MPA & MPP & MPM

<p>Hi everyone, I haven't seen any information regarding the MPA (Masters of Public Administration), MPP (Masters of Public Policy), and the MPM (Masters of Public Management) degrees in these forums.</p>

<p>I just wanted to ask if anyone knows what's the difference between the three? What type of jobs do ppl get with these degrees and what do they do? Which are the best schools for these programs...and do they offer a joint JD program as well; on top of that...is that hard to get into those type of programs?</p>

<p>What's the best preparation for these degrees as an undergrad?
What will count besides the GRE and your GPA?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>I don't know much about the MPM degree.</p>

<p>The MPA degree tends to be targeted towards an older, more experienced crowd than is the MPP degree.</p>

<p>People with these degrees tend to get jobs in (no surprise) public administration - i.e. managers in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities. They can also take jobs consulting for such organizations. </p>

<p>I don't know which school is the best school, but here is a list of some top-regarded ones, in no particular order: Harvard (at the John F. Kennedy School of Government) , Princeton (at the Woodrow Wilson School) , Berkeley, Syracuse, USC, Indiana, Georgia, Carnegie-Mellon, Michigan. </p>

<p>Some of them, like Harvard run joint JD programs. The admissions tend to be separate - you have to be approved by both admissions committees. </p>

<p>I question of whether it is hard to get into these programs is difficult to answer. It depends on what your definition of 'hard' is. I would surmise that it certainly is no cakewalk, particularly for the elite ones. On the other hand, it isn't as hard as, say, getting into medical school. </p>

<p>The way to prepare yourself for many of these positions is to show that you have a true dedication to working in the public sector. For many of these programs, especially MPA programs, such work experience is vital, to the point that the MPA program (i.e. the MPA program at Harvard) will probably not consider you if you don't have any work experience in the public sector. MPP programs are less stringent about work experience (although it is still helpful), but you still have to show a documented desire to work in the public sector. Essays, rec's, and EC's should demonstrate this desire.</p>

<p>I applied for the following programs:</p>

<p>Harvard, KSG (Master in Public Policy)
Princeton, WWS (Master of Public Affairs)
Columbia, SIPA (Master of International Affairs)
London School of Economics (Master of Public Administration).</p>

<p>I only got accepted to LSE. I am positive that what disqualified me for the American ones was my lacking professional experice. I only got 1,5 years internships in conjunction to full-time undergraduate studies.</p>

<p>The experience and the dedication to make a difference in the world are vital. Look at their mottos:</p>

<p>"Leading Global Change". "Contributing to the Solution of Public Problems".</p>

<p>Thanks very much for both the question and answers regarding Masters programs in public administration/policy. My son is a poly sci major (sophomore to be) and is undecided on a career at this point so your insights were quite informative about these options.</p>