A career in public service, policy analysis or government administration can greatly benefit from graduate-level education in public administration and policy. Two degrees that prepare students for these career paths are Master of Public Policy (MPP) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs. Pursuing a master’s in public policy or administration offers substantial benefits, but MPP and MPA degrees also have key differences and unique career outcomes.
Both program types provide the skill development, knowledge and networking opportunities to make a significant public impact, whether in government, nonprofits or private organizations. While there is some overlap between these types of programs, they have key differences in curricula and career outcomes.
Why a Public Service Degree Is Worth It
A graduate degree in public policy or administration equips students with a broad range of transferable skills that are applicable across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. No matter what path they choose, public policy or administration students make meaningful contributions to society while also opening doors to diverse career opportunities.
Benefits of a public policy or administration degree include:
1. Role-specific skills: Public policy students will enhance their analytical and research skills, while public administration students will prepare to lead and manage organizations.
2. Networking and professional connections: Supportive universities will connect you to expert faculty, alumni networks and internship opportunities.
3. Versatility across sectors: Graduates can pursue careers in government, nonprofits, consulting, academia and private companies.
4. Career growth and earning potential: With master’s-level skills, public service professionals can earn promotions and salaries while deepening their long-term professional impact.
How MPP and MPA Degrees Contribute to Career Advancement
MPP programs focus on policy analysis, evaluation and formulation. By diving deep into quantitative methods, economics and political science, MPP students will gain an understanding of the underlying issues driving public policy and learn to develop effective solutions. Their curricula emphasize analytical skills such as statistical analysis, econometrics and policy evaluation. Graduates are equipped to conduct in-depth policy research and analysis.
On the other hand, MPA programs focus more on the management and implementation of public policies and programs. MPA curriculums emphasize skills-based learning, so students will develop skills in leadership, budgeting and public sector operations. These programs emphasize managerial and administrative skills such as strategic planning, public budgeting, personnel management and organizational behavior. Graduates are able to lead and manage public sector organizations.
Career Opportunities and earning potential
MPP and MPA graduates typically find distinct career opportunities. MPP graduates usually focus on policy research, analysis and development, while MPA alumni focus on the leadership and management of public sector operations.
MPP graduates:
- Types of organizations: research institutes, think tanks, government agencies, international organizations, nonprofits, advocacy groups
- Common roles: policy analyst, consultant, program evaluator, researcher
- Average base salary: $85K (Payscale)
MPA graduates:
- Types of organizations: public administration, government management, nonprofits, public service agencies
- Common roles: city manager, public administrator, program manager, executive director
- Average salary: $81K (Payscale)
For those interested in policy analysis and research, an MPP may be the better fit. For individuals drawn to management or administration in the public sector, an MPA is often more suitable. Both degrees can lead to fulfilling careers that make a positive social impact.
Combined MPPA programs:
While there may be some overlapping outcomes for MPP and MPA graduates, especially for public policy professionals who advance to leadership over time, those seeking a broader path in public service might consider a combined public policy and administration degree.
An MPPA degree integrates the strengths of both programs, providing a broad skill set for careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. This approach allows graduates to pursue flexible career paths without limiting themselves to one area of public service.
Careers Beyond Government
An MPPA degree can lead to a wide range of careers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Nonprofit Organizations
Many nonprofits focus on advocacy, research and service delivery in vital areas such as education, health care, social services and environmental conservation. MPPA graduates can work as program directors, policy advocates, grant writers or community organizers, driving positive change in their chosen areas.
International Organizations
MPPA graduates may pursue careers in international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank or nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working on global development. Some core specialization areas include international development, humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding and global health policy.
Consulting Firms
Consulting firms often hire MPPA graduates to contribute their expertise on policy analysis, program evaluation and strategic planning to government agencies, nonprofits and private sector clients. These roles involve conducting research, analyzing data and making policy management recommendations to clients.
Research and Academia
MPPA programs instill in students a value for lifelong learning, so some graduates choose to pursue careers in research institutions, think tanks or academia. They may work as research analysts, policy fellows or professors and do the important work of conducting research on public policy issues, publishing academic papers and teaching the next generation of public servants.
Private Sector
An MPPA teaches widely transferable skills, meaning that MPPA graduates can also find opportunities in the private sector. Graduates seeking work in the private sector are typically more interested in industries that intersect with government policy and regulation. They may work in areas such as corporate social responsibility, public affairs or government relations, helping companies to navigate regulatory compliance and engage with policymakers on relevant issues.
MPA and MPP Jobs and Their Salaries
| Job Titles | Average Annual Salaries |
|---|---|
| City Manager | $116,459 |
| Legislative Aide | $59,473 |
| Policy Analyst | $86,678 |
| Political Consultant | $62,011 |
*Source: Indeed and Salary.com, October 2025.
Thinking Outside the Box: MPPA Alumni in Action
Graduates of the Cal Lutheran School of Management’s Master of Public Policy and Administration program go on to use their newfound skills and knowledge in innovative and impactful ways.
Alum Nicolai Andersen took a different route, using his MPPA education to support his digital marketing career. The global perspective offered by the MPPA program helped Andersen establish an SEO bureau in Oslo, working with clients and freelancers across the globe, and the skills he developed within the program transferred well to his career.
“My research, analytical, communication and advocacy skills witnessed significant improvement,” Andersen said. “These skills are not only convenient but also necessary for a career in digital marketing and SEO. Analytical proficiency, for instance, is crucial when dissecting search data, researching algorithm changes, conducting keyword research and presenting results to clients.”
Cal Lutheran’s MPPA program offers incredible potential for your career, with widely applicable learning outcomes. MPPA students are able to take their education beyond public policy and administration, with courses in HR management, nonprofit management, urban policy and planning and emergency and crisis management. With its hybrid format and internship and travel opportunities, Cal Lutheran’s MPPA program offers incredible potential for your career.
Earn Your MPPA From the Cal Lutheran School of Management
Gain a big-picture understanding of the challenges faced by the public and private sectors, and hone specialized strategies to create and implement innovative solutions with Cal Lutheran’s MPPA program.
The School of Management at Cal Lutheran is dedicated to producing graduates who are well prepared to succeed in their personal and professional lives — who lead, think, communicate and follow through with sustained excellence. As a Cal Lutheran School of Management student, you’ll learn from experienced faculty and benefit from personalized attention in small class sizes.
Successful graduates include Andrew Powers, city manager of the City of Thousand Oaks, and Mike Ramirez, city manager of Carpinteria, among others. Many of our other alums are pursuing PhDs at Virginia Tech, Pepperdine and other universities.
Download a program brochure or start your application for the Master of Public Policy and Administration.
