MPA ... is it useful?

College Majors
1

<p>I am doing a second degree in Political Science while this economy is taking a hit (had a lot of classes before) trying to get into public service and or working for a non for profit... (already have quite a bit of volunteer work on the side of my job) </p>

<p>I have looked at an MPA with concentration in IT from University of Illinois Chicago. </p>

<p>I have worked in IT for 6 years and originally did Information Systems as my major. </p>

<p>Would this be a good career move for me? I would like to be in charge of IT operations or operations in general of a NFP, something with City of Chicago or IL or NGO in the Chicago area. </p>

<p>What is the long term career track of this? If public sector didn't work out would MPA be valuable at all in the private sector? </p>

<p>Is Chicago a good place for a career change in this area?</p>

<p>Any MPA's out there? </p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p>I am also wondering if a minor in General Business would be useful for finishing my Poli Sci undergrad if I plan on doing an MPA afterwards... (required minor) ... otherwise I am looking at currently doing minors in both Philosophy and Computer Science (as I previously took classes that will count for both and only need 1 or 2 for a minor in these,
also was thinking about taking maybe a few management classes and a few econ related class. </p>

<p>What is the best route?</p>

3

<p>OP, this doesn't answer your question, but did you look at NIU? NIU has one of the best MPA programs in the nation, seriously. It's a hidden gem not to mention the money you'll save.</p>

<p>NIU</a> - Division of Public Administration - MPA , Ph.D. program</p>

<p>But UIC is also a fine choice if your looking at the state of Illinois. You can't go wrong.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the information, I am more looking at just the City of Chicago though... don't really want to get out of the area once I move there and get residency again. </p>

<p>General path would be work 1-2 years, get residency and go ahead and switch the career path, then do the MPA part time or full time depending on any scholarships or awards. </p>

<p>I might be able to get into UChicago, but have looked at their ridiculous tuition at 35K a year... not sure if that is a great ROI for an MPA... now maybe an MBA... </p>

<p>I digress.</p>

5

<p>Don't worry. I'm in the same position, but I'm still in college. I can't decide whether to get an MPA, an MBA, or a MPH. Good luck.</p>

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<p>Hi am Nancy… even i am considering MPA in non profit management from Stuart School of Business, Chicago… I do not have much work ex on my side so i wanted to know will this be a hindrance in finding i’ships/ jobs? and also i am from India and will be an i’national student… will this be a hindrance in looking for jobs when i graduate? how is the rating of Stuart School for MPA?</p>

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<p>i have same question. i will be doing econ/poli sci double major in college and am wondering how helpful an MPA is career wise.</p>