I think I'm scarred from attempting to be an accounting/economics major at one point and realizing that I suck at math haha. The MBA mostly focuses on developing your business administration and management skills. One of the common decisions is whether to earn an MPA or an MBA. My own MPP work hasn't been overly quantitative, though it's definitely present in my work. Messages 3 Points 0. MPA resembles to some small degree an MBA in this aspect. The Queen's MPA is a one-year, multi-disciplinary program for full-time students. I'm also not sure what the student body would be like in each of these programs but I imagine that it is similar. How are you biased and in what way is it more marketable? Courses in managing human capital, effective leadership, organizational theory, public policy, and fundraising are common. I can't speak to MPP. Best Online Master's in Public Policy Programs of 2020 | BestColleges I meant I do not have long term career aspirations in County or City level government, although my work exp. Menu Log in ... Harvard MPP/UP vs. Princeton MPA/UP vs. NYU MPA/UP. Even after siding with MPA (mentally), I feel unresolved. A number of our students do. My heart and intellectual curiosity push me towards Harvard (MPA/ID, very quanty economics with a focus on development) but I don't see myself working as a public servant. Also, Don't rule out UMD's MPP, its ranked similarly or better than the schools you listed above and you have a good chance of getting in-state tuition (common as an option for grad student funding) and saving a bundle on your degree. Obviously, both are very similar and work in fields parallel, if not identical, to each other. MPA Public Management Public Policy Simon Fraser Public Policy MPP Public Policy Analysis Prog. Pick the one that enables the job trajectory you're looking for. If you are applying to our MPP, MPA/ID, MPA or MC/MPA programs, you’ll need to submit either your official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) test scores—even if you have an advanced degree.. We accept either the GRE or GMAT. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, http://www.mpia.vt.edu/index.php?page=home. I think that if you go to a MPP program where you have room to take courses in the Pub Health school then that would be perfect. I was admitted into both MPA and MPP programs at the same school and have completed courses within my specialization that have overlapped to fulfil both degree requirements and find myself at an inevitable crossroads. I have discussed with MPA and MPP program heads and MPP and MPA degree holders in the field, I didn't learn anything particularly helpful. Concerns: MPP: I have no interest in policy analysis. They're very similar degrees. I am especially interested in the MBA vs MPA/ID debate. I'm pretty torn between pursuing an MPP/MPA or pursuing a law degree. consists of local and state work and coordinating a project with a national advocacy org. My interests are technology, telecoms (including stuff like mobile health in Africa) and venture capital. If you want qualitative you should do the mpia at virginia tech http://www.mpia.vt.edu/index.php?page=home, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Updated October 2017. If you are already in the DC area why not set up meetings with the advisors at the schools. I would like a degree that provides flexibility over the span of my career- I would like to have a degree suitable for both Public Management and Public Policy Director positions in the future. 5 Reasons Why I Chose to Pursue an MPA over an MBA - Colleen … I currently have a job as a researcher (qualitative) in a think tank/non-profit advocacy organization in DC. What you seem to want is a senior level position with lots of autonomy and independence to direct your own agendas, and that's something you build up over time within an organization or field. Then I got an MSW and I'm now licensed. This is what struck me the most: MPP: I have no interest in policy analysis. So in some cases I think that they're very similar and if you're not settled on what you want to study, go to the place with the best rank or with the most variety of concentrations. There is plenty of overlap in terms of what you learn, though. MPA Vs MBA – What Are the Big Differences. You are a proven leader. MPP vs. MPA I currently have a job as a researcher (qualitative) in a think tank/non-profit advocacy organization in DC. I get a lot of questions about Masters programs in Arts (MA), Public Administration or Policy ( Moncton Faculty of Arts MPA MPA and Soc Sc. May 22, 2006 #1 This fall I will be applying to the Kennedy School, Woodrow Wilson, and Wagner. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. As an MPP, MPA/ID, or MPA student at Harvard Kennedy School, you can also work towards a second professional graduate degree. I am an active person with a interest in the practical and technical aspects of policy strategy and problem solving. I fear getting stuck in a position without ability to influence or contribute to the decision making powers around implementation. What I want: I want to help set the policy agenda and direct policy implementation procedure within a government agency. About the courseThe Master of Public Policy (MPP) is an intensive one-year taught degree course that offers a distinctive approach to learning about public policy. MPP vs MPH Hey all, I've recently decided to go into public health, and I'd like to pursue the policy side of things, and I was wondering what the difference would be, if any, between going to an MPH program on the policy track vs going to a public policy school on the public health policy track. Now you’re at the point in your career when you want to elevate your abilities and do more to expand your reach. Press J to jump to the feed. It’s time to launch yourself on a path to bolder challenges. Vaguely, what do the MPAs in your work environment do that is apart from your work as the sole MPP? As for which degree to choose, I'd look at where they place post-graduation. My program attracts a number of students who work at the university full time and want to advance a career in high education administration, but local government administrators, and smaller non-profits have a high prescence as well. Both programs will prepare you for dealing with quantitative and qualitative data. I'm currently about a year out of undergrad, 23 years old, and I'm starting to think about graduate/professional school. MPA: I fear being stuck in mid-level management or local government without influence on the policies I would be charged with implementing. I fear getting stuck in a position without ability to influence or contribute to the decision making powers around implementation. There isn't really a well-articulated difference between MPA and MPP; it's all about the curriculum and job outcome of each specific program. Why can't you advance in some of your previous positions without either degree - are you reaching a qualification cutoff? MPA vs. MBA: Which degree is more ... but MPP programs are generally more difficult than their MPA counterparts). Graduates with a master’s degree in public administration can become public sector leaders who help implement policy as well as design and administer public programs. Students who embark on a career in management in federal, state or local government or in the nonprofit sector, generally have two choices when a exploring a graduate degree – the Master of Public Administration ( When applying, students must identify their interest in the joint degree program in each school's application and submit a joint degree program application essay to both schools. There are also a glut of underemployed ... -I can’t really tell my mom that I posted this in Reddit… I know that local gov is full of influential roles, but the level of influence over policy or implementation decisions at this level of government appears minimal considering the layers of federal, state, and city policy requirements upon you at this point. TBH if you're not interested in policy analysis, and you don't see the influential roles that local government positions can have, I'm not sure why either of these degrees appeals to you at this time. I've been told I am a skilled public speaker, and good with pop-specific messaging. An MPP degree program may either be one or two years long depending on where you take your program, and if you decide that you want to study part-time or full-time. Civil servant positions at the level you're talking about are either squatted by people who've served at their agency for extended periods of time or are people who serve at the pleasure of an administration. In my state, analysts seem siloed to research and evaluation. And, the increase is reiterated by the Network of Schools of … At Georgetown University, the Georgetown Public Policy Institute (GPPI) offers students the opportunity to earn a Masters of Policy Management to provide them with the tools they need to succeed in the world of public service. A lot of people in the program with me right now live and work part time in the district and are able to manage the 20-30 minute commute a few days a week. This … Fortunately, it’s a healthy one. (which is why a MPP/MPH is perfect for someone with your interests). tbh the concerns you have will not be solved with pursuing a particular degree program. Discussion forum for current, past, and future students of any discipline completing post-graduate studies - taught or research. I prefer public sector work. Although there is some overlap in the coursework for these two degrees, there is a key difference in program focus. Please help. In this program you can concentrate on policy and quantitative analysis. Admission. Both degrees allow professionals the opportunity to advise senior executives on issues indispensable to operational management. I'm at SAIS now and I think we have fairly strong connections with McKinsey and BCG (not with Bain though... yet) as well as with Roland Berger and Deloitte. I realized, especially in the mental health and human services sector, you don't need an MPA to be a manager, supervisor, or administrator. In my state, publicly employed analysts appear to be siloed in positions of research with little impact or influence on successful adoption or implementation of their findings. I am currently in an MPA program, and I will say that a lot of our course load focuses on the structure of organizations and how they work. (Things that have excited me and felt fulfilling from previous work have been: preparing and delivering testimony in front of city council, creating a population inclusive communication and outreach program strategy to implement state health agency services, problem solving policy implementation procedures that impact service accessibility and equity. My concern isn't so much getting a job after I finish grad school (since I have one now and will stay with the org.) I'm steering away from MPP because it is so heavily quantitative but I am not sure which will be best in the long run. The program has been preparing students at the entry and mid-career levels for leadership roles in public service and policy-making for more than thirty-five years. MPPs are heavily quantitative, as you've said, and focus more on assessing and designing programs and policies themselves. I guess my biggest problem is that I am not so sure what I want to do given I just graduated college and got very lucky finding a job immediately. I'm currently in an MPP program and while I'm being asked to take stats and econ I don't think of those as being overly quantitative considering the roles the degree will set you up for. Additionally, I didn't want to work in local gov, but state and federal, or with a state or national NGO. I think it's safe to say that I've done my homework on this subject, but more input from people very familiar with this decision (perhaps people who have had to choose between the two degree … Hi guys, Just got into Columbia Business School and Harvard Kennedy School of Government. My suggestion is that you think about what you want to do with an MPP/MPA. Trying to decide whether I want to go for MPP (GW or Georgetown) or MPA (GW or American U). I enjoy planning and working through program/issue strategy.). Every source considers different criteria for a masters in public policy salary, and just like the people working in this sector, there is a range. Reddit. I am pursuing a graduate degree because I saw stagnation of my career and a 20 year long game to get to the lowest executive level in local govt. LL.B.-MPA Queen’s School of Policy MPA possibility of minor concentrations (3 courses) Studies PMPA in 5 policy areas MPA/LLB MPA/LLB Regina Fac. MPA: I fear being stuck in mid-level management or local government without influence on the policies I would be charged with implementing. You know you can make a greater impact. I get the impression that MPA is more focused on administration. Thanks in advance! If you have a passion for nonprofit organizations and want to enhance your skills and experience with an advanced degree, then it's important to take a close look at the pros and cons of MPA vs. MBA programs. That's not unavoidable, but I don't want it to be a central struggle of my career. Online MPA programs attract a special kind of individual—one who is motivated to become a positive change agent by serving the public in government or nongovernment leadership positions. It sounds like you're better served running for public office or getting involved with your local central committee of choice and work your way into a political appointment. Besides the said degree, you could also become a master of public policy by taking a master of science or master of arts qualification with the right specialization. I have struggled with the sense of powerlessness in previous positions where our agency or division was tasked with implementing bad policy / statute carrying unintended equity impacts. So, I'm an MPP who works with a bunch of MPAs. Public Policy vs. Public Administration: Four Key Differences We certainly have plenty of quantitave courses, the largest being the required finance courses and statistics. Magoosh – Harvard Kennedy School – Where the Bottom Line is … MPAs, as far as my understanding goes, emphasize the process of taking on administrative and supervisory roles within policy-making organizations, learning how to craft organizational and structural policies. MPP graduates from the class of 2013 at Harvard University's JFK School of Government, for example, had a median salary of $60,000 if they worked … Our combined degree programs allow you to earn two degrees in less time than it would take to complete them consecutively, through reduced coursework and residency requirements. policy) but I'm not sure my interests are in the policy/legislative side as much as they are in the actionable/advocacy side. Trying to decide whether I want to go for MPP (GW or Georgetown) or MPA … Fac of Arts York Schulich MPA MPA School of Bus. I wish all the good sides of the MPA/ID also applied to the MPP. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Students interested in the MBA/MPP or MBA/MPA-ID joint degree programs apply to HBS and HKS separately and are selected independently within the same application cycle of a given year. It is a transformative opportunity for current and future leaders with a commitment to public service. MPP and MPA are so similar that, by the end, its going to be more about what you got out of the program than about the letters attached to your name. Yeah I actually just graduated from UMD undergrad this past May and I wanted to consider it but I am restrained on car access so I really need something that's metro accessible unfortunately. Thread starter jlacey; Start date May 22, 2006; J. jlacey Member. I went and got an MPA and was promoted to QI manager. I fear being stuck in mid-level management or local government without influence on the policies I would be charged with implementing. but more what will be best in the long-run. Feedback from those with either degree would be appreciated. Concerns: MPP: I have no interest in policy analysis. GRE or GMAT. Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) I love what I do (also ed. I have discussed with MPA and MPP program heads and MPP and MPA degree holders in the field, I didn't learn anything particularly helpful. Attain Your MPP Degree at Pepperdine School of Public Policy UC Berkeley has an excellent Joint MPP/MPH program, but I'm not sure if you're interested in taking that much time (2.5 years, maybe 2) to do that. What I found attractive about the MPA was that I would learn about the policy context and tools for successful policy implementation (budgeting, public management, public law, policy design). Are the required finance and statistics courses bearable? However, a paper that I co-authored during my MPP on higher education policy has almost no quantitative data attached to it, at least relative to the amount of qualitative, theory-heavy content. In my state, publicly employed analysts appear to be siloed in positions of research with little impact or influence on successful adoption or implementation of their findings. I could have saved myself some money by skipping the MPA and just doing the MSW. Discussion forum for current, past, and future students of any discipline completing post-graduate studies - taught or research. You do not need to send us both tests and we do not have a preference for which test you take. As an MPPA student you’ll build skills that are relevant to a variety of fields — public and private. In my work, I have only had the view of mid-level state and county managers and policy analysts. —Andi Widianto (MPP'11), Economic Analyst at the Central Bank of Indonesia “I think the biggest difference between an economics degree and one in public policy is that those of us with public policy backgrounds better understand the political aspect, the incentives of various stakeholders, and how that impacts policy design and implementation. Press J to jump to the feed. I can't speak to all organizations, but generally this is a question of your power and connections as a specialist in that society, which a degree, whatever it's in, is just an entryway for. Once you have that settled, talk to someone at an organization like the one you want to work for, and ask them what they prefer. I have an MPP. The Online MPA from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government … A versatile degree Build essential skills for a wide range of fields. Hello! MPA vs. MPP doesn't matter very much for most positions. My program is in southeastern pennsylvania so I imagine the background of students in DC would vary. I don't know about the specific programs you're looking at, but my school only offers an MPA. of Admin. Likewise, this isn't a feature that getting a particular degree is going to solve. Twitter. I think that's might be a somewhat narrow view of the career skill set I am seeking, unless I am misinterpreting what you are saying. After you get your bachelor’s degree, you will need to decide if you want to go to graduate school. What setting do you want to work in, public sector or third sector? 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