WHAT IS AN MPA?

The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) defines a Master of Public Administration as: “the core professional degree for a management career in public service. The curriculum is designed to aid students in developing the skills and techniques used by leaders and managers to implement policies, projects, and programs that resolve important societal problems." 

NASPAA also notes that graduates of an MPA program “work in all levels of government (federal, state, and local), in nonprofits, in international organizations, consulting firms, and in the private sector.”

FIVE CAREERS THAT CHANGE THE WORLD

With an MPA on your resume, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of careers in public administration. Read on to learn about five change-making options. 

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts play a crucial role in evaluating and shaping policies that address society's challenges. In this role, you may address policy that relates to areas including healthcare, education, or the environment. You could also find yourself working as a political scientist (a role that’s closely related to a policy analyst). For political scientists, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% job growth from 2022 to 2032, and the median annual pay in 2022 was $128,020. Note that policy analysts, like political scientists, influence society by crafting effective policies that shape a more equitable and prosperous future.

Urban and Regional Planner

Urban and regional planners are professionals who develop plans and programs for land use in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Their work is aimed at creating sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing communities by considering factors like population growth, transportation, environmental impact, and social and economic needs.  The projected job growth from 2022 to 2032 is 4%, and the median annual pay in 2022 was $79,540.  

Nonprofit Executive Director

Executive directors in the nonprofit sector lead both global and local organizations that address a variety of challenges faced by society. For the Bureau of Labor’s purposes, people working in this position fall under a wider category called “social and community service managers.” The projected job growth for social and community service managers from 2022 to 2032 is 9%, and the median pay in 2022 was $74,240. As an executive director, you have the opportunity to create direct, positive change for marginalized communities and contribute to solutions that improve society.   

Government Affairs Director

Government affairs directors influence legislation and regulations and bridge the gap between organizations and the government. In this role, you have the unique opportunity to foster legislative advancements that improve the well-being of societies and residents. The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers data on public relations and fundraising managers, as their roles are closely related to government affairs directors. The projected job growth from 2022 to 2032 is 6%, and the median pay in 2022 was $125,620. 

Emergency Management Director

Emergency management directors coordinate and oversee emergency response efforts to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural or man-made disasters. Their role is crucial in ensuring public safety, minimizing damage, and facilitating effective recovery in the aftermath of emergencies. The projected job growth from 2022 to 2032 is 3%, and the median pay in 2022 was $79,180.   

THE VALUE OF AN MPA

With an MPA, you can drive change. This program teaches and hones your analytical abilities, management tactics, fiscal understanding, and communication skills. Whether you use your degree to influence policy development, lead nonprofit organizations, contribute to urban planning, or help communities recover from emergencies, you’ll be able to influence a better, more sustainable future for all. This degree isn't just a credential. It's a toolkit that empowers you to change the world.

What Can I Do with an MPA? 

At the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs, we ask you to think critically about your career goals and then enable you to design a curriculum that allows you to build the skills and knowledge needed to achieve your desired career.

Allow us to showcase just a few of the public service careers that are available to graduates of a Master of Public Administration degree. 

• Policy Analyst
• Public Relations Director
• Machine Learning Specialist
• Transportation Planner
• Chief Financial Officer
• Operations Manager
• Museum Director

A Look at MPA Degree Salary:

On average, those with a Master of Public Administration can expect an average salary of $68,000. In addition to the vital training and specific subject knowledge that an MPA provides, those with a master’s degree can expect to earn approximately $18,000 more per year over those with a bachelor’s alone.

Master of Public Administration (MPA) Employment Statistics

Given the diversity of interests and career objectives represented by Brooks MPA Students, their postgraduate activities are regularly distributed across three primary sectors: public, private, and non-profit. In addition, some students go on to pursue further graduate degrees post-MPA Program.

2022 Employment

This data represents the Class of 2022’s employment rate with a 56% response rate as of December 7, 2022. 

+ Respondents Employed or Pursuing Graduate Studies

• Percent Employed: 89%
• Percent Pursuing further graduate studies: 11%
• Total:百0%

+ Breakdown by Sector

• 42% joined private firms
• 31% of graduates took up work in the public sector or IGO’s
• 16% work at nonprofits or NGO’s
• 11% Pursuing further graduate studies

+ Distribution by Location in 2022

• 24.4% International
• 75.6% Domestic

CURRICULUM