David L.

Prestige really shouldn't be a factor in this process, though if admissions statistics is any indicator, the MPP (~<20% admit rate) is a bit more competitive to get into than the MPA (~30-40% admit rate depending on year). That being said, while MPP might be more competitive, recruiters generally don't care/know the difference and you should really choose based on your goals. The MPP has a structured core curriculum with set requirements (e.g. a capstone thesis aka Policy Analysis Exercise) whereas the MPA has no such rigid requirements (it's a bit more of a "choose your own adventure" type major). Consequently, the MPA could be a quantitatively intense degree or a fluffy, soft-skills degree depending on your design. However, given that many MPA's are pursuing joint degrees, it makes sense for them to choose this route. In fact, many MPP's who begin joint degrees choose to switch over for the flexibility. If you really want intensity/rigor, try the MPA-ID (which if prestige is a factor, is the "toughest" to get into at HKS with a ~15% admit rate).