Distinguishing Between MPA & MBA Degrees

MBA and MPA are both postgraduate level professional degree courses that teach organizational and managerial skills to students, enabling them to work in middle and top positions in public and private sector organizations. While there are many similarities between the two programs, there are also some key differences.

Key Takeaways

• MBA is more suited for private businesses, while MPA is oriented towards bureaucratic roles and responsibilities.
• MBA focuses on finance, marketing, and administration of a business, whereas policy making and implementation is emphasized more in MPA.
• MPA is a better choice for those interested in public service through governmental agencies or nonprofit organizations, while MBA is ideal for those aiming for a managerial position in private enterprises.

MBA, which stands for Masters in Business Administration, is a two-year postgraduate degree course designed to teach managerial skills necessary to tackle organizational problems. It is one of the most popular degree courses worldwide, with students seeking an MBA degree from reputed institutes to secure lucrative jobs in big companies. The emphasis in MBA courses is on honing leadership skills, teaching ethics, team spirit, communication, and cooperation. The course imparts knowledge in finance, management, marketing, and other essential aspects of a business, helping students learn how to conduct a business smoothly and efficiently.

On the other hand, MPA, which stands for Masters in Public Administration, is a postgraduate professional degree that prepares students for a career in public administration. It is an ideal option for those who want to pursue a career in public administration by creating and implementing policies and programs. The skills taught in an MPA program are essential for dealing with organizational, human resources, and financial challenges in the field of policy making and implementation. MPA is a suitable choice for students interested in pursuing a career in public service, as middle and top-level positions in governmental agencies, NGOs, and other public sector departments require students adept at policy making and decision making. Public administration involves working with and for people from a managerial perspective.

In summary, the main differences between MBA and MPA are their focus areas and target careers. MBA is more appropriate for those looking to work in private businesses, while MPA is geared towards bureaucratic roles and responsibilities. MBA teaches how to maximize profit in a private business, whereas MPA teaches how to manage a public sector enterprise. Success in the public sector is hard to measure, and the skills required are different from those needed for success in a private business. Finding social solutions is more critical for someone with an MPA degree, while economic markets hold the key to success for an MBA.