Harvard Kennedy School MPA vs MPP: Which One Is Right For You? | The Art of Applying®

Summary

In this video, Adam Miller from The Art of Applying dives into the differences between Harvard Kennedy School's MPP (Master in Public Policy) and MPA (Master in Public Administration) programs, providing guidance for applicants considering these programs. Through real client questions and expert answers, the video highlights the core distinctions in program structure, course flexibility, GRE requirements, and how they align with business degrees like an MBA. It also explores joint degree options with top business schools, the admissions process, and offers insights on choosing the right path based on work experience and career goals.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Harvard Kennedy School offers two main graduate programs: MPP (Masters in Public Policy) and MPA (Masters in Public Administration), each catering to different career paths and experience levels.
• 😀 MPP is more focused on public policy, while MPA provides greater flexibility, often attracting candidates with more work experience or those who have already earned other graduate degrees.
• 😀 If you don’t already have a graduate degree, the MPP program is generally a better fit, as it provides foundational training in quantitative subjects like economics and statistics.
• 😀 MPA is suitable for individuals with more work experience (typically 5–7 years) and may appeal to those interested in a broader range of policy-related courses.
• 😀 Harvard's MPA program is more international in scope, offering a global perspective, which can be a key factor for applicants from outside the U.S.
• 😀 The MPA program has a higher recommended GRE score than the MPP, indicating that the MPA may be more competitive or require stronger academic credentials.
• 😀 Joint MBA and MPA degrees are available through partnerships with top business schools like Stanford, MIT Sloan, and Wharton, allowing students to pursue policy and business education simultaneously.
• 😀 Those interested in combining public policy with business should consider the MPP/MBA joint degree, as the MPA does not offer a direct joint degree with an MBA at Harvard Business School.
• 😀 The mid-career MPA program is for individuals with significant professional experience (7–10 years or more) and focuses on fast-tracking individuals back into the workforce without the need for internships.
• 😀 There are no interviews for the two-year MPA or mid-career MPA programs, which could be either an advantage (less preparation) or disadvantage (no additional chance to showcase fit).

Q & A

What is the main difference between the MPP and MPA programs at the Harvard Kennedy School?

The MPP (Master in Public Policy) focuses more on public policy analysis and includes a core curriculum that covers subjects like microeconomics, statistics, and econometrics. The MPA (Master in Public Administration), on the other hand, is designed for mid-career professionals, offering more flexibility in course selection and a focus on practical public administration skills.

Can someone without a graduate degree apply for the MPA program at Harvard Kennedy School?

Yes, someone without a graduate degree can apply to the MPA program, but it's typically recommended that applicants have a graduate degree. The MPA program tends to attract individuals with significant work experience, typically 5-10 years, but someone without a graduate degree can still apply for the MPP program.

Which program is better suited for someone who already has an MBA?

If you already have an MBA, the MPA program might be more suitable because it typically requires a graduate degree for admission. However, if you don't have a graduate degree, the MPP program would be a better option as it is open to applicants without prior graduate education.

Are there joint degree options between the MBA and Kennedy School programs?

Yes, there are joint degree options available between the Harvard Business School MBA and the Harvard Kennedy School MPP program. For those applying to joint MBA programs at other universities like Dartmouth Tuck, Stanford GSB, MIT Sloan, and Wharton, it's also possible to pursue an MPA at the Kennedy School at the same time.

How does the flexibility in course selection compare between MPP and MPA programs?

The MPA program offers more flexibility in course selection, particularly after the core curriculum, allowing students to choose electives that best suit their career goals. The MPP, while also flexible after the core courses, typically requires more foundational quantitative coursework.

Does the Kennedy School offer interviews as part of the MPA or MPP application process?

No, the Harvard Kennedy School does not require interviews for the MPA or MPP programs. This can be seen as both an advantage, as it reduces preparation stress, or a disadvantage, as applicants don't have the opportunity to further convince the admissions committee of their qualifications.

What should an applicant consider if they want to combine an MBA with a Kennedy School degree?

If you wish to combine an MBA with a Kennedy School degree, the most common route is through the MPP/MBA joint degree program at Harvard Business School. It's important to understand that if you want to combine business and public policy, an MPP with an MBA would be the ideal path, not an MPA with an MBA.

What are the differences between the MPA and mid-career MPA programs at the Kennedy School?

The MPA program is designed for early to mid-career professionals with typically 5-10 years of work experience. The mid-career MPA program, on the other hand, is intended for individuals with 7-10 years of experience, usually in their 30s, and aims to provide a quicker, more specialized path for professionals looking to re-enter the workforce.

Is there a GRE requirement for the MPA program at Harvard Kennedy School?

Yes, the MPA program at the Kennedy School has a higher recommended GRE score compared to the MPP program. Applicants are expected to meet specific GRE score thresholds for consideration, with scores generally being higher for the MPA.

Can someone apply separately to both the Harvard Business School MBA and Harvard Kennedy School MPA programs?

While you can apply separately to both the Harvard Business School MBA and the Harvard Kennedy School MPA programs, it is generally recommended to focus on one program due to the potential complexity of managing both admissions processes. Additionally, the two programs don't typically allow simultaneous enrollment unless they are part of a joint degree arrangement.