

Committing To A Master’s Of Public Administration – Pros And Cons
Posts by Alan TaylorAugust 25, 2022
There are ups and downs to every degree, and attaining a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) is no different. The question is whether the positives outweigh the downsides, and this is only something you can determine based on your circumstances, goals and personal preferences. To help you through this conundrum, here’s a few of the main talking points so that your decision is an informed one.
Pro – diverse Future Prospects
People with MPAs have broad horizons from a career perspective. Whatever area of government you plan to work in, this degree will stand you in good stead.
Of course you don’t need to go directly into an MPA-specific role, but could instead pursue a job in a not-for-profit, a consultancy, an educational institution or any number of other organizations. So whether the public or private sector is in your sights, this is a good route to take.
Con – competition For The Top Roles
While there are ample opportunities for MPA graduates, the problem is that the juiciest jobs are usually oversubscribed in terms of the number of applicants.
This can mean that there’s a limit to how far up the ladder you can climb. That said, with the right preparations, you can become a leader in your field.
Pro – expansive Criteria For Course Acceptance
Another perk of picking an MPA degree is that you don’t usually need to have studied a specific subject at undergraduate level in order to be eligible. Whether you’ve completed a finance degree or specialized in zoology, this is the master’s for you.
This goes hand in hand with the wide array of course options and potential concentrations you can focus on once you begin your studies. So whatever your first degree might be in, there’s an MPA out there that will welcome you with open arms.
Con – depth Is Not Guaranteed
By dint of having a lot of breadth, MPA courses and programs can also suffer from not offering sufficiently detailed levels of focus on particular areas in which you might be interested.
Pro – studying Online Is An Option
There are lots of excellent master of public administration degrees which you can study for and achieve entirely remotely.
This means that you don’t need to travel to attend a high quality university which offers recognized MPA courses, and can fit your studies around the rest of your life.
In turn this means that there’s less of a financial burden to shoulder if this is your calling, which takes off a bit of the pressure when choosing a course as well.
Con – you need to be a self-starter
Undergraduate degrees are fairly thoroughly controlled and coordinated, even if there is room for independent learning. Once you get to a Master’s level, things really kick up a gear, so unless you’re able to motivate yourself effectively, it can be hard to complete an MPA course.
This can be even tougher for some people if the course is taught remotely, as mentioned. Of course if you do have drive, determination and discipline, this will not be a problem.
Pro – post-course Pay Is Appealing
When you eventually enter the world of work after completing an MPA, your earning potential will be greater than that of someone without a Master’s degree, so long as the role in question can make use of this qualification.
The salary you achieve will vary dramatically depending on the sector you work in, the size of the organization, the seniority of the role and the amount of competition involved, of course. However, people with a Master’s earn over $76,000 on average, which is around $13,000 more than someone with an undergraduate degree.
Con – MPAs Lead To High-pressure Roles
The final drawback of committing to an MPA degree is that the high flying jobs that it unlocks tend to be bundled with plenty of pressure and responsibility.
This is not the type of role you can take on if you aren’t equipped to handle a modicum of stress, especially in the case that the job is in a public sector body.
The Bottom Line On MPAs
By now you should know whether an MPA is a sensible degree to study for. In the right hands, it will become a tool that lets you access a rewarding career, and so you have to think carefully about the ins and outs of what it involves before you settle on anything specific. In the long run you’ll be thankful that you took the time to decide, rather than rushing in.