There are many MPA programs offered in the United States and throughout the world. Most of these programs have a philosophical focus. Some specialize in training diplomats to negotiate with the leaders of foreign nations while others focus on social advocacy and improving the lives of the poor. There are others that specialize in the management and administration of charitable organizations, or public-private partnerships.
The curriculum covered by MPA students often includes statistics, grant writing, project management and public finance. Though there are quite a bit of numbers involved in many of these subjects, the focus is not on mathematics, but instead on what these statistics actually mean in the context of social change and accomplishing pre-set goals.
A major part of an MPA is studying social programs and projects from the past. This is the best way for students to understand the ways governments work. Depending on the educational institution, these could be projects reducing urban or rural poverty, slowing the rate of deforestation or increasing access to social services.
Internships are potentially the most important part of an MPA degree as they give the student a chance to build strategies and experience based on the actual work they will be doing after they graduate. Internships with government agencies, social advocacy groups and charitable organizations are also opportunities to network with key people. Many times, internships become real jobs after graduation.
There are many employment opportunities for those with an MPA degree. In governmental agencies, graduates provide governmental services to the public. Non-profit organizations need MPA graduates to navigate complex grant applications and to negotiate with local governments to secure funding. MPA grads can also work in social advocacy, critiquing the role of government and working to expand services for disenfranchised communities.