Professional Careers with a Degree from SPAA

MPA and MUP graduates can be found in the following areas of the employment sector and more:

Local, State, or Federal Government 

MPA graduates typically work with various departments of state government and can include counties, townships, and school districts or within various federal departments and agencies.  MUP graduates typically work in planning, community development, housing, transportation, sustainability, public works, recreation, environmental, natural resources, or similar departments and agencies within city, county, state, tribal, or federal governments in the U.S. or abroad.

Nonprofit Organizations

MPA graduates also work with local and national non-profit agencies and/or foundations.  These can include charitable organizations, research organizations, and educational institutions.  MUP graduates also work with local, national, or international non-profits and focus on advocating for issues, such as, sustainability, affordable housing, social justice, human rights, bicycle and pedestrian accessibility, the environment, indigenous communities, public health, and community well-being.

Private Sector

Working in the private sector with an MPA or MUP can involve working in consulting firms, association management firms and other businesses in a variety of areas including personnel management, budget analysis, and public relations.  MUPs commonly work in planning, architecture, engineering, financial, or economic development consulting firms and provide services to local/state/federal governments requiring specialized skills in sustainability, public engagement, housing, or transportation. Sometimes, MUP graduates also work in the real estate development field often in affordable housing or historic preservation.

International Relations

MPAs can work with US government agencies and international non-profit organizations to inform and enhance relations between countries through foreign diplomacy, intelligence, policy, and law.