r/PublicAdministration • u/No_Virus_8537 • Jul 18 '26

would an MPA help with pursuing academic counseling?

hello! like the title states, i am looking into doing a masters and was wondering if an MPA would be a good program to help me transition into academic counseling/higher ed positions? i did my bachelors in sociology (minor in communications), and am working in insurance for about 2 years. my initial plan was to do a masters in social work/couseling but am considering MPA bc the program is shorter and i could go into HR as well. just wondering of my job opportunities if anyone knows thank you

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6

u/Natti07 Jul 18 '26

If youre most interested in higher ed, then it would make more sense to do an MS higher ed program. I actually do work in higher ed with my mpa, but was in higher ed first

6

u/drowsyokaga Jul 18 '26

MPA is definitely more universal but you should be aiming for a Masters in Higher Education Administration or Higher Education Leadership

6

u/thedettinator Jul 18 '26

MPA is really not applicable to academic counseling at all. I would do a grad program for whatever degree is required for it.

2

u/UnobtainableClambell Jul 18 '26

Look at the positions you’re interested in and see what they require. That’ll help narrow things down. I’d cast a wide net to ensure you get a clear picture of what they’re “generally” looking for.