The interdisciplinary Master of Public Affairs degree prepares students to pursue careers in government service, as well as in the rapidly growing nonprofit sector. The degree also helps the university fulfill its pledge to, “Create a university ecosystem that enables UI to be an international leader in confronting the grand challenges of the 21st century.” This includes addressing how society responds to key problems facing communities, the nation, and the world.

 

The Master of Public Affairs program at the University of Iowa is administered by the School of Planning & Public Affairs (SPPA) within the Graduate College. Campus partners include degree programs in strategic communications, management and organization, civil and environmental engineering, and health policy. The Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC) is also housed within SPPA and coordinates community engaged, client-based Capstone Projects for MPA students.

The School of Planning and Public Affairs (SPPA) began offering the degree in Fall 2020. Enrollment includes individuals already employed and classes are primarily offered on campus.

Further data about the Public Affairs degree is available on the MPA Program Fact Sheet.
 

The Master of Public Affairs degree program prepares/trains the next generation of public managers, administrators, policy makers and analysts who:
•    stem from a wide range of sociodemographic backgrounds and interests;
•    embrace the public service values of public affairs, policy, and administration;
•    can analyze, develop and implement programs and policies that serve the public interest;
•    have the knowledge and skills to effectively and fairly manage and lead government and non-profit agencies and their staff;
•    serve their employers, profession and communities by promoting good governance, sound investments, sustainability, resilience, and justice;
•    have successful careers in public service, public administration, as well as nonprofit management in Iowa and beyond.

The program's mission is also to serve public and nonprofit sector agencies in the State of Iowa and beyond through student and faculty engagement with communities and through faculty research that advances public affairs, administration, and policy knowledge and practice.

MPA Curriculum

UI urban planning students walking through a field near Maquoketa, Iowa as part of their Field Problems community outreach course.

MPA Capstone Projects

 

Faculty Research Areas

  • Haifeng Qian - Economic Development Policy, Entrepreneurship, Regional Economic Analysis
  • Phuong Nguyen - Public Finance and Budgeting, Education Policy
  • Samantha Zuhlke - Public and Non-Profit Administration, Environmental Policy, Bureaucratic Politics
  • Sarah Hofmeyer - Agricultural Policy, Administrative Burden
  • Carrie Schuettpelz - Housing Policy, Poverty Policy, Native Policy
  • Travis Kraus - Creative Placemaking, Community Development

 

Combined Degrees