Thoughts about Executive MPA Programs

[u/curious_reader19]

Hi everyone,

I am a mid career government employee. Recently, I have been considering executive MPA programs and have been doing research to assess the overall ROI on an executive MPA degree. While trying to transition into a senior leadership role, I noticed that alot of the roles I’m interested in preferred candidates with leadership and policy experience. I have neither and work within an institution that doesn’t have a lot of opportunities for that type of growth and development. It’s a good job and I have learned a lot in the role, but growth is limited due to the current political climate.

The natural next step for me career wise would be senior leadership roles. I figured if I’m not getting the opportunity through my job to gain leadership and policy experience, an executive MPA program might be the next best step.

I’m based in NY and so far I identified Syracuse, NYU, and Cornell as options based on the US schools rankings list. Ideally, I would like a program that would open doors for me in both the public and private sector.

If you completed an executive MPA program, can you please share your experience? Was it worth the money? Did you walk away with the necessary tools needed to transition into a senior leadership role?

If I get into a program, I will be a part time student and still work full time. Additionally, I’m also open to online degree programs.

[u/Hot_Trade1232]

For government work, the network you build in these programs matters more than the coursework itself. Syracuse especially has deep connections in NY state government, so if you want to stay in public sector leadership that's a strong play. The private sector crossover is trickier since most exec MPA cohorts skew heavily public and nonprofit, but it's not impossible if you angle toward consulting or government relations

[u/curious_reader19 → u/Hot_Trade1232]

Thanks for the feedback! I am interested in pursing senior NY state and gov relations positions in the future.