A master’s in public administration — which typically focuses on management and implementation — or a master’s in public policy, which has a heavier emphasis on policy and analysis, are popular degree choices for people wanting to pursue a career in public service such as international development.
In fact, global leaders like United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and former head of the World Bank Robert Zoellik hold an MPA and an MPP, respectively.
In a survey of international development recruiters Devex conducted earlier this year, 17 percent identified an MPA or MPP as the most in-demand degree for their hiring needs this year.