Contact Us
Phone: (202) 885-2940
Graduate programs: spagrad@american.edu
Undergraduate programs: aupublicaffairs@american.edu
Explore the distinctions between MPA and MPP degrees to find the perfect fit for your advanced professional education in the realm of public affairs. Delve into the comparison table below, which outlines key differences in skills cultivated, example courses, potential career paths, and average post-graduation earnings, both in a broader context and specifically within American University.
Quick Look: MPA vs. MPP
| Master of Public Administration (MPA) | Master of Public Policy (MPP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Managing public/nonprofit organizations | Analyzing, evaluating, and designing public policy |
| Skills Taught | Management Leadership Budgeting Organizational theory General economics Policy implementation |
Rigorous economic concepts |
| Examples of Courses | Public budgeting Project management Leadership Quantitative methods Legal basis for public administration Economics for public management |
Public program evaluation Policy process Quantitative methods Economics for policy analysis Cost-benefit analysis Public economics and finance Heath policy Environmental policy |
| Possible Careers | Government program manager City manager Chief of staff |
Policy analyst Director of public policy Research associate |
Read more about each of these differences here.
The AU MPA: Get Ready to Lead
Ranked #4 nationally in Public Management and Leadership by U.S. News and World Report, our MPA program positions you for leadership and executive roles in public federal, state, and local agencies; national and international nonprofit organizations; and private firms. You will learn from world-renowned scholars as you hone your analytical, decision-making, and communication skills, and learn to navigate organizational, human resource, and budgetary challenges while managing complex programs.
With eight concentrations and optional focus fields, AU’s MPA program offers a flexible learning environment that allows you to align your degree with your interests. Even better, we accommodate both full- and part-time students, with evening class times. Explore our website for information on our curriculum and faculty, as well as news on exciting research and experiential learning opportunities in the field of public administration, all in the heart of our nation’s capital.
The AU MPP: Shape Future Policy
AU’s MPP program, ranked 15th in the nation, prepares students to advance the quality of domestic and global policy making in a variety of institutional settings, instilling a blend of substantive analytical skills and contextual knowledge enabling students to rigorously evaluate public policy solutions using sound evidence and appropriate statistical or analytical methods. The AU School of Public Affairs hosts, in addition to the top policy experts, the Center for Environmental Policy, the Washington Institute for Public Affairs Research, and the Metropolitan Policy Center.
With 11 concentrations, flexible platforms upon which you can form personalized areas of expertise, and the wealth of experiential learning opportunities available only in Washington, D.C., you can tailor your skillset and professional network to your dream career. What is more, we accommodate both full- and part-time students, with evening class times. Explore our website for information on our curriculum and faculty, as well as news on exciting research and experiential learning opportunities in the field of public policy, all in the heart of our nation’s capital.