The Master of Public Affairs degree is offered through the School of Planning and Public Affairs, within the Graduate College at the University of Iowa and is currently offered as an in-person degree in Iowa City.
Master of Public Affairs Facts
Curriculum
The required curriculum includes completion of a minimum of 42 s.h. for the degree.
The program is typically completed in two years of full-time study. Courses may also be taken part-time.
Areas of Concentration
Public and Nonprofit Management
Public Policy
Combined Graduate-to-Graduate Degrees
Open to MPA students combined with any graduate area of study at the University of Iowa
A formalized combined degree option has been established with Law
Undergraduate-to-Graduate Degrees (U2G)
Undergraduate-to-Graduate (U2G) degree options are available allowing students to earn a graduate degree in public affairs and an undergraduate degree in less time than would be required to obtain the two degrees independently. Courses for one degree are considered as elective credit for the other degree program.
This is a universal U2G. It is open to students in all undergraduate majors at the University of Iowa.
Student Achievement
In the academic years 2020-2024, 100% of graduating students passed the program's final examination.
2024-25 Tuition and Fees
| 2024-2025 TUITION AND FEES | TUITION | FEES | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa Residents, per full-time academic year | $11,650 | $1,775 | $13,425 |
| Out-of-state Residents, per full-time academic year | $30,597 | $1,775 | $32,372 |
Student Retention Rate
Percentage of students who began studies in Fall 2022 and continued into Fall 2023: 78%
Student Completion Rate
| 2020-2021 Entering Class | Total | MPA alone | Combined degrees (Pursuing MPA and another graduate degree concurrently) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of entering students | 15 | 12 | 3 |
| Two-year completion rate | 60% | 75% | 0% |
| Four-year completion rate | 80% | 75% | 100% |
Number of Degrees Awarded
Number of degrees awarded for the 2023-2024 academic year : 7
Employment Percentage
| EMPLOYMENT | PERCENT |
|---|---|
| Percentage of graduates employed in the profession within 6 months of graduation, graduating class of 2023 | 92% |
| Other: Percentage pursuing advanced education, not included in above total | 0% |
Number of Students
Number of students in 2023-24: 19