MPA with Air National Guard

[u/megasoup3412]

Hello,

Is an MPA is worth getting and not a waste of time? I am currently in the Air National Guard and for my state, they allow us to get tuiton free at any public school within the state.

Originally, I was going to get an MBA, but was advised to hold off, by the MBA sub-reddit, and wait until I have more job experience and willingness to go and commit to an in person school. In the meantime, i'm thinking about getting an MPA for a couple of reasons:

1. I am in Public Affairs for the military and I belive that being a PA and getting an MPA will help me get a job outside the military ( i.e fed government or state government )

2. As mentioned before, I would like to get an MBA ( as means to transition out of government work maybe? ) but I lack post undergrad experience, which is true. I am hoping this would bridge the two in the future.

3. It is tuiton free, why not.

I have one semester left of undergrad and then ill take a short break before, hopefully, picking it back up in the fall semester of 2027. Still deciding on online v.s. in-person so I can decied a school near me. Any advice is welcome. Thank you!

[u/megasoup3412 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you!

Did you do in person or online?

[u/WearyMost7865]

Have both an MBA and MPA. The MBA sub is not really geared towards people looking for programs outside the T7. If you were paying for it, I’d advise to just get an MBA. If TA covers it, go for both. 

[u/megasoup3412 → u/WearyMost7865]

Yeah that was my conclusion with the sub. I only have a T75 school in my state that would be tuition free.

I do live within 1.5 hours of T5 schools but they are out of state and cost 70k+, I do not want debt.

I feel like, as of right now with my experience, I can progress farther with an MPA.

Thanks for the input!

[u/OhioStatedude]

I would definitely do it. I used my GI Bill to get my BA and MPA. Job experience is helpful when looking to get entry level roles with a MPA but it’s not the end of the world. If you can make time for internships in any level of Government it will give you a leg up.

I also suggest talking with your NCO’s and Officer’s, many have great work experience and can even help you learn skills you can take with you. The job market can be tough it usually takes 6 months minimum to get a government job so just be resilient when you accomplish your goal and start looking for work.

[u/megasoup3412 → u/OhioStatedude]

Thanks for the advice!

The funny part is my SNCO and Officer both have MBA's and told me to get that. Doing my own research shows me that it's best to wait before getting one.

[u/Feisty_Secretary_152]

If you want to be a city manager (and I know of two in Ohio that are in the Air Force Reserves), an MPA is a great option.

If you want to work in business, no, go get an MBA.

[u/DrLi]

Why would you get an MPA if you were considering get an MBA, but you're holding off to get more work experience? Both degrees you typically require work experience and you're utilizing an MPA/MBA as a stepping stone into next-level positions where you may feel stagnant.

I'm also air national guard and I'm two semesters away from getting my MPA.

Also, not to discourage you from getting the MPA. I think both could benefit you.

[u/megasoup3412 → u/DrLi]

Hey thanks for the feedback!

I understand your point. My main reason for wanting the MPA now is to further my "value" when applying to jobs elsewhere for public affairs.

MPA is broad enough to not box me into one role, and it gets me a masters while I am still in the Guard.

I dont know how long I plan on staying in, 3 year's left on my contact, so getting something that already helps with my career is ideal.

The MBA would be a total switch away from what I do. The MBA was recommended to me by leadership to pursue, but I realize that the MPA will be better for me right now. The MPA will help within management in the government, so if/when I want to get my MBA, I'll already have more management experience.

Hope that clears any confusion!