FUTURE LEADERS Why an MPA Might Be Right for You A Master of Public Administration degree offers broad options By Skyler Beck M aster's degrees are becoming essential for future employment and overall career advancement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in occupations that already require a master's degree will increase by 18 percent between 2008 and 2018, nearly twice the 10 percent rate of growth expected for all occupations (www.bls.gov/opub/ mlr/2009/11/art5full.pdf). Making the decision to obtain an advanced degree is unmistakably critical to career advancement, but what degree should park and recreation professionals pursue? For most in the field, the typical choice for an advanced degree is a " Master of Parks and Recreation Management " or something with a similar title. This degree is beneficial as it prepares individuals for successful careers in a variety of leisure-service settings and is a good next step toward attaining management positions. Students and professionals have the opportunity to specialize in various tracks including recreation- al sports programming, rural and community tourism development, special event planning, and parks and recreation management. Having a master's degree of any kind opens new doors of opportunity and is a worthwhile endeavor. However, a common drawback for an advanced degree program related only to parks and recreation is that it is often very similar to the body of work done in undergrad- uate studies. The degree program is narrowly focused on the field of parks and recreation, which could limit career possibilities. Someone who may have aspirations to eventually work in municipal management or for other government and nonprofit agencies might benefit from alternative degrees. A Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the recognized graduate degree for professional positions focusing on public service primarily in a government capacity. This program develops skills used by public-sector employees to implement policies, projects and programs. A huge advantage of an MPA degree is its diverse career opportunities. Professionals equipped with an MPA degree work in all levels of gov- W W W. N R PA . O R G | J U N E 2 0 1 3 | Parks & Recreation 39