How do I decide between master's programs?

Master of Arts in Urban Affairs & Public Policy -vs- Master of in Public Administration

When applying to the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy as a master's student, you have several exciting choices. Your first major choice is which degree is right for you, MA or MPA? We have designed this interactive questionnaire to help you decide…

What is the difference between an MA and an MPA?

The programs have similar goals, but differ in focus, curriculum and requirements. Both programs are designed to prepare graduates for careers in public affairs and public service in government, nonprofit, and private sector. The MPA focuses on administration and management while the MA focuses on policy, planning, and research. Our comparison chart will help you see the differences between the two degrees.

What was your undergraduate major?

Students from the following undergraduate areas have sought out MA degrees in the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy:
Political Science	Land Economics	Health Education
Sociology	Urban Studies	Art History
Communication	Criminal Justice	Historic Preservation
Economics	Education	Philosophy
Public Administration	Geography	Mental Health Technology
Latin American Studies	Afro-American Studies	Chemistry
Anthropology	Accounting	History
Students with the following undergraduate backgrounds have chosen the MPA program in the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy:
Geography	International Relations	African-American Studies
Political Science	Women’s Studies	Applied Nutrition
English Literature	Music	Animal Science
Physical Education Studies	Civil & Environmental Engineering	Entomology/Wildlife Conservation
Sociology	Journalism	Psychology
Economics	Public Relations	Mathematics
Family & Community Services	Leadership & Consumer Economics	Business Administration & Management
Public Administration	Elementary Education	Recreation & Leisure Management
Behavioral Science	Human Resources	Business Administration
Biology	Social Welfare	Nursing
Communication	Chemistry	Social Work
Criminal Justice	History

School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy
184 Graham Hall | University of Delaware | Newark, DE 19716
phone 302 831 1687 | e-mail suapp@udel.edu | fax 302 831 3296