MPA or MBA? Three letters that add up to a big impact on your future. Which degree you pursue comes down to your career goals. Aurora University’s online Master of Business Administration program stresses critical business topics with courses in marketing, organizational behavior, leadership, finance and accounting. Our online Master of Public Administration program features coursework in community relations, budgeting, public policy and nonprofit management. Let’s explore these programs further.
Infographic Transcript
Everyone is familiar with an MBA, but what do you know about an MPA? Although there is a lot of overlapping coursework for these two degrees, the main difference is in the program focus, and which one you should pursue depends on your career goals. If you aspire to help others and have a vision for a better world, then a job in public service might be for you – let’s find out.
Considering a Master's in Business or Public Administration?
Aurora University’s online MBA program stresses critical business topics with courses in marketing, organizational behavior, leadership, finance and accounting. Our online MPA program features coursework in community relations, budgeting, public policy and nonprofit management.
Explore DegreesAt a glance
Up to $75,000
Range of most MPA programs (1)
Over $60,000
Average cost of a two-year MBA program (5)
Both the MPA and MBA degrees at Aurora University Online average under $25,000
MPA graduates work in a variety of fields, including: (2)
Local governments 32%
Domestic or international nonprofits 27%
National government 11%
Job-placement rate for MBA students (6)
89.1%
Both programs require a bachelor’s degree, any of which are applicable to an MPA or MBA. (3)
Common Courses Offered (9)
MPA Courses
- Microeconomics
- Budgeting/finance
- Policy process and policy analysis
- Ethics
- Public management
- Leadership
MBA Courses
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Human Resources
- Operations
- Microeconomics
- Business law
Career options (4,7,8)
MPA
Public sector: City manager $87,052
Private sector: Financial manager $70,333
Nonprofit: Research analyst $53,223
MBA
Management consultant $85,234
Marketing manager $63,124
Financial adviser $58,730
So which program is right for you?
MPA
- You want to help people and make the world a better place.
- You are interested in a career in government.
- You might want to run for political office someday.
MBA
- You are interested in owning your own business.
- You like to solve complex problems.
- You want flexibility in your career options.
SOURCES
- https://onlinempadegrees.com
- http://www.naspaa.org
- https://teach.com
- https://www.payscale.com
- https://www.thoughtco.com
- https://www.bloomberg.com
- https://www.ama.org
- https://www.bls.gov
- https://study.com
