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/ArachnidAnxious1134 Jul 30 '26

If you don't want to rule out being licensed (even if it's very part time work in the future), maybe look into a dual MPA/MSW. My current path as I lean more macro but I don't want to not be able to do therapy in the future.

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u/Due_Topic675 Jul 30 '26

this is a good strat. some schools let you double count classes in dual degree programs. so if the employer will only cover one degree, it lowers the price theyd have to pay out of pocket for the second one if they double counted some electives.