An MPA degree is a graduate-level, professional degree that stands for "masters of public administration". It is a top credential for local community, government, and nonprofit leaders, and prepares professionals for leadership roles in the public and nonprofit sectors. The degree is specifically designed for leadership development in these fields, and coursework is likely to include a mix of finance and management classes, as well as courses in topics like ethics and urban planning. An MPA is a flexible, interdisciplinary degree that prepares students for federal, executive, and other high-level management positions that support the common good.

MPA programs combine traditional business and finance courses with public policy courses to prepare students to serve in high-level positions. MPA programs place more emphasis on management and implementation techniques, while Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs emphasize policy research and evaluation. An MPA is a professionally-oriented graduate degree intended for students who wish to work in government agencies, nonprofits, NGOs, and other policy-related institutions.

To enroll in an MPA program, there is no set path, although many students might have previously earned a related bachelor’s degree in political science, human services, sociology, criminal justice, or communications, to name a few. Graduating with an MPA degree allows students to apply for work in various upper-management positions in the federal government, nonprofits, global NGOs, and private companies.

In summary, an MPA degree is a graduate-level, professional degree that prepares professionals for leadership roles in the public and nonprofit sectors. It is a flexible, interdisciplinary degree that combines traditional business and finance courses with public policy courses to prepare students to serve in high-level positions.