Top Business Schools for Public Sector Management / Government 2024

For some students, an MBA in Government or Public Sector Management can be a very rewarding choice. After all, governments and other public sector organizations function differently from commercial businesses, and as such, managers can require a more specialized understanding when running them.

MBA students interested in government or public sector work can explore programs that offer specialized curricula or internships in public agencies. While very few business schools offer specialized MBAs in Public Sector Management or Government, those seeking a more nuanced understanding of these organizations might consider pairing their MBA with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or a Master of Public Policy (MPP) in a dual-degree program. This combination can provide a robust foundation in both business acumen and public sector dynamics, making graduates highly attractive candidates for leadership roles in government and public institutions.

Depending on their goals, other students might find that one of the best MBA programs in nonprofit management is a good fit. These programs often share similar values and skills with public sector management, focusing on mission-driven leadership and the complexities of managing organizations that aim to serve the public good.

Top MBA programs for Public Sector Management often include courses in public finance, policy analysis, and organizational behavior specific to government and nonprofit sectors. Additionally, these programs may offer unique opportunities for networking with public sector professionals, providing valuable insights and career connections.

Moreover, some business schools have established partnerships with government agencies and nonprofit organizations, allowing students to gain hands-on experience through internships and capstone projects. This practical exposure is invaluable, as it helps students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges in the public sector.

When considering an MBA in Public Sector Management, it is crucial to research the specific offerings of each program to ensure they align with your career aspirations. Look for programs that emphasize leadership in public administration, ethical governance, and strategic management of public resources.

See below for the 10 best MBA programs for Public Sector Management / Government. These programs have been selected based on their specialized curriculum, opportunities for practical experience, and their overall reputation in the field of public sector management.

New Haven, Connecticut 43 Followers 62 Discussions
Yale

Although many of the school’s MBA grads go into the consulting and financial services sectors, a small but steady contingent also goes into the government sector each year. Recent recruiters have included the FBI, the National Parks Service, and the New York State Governor’s Office.

View School Profile
Singapore, Singapore 83 Followers 170 Discussions
NUS

Asia-bound MBA students interested in government should consider NUS, which offers the opportunity for students to pair their MBA with a Master in Public Policy (MPP) degree from NUS’ Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

View School Profile
Boston, Massachusetts 164 Followers 110 Discussions
BU - SOM

With electives like “Government, Society, and Sustainable Development," the school’s Public and Nonprofit MBA is a great option for public sector-bound students. And the “Public and Nonprofit Management Club” is a great networking resource.

View School Profile
Toronto, Canada 89 Followers 114 Discussions
York - Schulich

The school’s MBA concentration in the Public Sector is designed for both those who want to go into government roles and those who will work in highly-regulated industries like mining and financial services. Recent grads have been recruited by public agencies like Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and the government of Ontario.

View School Profile
Oxford, United Kingdom 70 Followers 279 Discussions
Oxford - Saïd

Oxford’s 1+1 MBA program offers students the chance to pair their MBA with a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree. A small but steady stream of Oxford MBA grads go into government roles, all over the world.

View School Profile
Washington, District of Columbia 27 Followers 57 Discussions
Georgetown - McDonough

Although the school does not offer a concentration in government, it does offer a dual-degree MBA/MPP as well as a joint Master of Science in Foreign Service. In recent years, the FBI has been a top recruiter of MBAs at the school. In 2016, Georgetown announced that it would begin offering an MA in International Business and Policy.

View School Profile
Washington, District of Columbia 37 Followers 64 Discussions

The school's MBA concentration in “Government Contracts” and its Washington, DC location mean that many students go into government roles, in organizations like the US Environmental Protection agency and the Department of Veterans Affairs. In recent years, upwards of 12 percent of the MBA grads went into government roles.

View School Profile
Baltimore, Maryland 13 Followers 24 Discussions
Johns Hopkins - Carey

The school’s unique MBA/MA in Government dual-degree program promises to bridge the gap between the separation between the public and private sectors. In this program, students complete the MA at the Johns Hopkins’ School of Arts and Sciences, and the MBA classes at Carey. The school’s Baltimore location—not far from Washington, DC—makes networking with government agencies easier.

View School Profile
Edmonton, Canada 50 Followers 53 Discussions
UAlberta

Alberta students looking to prepare for careers in the public sector or nonprofit organizations can choose to pursue the school's specialization in “Public Policy & Management.” The school, through its executive education department, has a long-standing partnership with the Government of Alberta.

View School Profile
Williamsburg, Virginia 8 Followers 31 Discussions

In recent years, Mason grads have been snapped up by a range of government agencies and departments, including the National Park Service, the US Department of State, and the Environmental Protection Agency. 

View School Profile

Related MBA News

May 26, 2020

FIND MBA Updates Top 10 Lists by Specialization for 2020

May 26, 2020

More MBA News

More Top 10 Lists

More Top 10 Lists

Related Discussions

Selecting a Program for an Unconventional Candidate
Aug 27, 2024  273  Duncan
Government MBA
Jul 08, 2015  514  Razors Edg...
MBA / Social Impact Investing
Mar 30, 2015  1,000  maury
730 GMAT --> Tier 1 schools?
Mar 03, 2015  3,455  Mechanical...
HHL vs Suny Buffalo vs Liautaud MBA
Feb 23, 2015  501  Duncan
How to make a career switch!
Jan 30, 2015  795  Inactive User
MBA shorter than 1 year
Sep 25, 2014  590  Benson001
MBA at HHL, MPA at Sciences Po
May 14, 2014  540  Razors Edg...
Newbie Here!
Dec 04, 2013  180  Okiman
Public Service/MBA
Mar 07, 2013  390  Claire de ...
Joint Degree Program MBA/MPP or MA International Relations
Oct 22, 2012  1,304  ezra
MBA/MPA question
Mar 30, 2012  2,822  patmpamba
Reputable or not? MBA/MPP/MPA
Dec 17, 2009  1,404  kenfcc
MBA in Investigations / Fraud Management / Risk & Corporate...
Nov 12, 2008  541  Inactive User

Go to FIND MBA Discussion Board

Advanced MBA Program Search
KEYWORDS (optional)
COUNTRY / REGION
SPECIALIZATION
LANGUAGE
PROGRAM TYPE
INTAKE
SHOW ONLY
AVERAGE GMAT
AVERAGE WORK EXPERIENCE
TUITION
DURATION