Online MBA MPA Dual Degree Programs

Interdisciplinary expertise grows in value as the traditional lines between public and private organizations increasingly blur. Today’s governments and nonprofits employ increasingly innovative and entrepreneurial approaches, and many contemporary businesses consider their social responsibility and contribution. Consequently, organizations value a diverse blend of management skills, knowledge, and acumen.

Learners who pursue a dual master of business administration (MBA) and master of public administration (MPA) online prepare themselves for upper-level careers in this changing landscape. Allowing enrollees to earn two master’s degrees through a single 2-3 year program, the MBA MPA program’s overlapping core courses reduce credit requirement totals. Many online dual-degree programs entail 60 credits, which is less than earning both degrees separately.

MBA MPA dual-degree program applicants usually must meet prerequisites for both programs. Applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree, a 3.0 minimum GPA, good GMAT or GRE scores, and sometimes two years of professional experience.

MBA MPA graduates can make a good living, particularly in the private sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cites a median annual wage of $69,820 for business and financial occupations, while PayScale data indicates that MBA graduates average nearly $89,000 annually.

A master’s in public administration or public policy focuses heavily on policy ethics and analysis, often preparing graduates for local government positions. An MBA equips graduates for management positions in the private sector. Earning both degrees empowers graduates to pursue administrative, regulatory, or analyst careers in either or both private and public sectors.

Possible nonprofit or government sector careers include social or community service manager, community outreach coordinator, policy coordinator, or policy analyst. These nonprofit careers often pay between $40,000 and $65,000, but salaries depend on credentials and professional experience. Professionals with two master’s-level degrees can often considerably increase their earning potential.

Many professionals pursue an MBA MPA dual degree to transition from one sector to the other, or to qualify for salary advancement or promotion. Common business careers for online MBA MPA graduates include management analyst, business consultant, compliance officer, and financial manager. According to the BLS, these professionals earn median annual salaries between $73,000 and $130,000.

Some MBA MPA dual-degree programs offer niche specialization options that can further prepare graduates for particular careers.

Unlike single master’s or MBA programs, which often entail 30-50 credits, an MBA MPA dual-degree program allows enrollees to earn two degrees by completing 50-60 credits. Dual degree curricula typically include about 20 core courses from each discipline, plus some elective or concentration credits. Because several core courses meet core requirements for both degrees, dual degree enrollees complete fewer credits than they would if earning each degree separately.

Dual-degree programs often require 2-3 years to complete, with timelines depending on transfer credits, enrollment status, and program design. Dual-degree program applicants typically must meet admission requirements such as holding a minimum 3.0 GPA and an accredited bachelor’s degree related to either or both disciplines. Many programs require applicants to submit recommendation letters, GMAT or GRE scores, and a resume detailing related professional experience.

Prospective students can help ensure their education’s return on investment by choosing MBA MPA dual-degree programs and schools that meet high programmatic and institutional accreditation standards. A voluntary evaluation and improvement process administered by accrediting agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), accreditation may affect financial aid and credit transfer.

Only students at schools accredited by CHEA-approved national or regional accrediting agencies can receive federal financial aid. Degrees and credits from nationally accredited schools usually do not transfer to regionally accredited schools because the former do not meet the latter’s rigorous academic standards.

Good public administration programs may also hold programmatic accreditation by organizations such as the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. Top business programs are often accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Prospective learners can verify accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database.

Many dual-degree programs require applicants to meet admission prerequisites and standards for both the MBA and the MPA programs. Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school, at least two years of relevant professional work experience, and above-average GMAT scores (or their equivalent). Eligible candidates demonstrate commitment to professionalism and leadership. Applicants must typically submit recommendation letters, official transcripts, resumes, and essays.

MPA MBA programs usually require at least 60 credits of core and specialization coursework from both disciplines. By entering a dual-degree program, enrollees often complete 12-24 fewer credits than they would need to earn each degree separately. To graduate, MBA MPA students typically must complete a capstone project or internship involving a real-world worksite.

Typically combining core coursework and electives from both subject areas, MBA MPA dual-degree programs prepare graduates for careers identifying and solving organizational and societal problems. Through coursework, internships, and capstone projects, MBA MPA programs build advanced skills in data collection, analysis, policy and program design, and leadership.

Some programs may emphasize policy while others focus on business management. Common concentration courses include human resources management, policy studies, and public finance. See below for common courses in many MBA MPA curricula. However, note that MBA MPA program curricula vary by school.

MBA and MPA degrees meet or exceed minimum education requirements for many public and business administration careers. However, earning a professional certification can further enhance job-seekers’ qualifications. The following certifications serve aspiring public service managers, project management professionals, and financial management professionals in various sectors and industries.

Business administration and public administration professionals and students experience many benefits from joining professional organizations, including continuing education programming, networking opportunities, and updates on current trends and developments. Professional organizations also frequently host conferences and maintain job boards and other career resources. Some professional groups perform advocacy, raise public awareness, and disseminate useful research findings.

Some college and graduate students may qualify for scholarships. These financial awards are often based on merit, financial need, field of study, or group membership. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment. Eligible MBA MPA enrollees may apply to business or public service scholarships, including the ones below.