What is the difference between an MPA and an MBA?
The MPA is a Master of Public Administration. The MBA is a Master of Business Administration. The subject matters are different. The target groups and student goals are different. The university departments offering these degrees are different. The MBA is primarily a degree for use in private sector (for-profit) organizations. The MPA is primarily a degree for use in public sector (government and not-for-profit) organizations. While management-supervisory responsibilities exist in both settings, there are significant differences between the two. These differences explain the existence of two distinct degrees. The Master of Public Administration pays particular attention to democratic, governmental concerns, such as constitutional rights and procedures, policy- making and implementation in an open setting with citizen input, and responsibility to the people as owners of government.
