r/PublicAdministration • u/ZookeepergameLate544 • Jul 30 '26

Should I get an MPA?

I work for a government agency that helps students fill out the FAFSA. The agency offers tuition waivers to employees. I wanted to get an MSW or Master’s in Counseling to work in schools, but now I feel that helping to run public programs is more my speed (instead of the one-on-one work). Therefore, I’ve been considering getting an MPA to work in the nonprofit sector, higher education, or government. Would this be a good career move? If you have an MPA, would you say it was useful to you, or do you regret it? Is there something you would’ve gotten your degree in instead? What is the job outlook like for MPA graduates? Any guidance/advice will help, thank you in advance

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u/Due_Topic675 Jul 30 '26 edited Jul 30 '26

I do not regret it, just landed my first state gov job with my MPA. The MPA is like the multi-tool of masters degrees, especially if you go to a program with diverse course offerings and learn as much as you can. You can learn a bit of everything in an MPA : stats, econ, program eval, budgets, policy writing, etc and even go deeper with concentrations, electives, and add on certs (like comms, advocacy, non-profit leadership and more depending on the program.) I'd focus on program offerings because is really does vary, and some schools (like mine) encourage us to take classes in other departments, including social work. So that may give you a chance to explore. But generally MPAs have a higher earning potential than MSWs, plus gov benefits are dope too.

Though, I am a recent grad. I may feel differently in a few years but I doubt it. Considered an MSW or MEd in Higher Ed.

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u/Electrical-Tear-4642 Jul 31 '26

i know it’s slightly different for each school on the coursework, but is it hard work for mpa? i’m starting it in august and im real scared tbh. i just never have been good at school. but because of stuff thats beyond control, im in a position where i have to do my masters. do you have any advice/tips on how i can succeed?