common certifications relevant to public administration include Project Management Professional (PMP), grant writing, data analysis or budget management.

• These programs are typically completed over the course of a few weeks to a few months, either online or in person.
• Certifications are ideal if you’re looking to sharpen your skills, enhance your resume or become more competitive for a particular job function.
• However, they are narrow in scope. While certifications can make you stand out for specialized tasks, they don’t carry the same weight for broader leadership, policy development or organizational management roles.

Bootcamps

Bootcamps are intensive, skill-focused learning programs, often geared toward teaching technical or digital skills needed in modern public administration. Examples include bootcamps for GIS mapping, data visualization, civic technology or coding for public service projects.

• These programs usually last from six weeks to six months, with a focus on hands-on learning and real-world problem solving.
• Bootcamps are best for those who want to quickly gain practical skills to complement existing education or work experience.
• While bootcamps are excellent for technical proficiency, they do not replace the comprehensive training in leadership, public finance, ethics or policymaking that an MPA provides. This means they’re generally better suited for technical support roles rather than managerial or director-level positions.

Work Experience

For many, entering public administration starts immediately with on-the-job learning through internships, volunteer work, fellowships or entry-level jobs in government agencies, nonprofits or community organizations.

• Work experience provides real-world exposure to how public service operates and enables you to build professional networks.
• This pathway is great for testing out different roles, understanding your career interests and developing hands-on skills.
• However, career progression may eventually hit a ceiling without formal education, particularly when it comes to competing for leadership roles. Additionally, without the structured learning offered by degree programs, you may miss out on key competencies in budget management, policy analysis or strategic leadership.

MPA Pathways: Comparisons at a Glance

Considerations When Pursuing an MPA

The best way to determine if an MPA is worth it for you is to consider your own situation and how you can most benefit from a program. Every program is different, so take some time to review the following factors:

• Your Career Goals
  • Start by clarifying your professional goals. Are you aiming for a leadership role in government, a nonprofit or a policy-driven organization? An MPA is ideal if you’re looking to advance into management, policy analysis, public finance or executive-level positions. Make sure the degree aligns with your long-term ambitions.
• Any Financial Considerations
  • Think about how your costs will compare to the return on your investment. MPA graduates often earn higher salaries and have better job security, but it’s important to ensure the costs make sense for your situation. Look closely at tuition, available scholarships, fellowships and assistantships as well as any living expenses if attending on campus.
• Different Program Formats
  • MPA programs can be offered in online, in-person or hybrid formats, each of which offers different advantages:
    • In-person programs provide more face-to-face networking and campus resources.
    • Online programs offer greater flexibility for working professionals and incur fewer expenses.
    • Hybrid programs balance both formats.
  • Think about your lifestyle, learning preferences and whether you plan to work while studying when selecting a program format.
• Program Reputation and Accreditation
  • Look for programs at schools that are accredited, which ensures the program meets high academic and professional standards. Research the program’s reputation, alumni outcomes and connections to local, national or international organizations.
• Specializations Offered
  • Make sure the program offers specializations or areas of emphasis that match your interests, such as nonprofit management, economic development, environmental policy, healthcare administration or public finance. Specializations can make your degree more targeted and valuable for specific career paths.
• Networking and Job Placement Support
  • A strong program will offer job placement assistance, mentorship and connections to local government agencies, nonprofits or other organizations. Look into alumni networks and how actively the school supports career development.
• Your Time Commitment
  • Full-time MPA programs typically take 1.5 to 2 years, while part-time options can take 3 to 4 years. Consider whether you can commit to the workload alongside other responsibilities like work or family. Some programs also offer accelerated options if you’re looking to finish more quickly.