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@Audthats
17 answers, 57 votes
 • 3 years ago •
Admissions Advice

MPA or MBA
Answered

I would like to pursue a career as a city manager or similiar in local government. I would like to get A BA from a good school and pursue an MBA or MPA. I have been set on MBA for so long but with my career plan I do not know. MBA makes more on average but MPA would focus on my exact future career. I want to explore options too. Also if I wanted to go into my career, should I stick with a BA and then what for masters? Just please give me a path for my future career.

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@alyssa33
expert
46 answers, 95 votes
 • 3 years ago[edited]

Another option you could consider is a dual-degree. There are a decent number of programs (examples linked below) that offer dual degree MBA & MPA! This way, you can do both and keep your options open.

1. https://www.stern.nyu.edu/programs-admissions/mba-programs/dual-degrees/mba-mpa

2. https://www.hbs.edu/mba/academic-experience/joint-degree-programs/Pages/harvard-kennedy-school.aspx

3. https://www.tuck.dartmouth.edu/mba/academic-experience/joint-and-dual-degrees (Including this one as an example of when two institutions actually partner to offer a dual-degree)

1
[🎤 AUTHOR]@Audthats3 years ago

Is it more expensive and does it take longer?

@alyssa33
expert
3 years ago

Does it take longer? It depends on the specific program, but typically yes. An MBA is usually 2 years. An MBA/MPA dual-degree typically takes 2.5-3 years. When the time comes, you'll have to weigh that tradeoff.

@alyssa33
expert
3 years ago [edited]

Is it more expensive? Again, it might depend on the program, but the ones I've looked at typically do cost more than a single degree. This is because you'll be paying 2.5-3 years of graduate school instead of just 2. The cost per year shouldn't actually be much different, it's just more years! There could be options for scholarships depending on the program.

[🎤 AUTHOR]@Audthats3 years ago

Thank you, when the time comes I will have way more knowledge on it. I think I would be alright with up to 3 years and I believe I will be able to do financial aid and work study so will deffinately keep it in mind.

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