What Can You Do with an Executive MPA?

An Executive Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a graduate degree geared toward mid-career professionals who are looking for the knowledge and skills to become innovative and strategic leaders of public organizations and government entities in their communities. Public administration is the field of study and practice of policy analysis, implementation and management in the public sector, including local, state and federal governments as well as nonprofit organizations and private firms who support public sector work. 

An Executive MPA degree offers similar skills to that of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, but is designed for public-sector professionals who have some experience and an interest in advancing the public good, rather than the bottom line. With a curriculum that leverages candidates’ leadership experience, an executive MPA degree prepares mid-career professionals to pursue managerial roles involving policy development, budget management and more.   

Public policy is the legislation passed by government officials, while public administration is the implementation and management of those policies. 

Together, policymakers and administrators work to create and maintain systems that shape the ways in which communities are supported and regulated by local, state and federal governments. 

Professionals who earn an MPA degree as part of an Executive program have opportunities to work in leadership positions in a variety of government agencies at the local, state and federal levels, or in civil society organizations or public-private partnerships. Other career opportunities for Executive MPA alumni include working in educational policy, economic development, public health, environmental resource management, public relations and research institutions. 

Careers for experienced MPA alumni are not just found in the public sector, but professionals also serve as a bridge between private companies and nonprofit organizations such as educational institutions, charities or groups dedicated to advocacy issues.

Experienced public administration professionals can hold positions at the local, state or federal levels of government. Executive MPA graduates who pursue careers in government often work in positions where they oversee the implementation of public policies in their communities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): 

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $98,890 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $69,600 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $76,250 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $59,540 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $75,950 per year

Government agencies with opportunities for public administration careers include: 

For more information about U.S. government agencies and their corresponding career opportunities, you can visit the USA.gov index or the USAJOBS Pathways program website.

Executive MPA graduates who are mission-oriented and passionate about serving their communities are uniquely suited for careers in the nonprofit sector. According to BLS, career opportunities include:

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $98,890 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $46,770 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $59,610 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $73,240 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $104,280 per year

An Executive MPA program prepares graduates for work in a variety of different sectors, and many public administration professionals can apply their problem-solving skills, leadership abilities and expertise to companies in the private sector. According to BLS, career opportunities include:  

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $71,100 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $134,180 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $121,220 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $118,430 per year

Many trained educators pursue the Executive MPA degree to advance into leadership positions in the education sector.  Their new roles and responsibilities may involve coordinating teaching standards, school administrative responsibilities and social services provided through the school system. According to BLS, MPA career opportunities include: 

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $87,580 per year 

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $98,490 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $66,970 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $97,500 per year

Annual median salary (as of May 2020): $115,640 per year

Careers in public administration involve responsibility for public safety, distribution of social services and innovation of public policy that will support communities for years to come. The demand for public administrators remains high, as several communities are in need of effective leaders who can respond quickly to crises. 

BLS predicts that public administration jobs with the greatest demand include compliance officers (may also be called compliance managers), government programs eligibility Interviewers (may work with government program managers), building inspectors, court clerks and tax examiners. 

Public administrators have a unique role of ensuring the continuity and sustainability of public services for communities at the local, state and federal levels, particularly in times of crisis. That will be an important part of ensuring community development now and in the future. 

Don’t have the experience to be eligible to pursue our Executive MPA program?  Check out our 12-month traditional Master of Public Administration (MPA) program that has no experience requirement.