What do you think of the MPA (Masters of Public Administration) degree? (degrees, reputation)

[Cream1]

I've been told it's the MBA of the public sector. What is the public perception of this degree? For example, I know that MBAs and JDs are well regarded (even if they are not necessarily helpful or useful in reality). Is the MPA a worthwhile degree if one wants to pursue a career in the federal government? Is it worth the cost? Anyone out there with a MPA?

[shamrock847]

Like almost any other degree, it depends on what school it is from.

If your goal is a career with the federal government, I'd try to narrow that down a bit and then see what qualifications the entry level jobs in your area of interest are looking for.

The (few) people I know in government who have one of these degrees typically got them mid-career, often as part of some sort of fellowship or other fast-track management program.

[Cream1]

I would be getting my degree from a top 10 school for Public Administration. However, I am curious if school ranking/reputation is as important for an MPA degree as it is for a JD or MBA degree.

[joe from dayton]

Originally Posted by Howiester

I would be getting my degree from a top 10 school for Public Administration. However, I am curious if school ranking/reputation is as important for an MPA degree as it is for a JD or MBA degree.

I would say that it depends on what you want to do with it. On some jobs the pedigree will matter and on some jobs it will not.

[Cream1]

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