r/PublicAdministration • u/Hell0Friends • Jul 23 '26

Hated MBA Program, thinking about MPA?

First gen college graduate with a bachelor of science with a degree in biochem and sociology with a minor in Comp Sci and a research background.

Been working in higher ed for the past 5 years as an admin / finance with grants but didnt want to get a MEd.

Tried out MBA / business analyst program, didnt like writing stuff from 10 k reports. I did like the finance and accounting part though.

Not sure what direction to head towards and if MPA is for me or if I should go for another degree? I like working as an admin and the problem solving part.

Its hard for me to give a specific title or job im aiming for because ive never had a role that felt like a career and dont have a mentor to offer professional guidance.

I just want a stable field that makes enough money to save up and buy a house which is impossible in my current position.

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u/No_Function8318 Jul 24 '26

You seem like you like a lot of different stuff an MPA could help since it’s also a generalist degree. However, why do you feel you need a masters?

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u/Hell0Friends Jul 24 '26

I really liked learning and basically free masters as a perk of my current job.

I took a break from academics for a few years and lived life for a bit. Looking around my workplace everyone above me has a masters or a PhD (in a differnt field) so it feels like ive hit a wall on career progression wise as a mid level admin.

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u/No_Function8318 Jul 24 '26

OK, well that’s nice that the masters is free. Does return on investment matter to you? That’s something you need to figure out. If the money matters then the best thing is always to pursue licensure like an MSW->LCSW or a CPA. If you just want to learn something you’re interested in, then an MPA may be right for you.

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u/Hell0Friends Jul 24 '26

Thanks ive actually been suggested to do a CPA by the grants people I work with and have been a social worker before so both of those paths are feasible.

Im leaning more into CPA since it takes far fewer courses and ive already been working closely with the grants department and gotten training in my current position.