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MPA or MPP? Understand 4 Differences Before You Apply

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Explore the distinctions between MPA and MPP degrees to find the perfect fit for your advanced professional education in the realm of public affairs. Delve into the comparison table below, which outlines key differences in skills cultivated, example courses, potential career paths, and average post-graduation earnings, both in a broader context and specifically within American University.

Quick Look: MPA vs. MPP

MPA vs. MPP
̀ư Master of Public Administration (MPA) Master of Public Policy (MPP)
Focus Managing public/nonprofit organizations Analyzing, evaluating, and designing public policy
Skills Taught Management
Leadership
Budgeting
Organizational theory
General economics
Policy implementation

Rigorous economic concepts
Data science
Research design
Statistical analysis
Policy analysis
Program evaluation

Examples of Courses Public budgeting
Project management̀ư
Leadership
Quantitative methods
Legal basis for public administration
Economics for public management̀ư
Public program evaluation
Policy process
Quantitative methods
Economics for policy analysis
Cost-benefit analysis
Public economics and finance
Heath policy
Environmental policỳư
Possible Careers Government program manager
City manager
Chief of staff
Policy analyst
Director of public policy
Research associate

Read more about each of these differences here.

The AU MPA: Get Ready to Lead
Ranked #4 nationally in Public Management and Leadership by U.S. News and World Report, our MPA program positions you for leadership and executive roles in public federal, state, and local agencies; national and international nonprofit organizations; and private firms. You will learn from world-renowned scholars as you hone your analytical, decision-making, and communication skills, and learn to navigate organizational, human resource, and budgetary challenges while managing complex programs.̀ư

With eight concentrations and optional focus fields, AU’s MPA program offers a flexible learning environment that allows you to align your degree with your interests. Even better, we accommodate both full- and part-time students, with evening class times. Explore our website for information on our curriculum and faculty, as well as news on exciting research and experiential learning opportunities in the field of public administration, all in the heart of our nation’s capital.̀ư

The AU MPP: Shape Future Policy
AU’s MPP program, ranked 15th in the nation, prepares students to advance the quality of domestic and global policy making in a variety of institutional settings, instilling a blend of substantive analytical skills and contextual knowledge enabling students to rigorously evaluate public policy solutions using sound evidence and appropriate statistical or analytical methods. ̀ưThe AU School of Public Affairs hosts, in addition to the top policy experts, the Center for Environmental Policy, the Washington Institute for Public Affairs Research, and the Metropolitan Policy Center.

With 11 concentrations, flexible platforms upon which you can form personalized areas of expertise, and the wealth of experiential learning opportunities available only in Washington, D.C., you can tailor your skillset and professional network to your dream career. What is more, we accommodate both full- and part-time students, with evening class times. Explore our website for information on our curriculum and faculty, as well as news on exciting research and experiential learning opportunities in the field of public policy, all in the heart of our nation’s capital.

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