MPA vs. MBA: What’s the Difference?

The master of public administration (MPA) degree has been dubbed “the MBA for the public and nonprofit sectors.” But what does that mean? How might an MPA be a better foundation for your career goals?

Just as an organization’s type—profit or nonprofit, governmental or private sector—helps define its values and goals, your degree path shapes the specific sort of education you receive to reach your career aspirations. Here are some things to consider when deciding between an MPA and an MBA. 

You have a passion for public service. 

While a master of business administration (MBA) will provide a wealth of information and experience in organizational management, an MPA program offers a laser focus to advance as a leader in the public sector. You’ll gain expertise in service and join discussions on tools and trends for making a difference in your community. 

You want to take the next step in your nonprofit agency. 

The MPA is tailor-made for those already working in a nonprofit who would like to advance into a leadership or managerial position. You’ll develop skills in financial administration, human resources, strategic planning and fundraising to help your agency take its mission to the next level. 

Sacred Heart’s MPA offers a concentration in nonprofit management that hones in on these skills and offers access to the Center for Nonprofits in our Jack Welch College of Business & Technology, where you’ll have real-world opportunities to apply your knowhow and brainstorm solutions for your agency and others. 

You’re interested in emergency services or law enforcement management. 

Are you working in government and looking for new ways to serve your community? An MPA can help you tackle the needs of government agencies and the justice system at the local, state and federal level. 

SHU’s MPA concentration in criminal justice allows candidates to develop their management skills, a specialization ideally suited for law enforcement officers looking to demonstrate their readiness and preparation for management and leadership roles.  

The program’s emergency management concentration will increase your capabilities in disaster management and preparedness, whether at the local, state or federal level. Courses cover disaster response, crisis management and much more to help you best protect your community.  

You have specific plans that would benefit from focused experience and coursework. 

Sometimes you know exactly what new skills you need to perfect to help your agency or make yourself the perfect candidate for your next position. Picking an MPA program that allows such individualized focus may be the best bet for you. 

If you have a specific career goal or set of interests in the public sector, you can pursue a self-designed concentration tailored to your professional needs in SHU’s MPA program. You can choose the courses that bolster your strengths to get the job done. 

What sets Sacred Heart University’s program apart? 

SHU’s interdisciplinary MPA makes use of resources and scholars across campus to create a comprehensive, yet fully online program that’s perfect for working professionals seeking public-sector career placement or advancement. Courses are asynchronous and a full-time option allows you to take two courses at a time and earn your MPA in one year. The part-time option offers one course at a time and can be completed in as little as two years. Our cohort model gives you the opportunity to collaborate closely with peers and mentors for a personalized and highly supportive graduate experience. 

Through a partnership with SHU’s Institute for Sustainability and Social Justice, you can participate in real-time studies on those timely topics, gaining hands-on analytical skills to make data-driven decisions.  

SHU offers a 50% tuition discount for first responders throughout the tri-state area who enroll in the MPA program.  

In addition, incoming first-year students can apply to our MPA Dual Degree Program, earning a bachelor’s degree and a master of public administration in five years. This option is open to students in the following undergraduate majors: 

• Criminal Justice
• Global Affairs
• Political Science
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Strategic Communication, Public Relations & Advertising

Think the MPA program at Sacred Heart University might be for you? 

Curious about earning your Master of Public Administration? Talk to Cristen Meehl, associate director of graduate admissions & recruitment, at meehlc@sacredheart.edu or schedule a virtual appointment today!