The Master of Public Affairs (M.P.A.), one of several public affairs degrees, historically has been a master level professional degree offered in public policy schools that provides training in public policy and the operation of government. Courses required for this degree educate students in public and non-profit management, policy analysis, and applied technology. The degree is commonly applied to international and domestic policy careers. Many Master of Public Affairs degrees are similar to the Master of Public Policy degree, whereas other fall closer to the Master of Public Administration degree.