Online MBA MPA Dual Degree Programs

ASO Staff Writers
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Updated on August 17, 2023
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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.

What Can I Do With an MBA MPA Dual Degree?

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 managercommunity outreach coordinatorpolicy 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 analystbusiness consultantcompliance 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.

What is a Dual Degree Program?

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.

Accreditation for an MBA MPA Dual-Degree Program

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.

FAQ

What Are the Requirements for an MBA MPA Dual Degree?

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.

Courses in an MBA MPA Dual Degree Program

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.

Certifications and Licensure for MBA MPA Majors

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.

Professional Organizations for MBA MPA Students

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.

Scholarships for MBA MPA Students

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.

Best Online MBA MPA Dual Degree Programs

1
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
LocationAmherst, MA
Location36161

A large, public university in Amherst, Massachusetts, UMass Amherst ranks among the nation's best colleges. UMass' College of Social & Behavioral Sciences' School of Public Policy runs an MPPA MBA online dual degree program for aspiring leaders across government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors.

To complete this three-year program, students complete a year in one program before beginning core coursework for the second program during year two. During year three, enrollees usually complete remaining elective requirements. Program length depends on part-time or full-time attendance pacing. Each of these two degrees requires a summer internship, so students maintain engagement with this online dual degree program year-round.

Most enrollees have at least two years of public policy or administration professional experience. Applicants submit GRE scores, two recommendation letters, a purpose statement, and official transcripts. UMass Amherst maintains rolling admissions.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

2
Oregon State University
LocationCorvallis, OR
Location30847

A large state school based in Corvallis, OSU offers both dual-major and concurrent master's degree options for online students interested in public policy and business administration.

Dual-major master's students earn one degree but get to incorporate courses from two majors. Students need formal admission to both majors and must complete all degree requirements and exams for both majors. Examination and thesis committees must include faculty from both majors. To graduate, students need at least 60 credits, which usually takes full-time learners at least three years to complete.

Concurrent degree candidates must complete all requirements, including capstone projects and experiences, for both majors. This option may take almost twice as long as the dual-degree option. Often serving working students seeking career advancement, OSU's master of public policy builds knowledge and skills for domestic and international public service careers. The MBA program emphasizes global perspectives, social responsibility, and innovation in business administration.

Oregon State University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

3
Hamline University
LocationSaint Paul, MN
Location29154

Known for its emphasis on experiential learning and social justice, HU is private liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minnesota. HU offers a hybrid or online MBA MPA dual degree program that highlights the need for multi-sector approaches to complex business and public administration issues.

Students can pursue online or hybrid versions of the MBA and MPA. Online coursework runs asynchronously, allowing working students to participate during after-work hours. Hybrid students attend weekend residencies every eight weeks. Degree timelines vary based on learners' enrollment pace and prior coursework. Most online students enroll part time and take at least three years to complete this dual degree program.

Online MBA courses cover topics such as cybersecurity, leadership and change management, and business analytics. MPA coursework focuses on decision-making, data analytics, and public policy analysis.

HU offers rolling admissions and does not require GMAT scores. Application requirements include a resume, two recommendations, official transcripts, and a personal statement.

Hamline University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

4
Appalachian State University
LocationBoone, NC
Location23202

One of 17 University of North Carolina campuses, Appalachian rests in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the town of Boone, North Carolina. Appalachian's 60-credit MBA MPA dual degree program prepares graduates for leadership roles in business or public organizations.

Distance learners complete a part-time version of this program designed for working students.

This online dual degree program entails 21 MBA and 21 MPA credits, six credits of shared courses, six internship or field research credits, and 12 elective credits. MBA courses include executive skills, business analytics, managerial finance, and an international experience. MPA coursework covers public policy analysis and program evaluation, budgeting and fiscal administration, public personnel administration, and two capstone courses.

Eligible applicants hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and knowledge of core business topics including economics, corporate finance, organizational behavior, and statistics. Evidence of this foundational MBA knowledge can come from professional experience, coursework from a prior school, or Appalachian's accelerated prerequisite program. Application requirements include GRE or GMAT scores.

Appalachian State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

5
Texas Tech University
LocationLubbock, TX
Location26782

A public university located in Lubbock, Texas Tech offers a 42-credit MBA dual degree program that permits enrollees to add a second master's degree for as few as 12 additional credits. A collaborative effort by Rawls College and other colleges, the dual degree path requires 12-24 fewer credits than earning two degrees separately.

The MBA entails 24 required credits in topics such as leadership and ethics, strategic and global management, and financial management. Enrollees also complete 12 MBA elective credits and 12 credits from the second master's program. Texas Tech's MPA program may include an internship but does not require a thesis. MBA MPA students cultivate advanced skills in leadership, policy and program analysis, problem-solving, and communication. Distance learning may entail synchronous and asynchronous participation.

Texas Tech University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.