<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>