MPA vs. MPH—Which Degree Is Best for You?
Deciding between a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) is an important step in shaping your path toward a meaningful and impactful career. While both degrees prepare graduates for leadership roles in public service, each offers a distinct focus: A MPA develops leaders and analysts in public, and nonprofit organizations (which can be government agencies, healthcare institutions and non-profit organizations) with strong applied analytical and administrative skills to solve complex public service problems and manage public service programs, whereas a MPH equips professionals to address public health challenges through data-driven solutions in community health, disease prevention, and healthcare management.
In this guide, we’ll examine the core differences between these two degrees—including curriculum, program duration, and career outcomes—so you can determine which path best aligns with your professional goals and passion for public service.
What Is a Master of Public Administration?
A Master of Public Administration prepares professionals to lead and manage in the public and nonprofit sectors. With a curriculum rooted in public service management, operations, policy, and organizational leadership, this degree gives students the skills to develop and implement policies, manage resources and programs, and drive change within communities through evidence-driven assessment.
At Pace University, those core leadership competencies are further strengthened by a STEM designation that emphasizes advanced, data-analysis-driven social science methods, an advantage that also extends STEM OPT eligibility to international students. The program is fully accredited by the NASPAA, the global benchmark for public service education, and is ranked #121 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 list of Best Graduate Public Affairs Schools.
In addition to a stand-alone MPA, different types of specializations are available to tailor the degree toward specific career paths. For example, Pace University offers unique options such as a combined MPA/Juris Doctor, JD for those interested in expanding career possibilities across law, government, and public service through an accelerated dual-degree program.
- Core focus: Public administration, public policy, nonprofit management, healthcare administration
- Key topics: Financial management, organizational leadership, program evaluation
- Program length: Two years full time, with flexibility for longer part-time study
- Skills developed: Public budgeting and financial management, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, policy implementation
- Common career paths: City manager, nonprofit director, budget analyst, program director.
Ideal for those interested in public service, a MPA is considered one of the best master’s degrees for business-minded professionals who want to make a tangible impact through leadership in government, public organizations, and nonprofit sectors.
What Is a Master of Public Health?
A Master of Public Health prepares graduates to tackle health issues at community, national, and global levels. Focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and policy advocacy, this degree equips students with the skills to analyze public health data, design impactful health programs, and implement strategies that enhance population health.
Different types of concentrations are available within MPH degrees that help tailor the program-specific career goals. Pace University offers a unique concentration in global health equity (hyperlink to program page) for those interested in pursuing careers that use public health sciences to identify, engage, and support communities who experience barriers to improved health.
- Core focus: Public health challenges, disease prevention, health promotion
- Key topics: Epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy
- Program length: Typically two years
- Skills developed: Data analysis, public health communication, program evaluation
- Common career paths: Epidemiologist, health policy analyst, community health program manager
A public health degree provides the foundation and expertise to work in healthcare settings, government health departments, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), and the private sector making it one of the best graduate programs for those dedicated to advancing public health and community well-being in a variety of settings.
MPA vs. MPH Degree: Key Differences
While both degrees can lead to impactful careers in public service, a MPA and MPH prepare students for different types of roles and responsibilities.
Broadly speaking, a MPH is clinically oriented, meaning it is centered on how to prevent disease and improve population health, whereas a MPA is operationally oriented, or focused on how to run, finance and govern the organizations that deliver those services. Both programs teach data analysis but deploy it differently: MPH students apply epidemiological methods to track health threats and evaluate interventions, while MPA students use quantitative management tools to allocate resources, measure program performance, and shape policy.
Here, we break down the essential differences between the two programs, including education requirements, program length, areas of specialization, and average salary expectations.
| MPH | MPA | |
|---|---|---|
| Education Requirements | Emphasizes public health coursework, including fieldwork, internships, and a capstone project | Focuses on public management, analysis and policy development, with courses in financial management, organizational leadership and data analysis. |
| Program Duration | Typically 2 years full-time | Two years full time, with options for longer part time study |
| Specializations | Tracks available (depending on the institution) in epidemiology, global health, and health equity | Specializations in government management, nonprofit management, and healthcare administration |
| Average Salary, New York City | $88,680 (Public Health Analyst) | $103,390 (Public Policy Analyst) |
What Can You Do with a MPH?
A Master’s in Public Health opens doors to diverse roles focused on promoting health and preventing disease on a community and global scale. MPH graduates often work in healthcare, government, and nonprofit organizations, using their skills to tackle public health issues, conduct research, and design health initiatives.
Explore some of the rewarding career options available to MPH graduates:
| Career Path | Description | Average Base Annual Salary (New York City) & Job Growth Outlook (2023–2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Epidemiologist | Studies disease patterns to control and prevent public health issues | $128,488 16% |
| Public Health Advisor | Develops and implements health policies to improve public health outcomes | |
| Health Service Manager* | Manages operations in healthcare facilities to ensure efficient delivery of services | |
| Community/Public Health Program Manager* | Oversees programs that address specific health needs within communities | |
| Environmental Health Specialist | Focuses on environmental factors that impact public health, such as pollution control | 7% among Environmental Scientists and Specialists career path |
*This role overlaps with many facets of public administration and may be pursued by MPA graduates as well.
What Can You Do With a MPA?
A MPA prepares graduates for leadership roles in public administration, policy analysis, and nonprofit management. These professionals typically work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and policy think tanks, where they implement programs, manage resources, and influence public policy.
Consider some of the dynamic career paths open to those with a MPA:
| Career Path | Description | Average Base Annual Salary (New York City) & Job Growth Outlook (2023–2033) |
|---|---|---|
| City Manager | Oversees the operations and services of a city or municipality, ensuring effective local government | |
| Policy Analyst | Researches and evaluates public policies to recommend improvements or new strategies | |
| Nonprofit Executive Director | Leads a nonprofit organization, focusing on fundraising, program development, and strategic planning | |
| Public Affairs Director | Manages communication between organizations and the public to build awareness and influence public policy | 7% among Public Relations and Fundraising Managers career path |
| Health Services Administrator | Directs operations in healthcare facilities, often within the public sector |
MPA vs MPH: Which Degree Should You Choose?
Deciding between a MPA and a MPH ultimately depends on your career goals, interests, and preferred work environment. Both degrees offer pathways to impactful roles, but each focuses on different areas of public service.
Here’s a quick comparison to help clarify your path:
| MPH | MPA | |
|---|---|---|
| Career Goals | Ideal for careers in public health, disease prevention, and healthcare management | Suited for leadership roles in public service organizations (government agencies, nonprofit organizations and healthcare institutions) |
| Work Environment | Commonly work in healthcare, public health departments, NGOs, and research institutions | Typically employed in government agencies (local, state and federal), nonprofit organizations, and healthcare institutions. |
Paving Your Path to Public Service With Pace
Both the MPA and MPH degrees offer rewarding paths in public service, each tailored to distinct professional goals. A MPH is ideal for those dedicated to improving health outcomes and addressing public health challenges, while a MPA prepares leaders to shape policy, manage resources, and drive change in government and nonprofit sectors.
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore the MPA and MPH programs at Pace University, where you’ll gain the skills, connections, and experience needed to make a meaningful impact in your field. For added convenience and flexibility, Pace offers these degrees both in-person and online. Reach out today for personalized guidance on how Pace can support your journey.