Am I the only one who feels that a MPA is an overlooked degree? (masters degree, MBA)

[Mtaylo24]

By reading the description of a MPA program at a local Virginia university, it seems like this degree covers a wealth of important issues and grooms you to become a manager of a non-profit or for local/state/federal government agencies. Yet I rarely hear people say "I want to get an MPA" or even MS Economics. The most famous MPA I can think of is Bill O'Reily for crying out loud. It seems like everyone wants to get an MBA so they can go slave for some blood sucking, for-profit corporation...I wonder why this degree isn't as heavily promoted as the MBA or JD...your thoughts?

[charolastra00]

There's not as much money in the public sector as in business. That's why you never hear about it. It does not have as much earning power attached as an MBA (although, given the weight of an MBA now, that might not be as true as it was 20 years ago).

[NYCAnalyst]

Originally Posted by Mtaylo24

By reading the description of a MPA program at a local Virginia university, it seems like this degree covers a wealth of important issues and grooms you to become a manager of a non-profit or for local/state/federal government agencies. Yet I rarely hear people say "I want to get an MPA" or even MS Economics. The most famous MPA I can think of is Bill O'Reily for crying out loud. It seems like everyone wants to get an MBA so they can go slave for some blood sucking, for-profit corporation...I wonder why this degree isn't as heavily promoted as the MBA or JD...your thoughts?

Many MBA's end up working in non-profit / government or some sort of social enterprise.

[artsyguy]

Non-profits have to make revenue too. Fund-raising is #1. Think of the pressure they are under.

[Mtaylo24]

Originally Posted by NYCAnalyst

Many MBA's end up working in non-profit / government or some sort of social enterprise. Mod cut - rude comment removed

I didn't mean to come off that way about my theory. It was just a question.

[Teak]

Originally Posted by Mtaylo24

It seems like everyone wants to get an MBA so they can go slave for some blood sucking, for-profit corporation...I wonder why this degree isn't as heavily promoted as the MBA or JD...your thoughts?

Let's hear it for MORE blood-sucking for-profit corporations and FEWER iron rice-bowl bureaucrats and public administrators!! Corporations produce true wealth; governments destroy it.

[flyers29]

Originally Posted by Mtaylo24

By reading the description of a MPA program at a local Virginia university, it seems like this degree covers a wealth of important issues and grooms you to become a manager of a non-profit or for local/state/federal government agencies. Yet I rarely hear people say "I want to get an MPA" or even MS Economics. The most famous MPA I can think of is Bill O'Reily for crying out loud. It seems like everyone wants to get an MBA so they can go slave for some blood sucking, for-profit corporation...I wonder why this degree isn't as heavily promoted as the MBA or JD...your thoughts?

Well if one is indeed to destined to "slave" for someone (which happens in both the private AND public sector), at least the MBAs will be getting more money for it.

[Mtaylo24]

So what it comes down too all-in-all is $$$...meaning the MPA is basically a Piece of **** Masters degree, due to the low ROI??? But why does this degree have such a low ROI compared to other degrees such as the MBA and JD. Is it because back in the now "olden days", the private sector had a lot of $$ coming in. Looking at the curriculum at the universities where I received my BA and in which I am working towards my Post-baccalaureate certificate, the program seems to offer plenty of ideal and meaningful courses.

[artsyguy]

You can still be an administrator at any type of business with an MPA.

[flyers29]

Originally Posted by Mtaylo24

So what it comes down too all-in-all is $$$...meaning the MPA is basically a Piece of **** Masters degree, due to the low ROI??? But why does this degree have such a low ROI compared to other degrees such as the MBA and JD. Is it because back in the now "olden days", the private sector had a lot of $$ coming in. Looking at the curriculum at the universities where I received my BA and in which I am working towards my Post-baccalaureate certificate, the program seems to offer plenty of ideal and meaningful courses.

I personally think it is a strong degree in general. However, when MPAs are generally those who are seeking careers in non-profits/government, why would it be interchangeable with an MBA if most graduates of the respective programs don't end up in the same place? Maybe you hear more about MBAs because there are more professionals in corporate positions than non-profit/government?