Is there a difference? YES
Although MBAs and MPAs have a lot of shared ground: they are both professional degrees that provide management training by way of policy, economics, statistics, and finance. While each degree can be used to attain similar goals of better pay and advancement, there are differences. One of the major differences between a
Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a
Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the sector one intends to work in upon graduation. MPA degree programs are for potential public, government, and non-profit sector individuals whereas those planning to work in the private sector.
Some feel the foundation and martial covered is relativity the same, just geared towards different sectors with distinctive specializations. Even though there is a wide variation in types of specializations, there are some concentrations like health care, international management, human resource management, or even an entrepreneurial track that is shared between both degrees, depending on the school. An MBA may be more mainstream when compared to an MPA, but that shouldn't mean it is more prestigious.
If you are indecisive about which degree to obtain, I pose the question:
what are your interests and what are you passionate about? If your answer is philanthropic work, non-profits, policy, government etc., I would say an MPA is better suited for you. If you are more interested in the for-profit private industry, marketing, accounting, finance, economics etc., than an MBA is more appropriate.
What are your thoughts? Are you best suited for a MBA or MPA? Or would you consider a dual MBA/MPA degree? Both Colombia and NYU have joint programs.