Public Policy M.P.P.

Master of Public Policy

The mission of the University of Northern Iowa’s Master of Public Policy (MPP) program is to enhance the public service values of emerging and mid-career public service professionals and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze, develop, and evaluate public policy and affairs at all levels of government. 

The MPP program is an online professional interdisciplinary degree program providing specialized and advanced training for students wishing to assume roles as policy analysts, principally in the governmental and nonprofit sectors of society. Courses in this program are offered using a combination of Zoom, an interactive video conferencing system, on Tuesday evenings and online via eLearning, a Blackboard learning management system. Courses meeting in the fall and spring semesters are taught in eight-week modules and summer courses will be four weeks in length. The program is designed to be completed in two years (eight semesters and two summers).

Students interested in this program submit a completed Application for Admission to Graduate Study. Complete undergraduate transcripts are required for admission review, as are a personal statement, a resume, and two letters of recommendation. The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is not required for admission to the program. Admission to the MPP program is competitive. For more information about the program, visit https://online.uni.edu/online-programs/graduate-programs/master-public-policy-mpp or email the Program Coordinator, Professor Chris Larimer at christopher.larimer@uni.edu.

Only graduate courses (course numbers 5000 or above) will apply to a graduate degree, even if the undergraduate course number (4999 or less) is listed. No exceptions will be made.

The M.P.P. is available on the non-thesis option only, and requires 36 semester hours. A minimum of 13 hours of 6000-level course work is required. As part of PUBPOL 6280, students will work in teams to complete a capstone project for a designated organization.

Topics in Public Policy explores the latest developments in the field of public policy research. Ongoing policy issues may be used as examples to illustrate theoretical developments or to introduce applications of course material. Must be repeated three times under different topics.

Learning Outcomes

Master of Public Policy

To lead and manage in the public interest

• 1.1 Demonstrate ethical leadership and professional behavior in public service settings
• 1.2 Apply ethical reasoning in evaluation of policy

To participate in, and contribute to, the public policy process

• 2.1 Describe and synthesize public policy concepts and use them to analyze real policy problems
• 2.2 Use tools, methods of policy analysis to analyze policy problems

To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make evidence-based informed decisions in a complex and dynamic environment

• 3.1 Design quantitative and qualitative research projects, as appropriate to policy problems, that analyze data and draw conclusions

To articulate, apply, and advance a public service perspective

• 4.1 Critically reflect upon the importance of competence, transparency, and accountability as integral to responsible stewardship of the public trust

To communicate and interact productively and in culturally responsive ways with a diverse and changing workforce and society at large

• 5.1 Proficiency in oral communication across a variety of public and professional settings
• 5.2 Proficiency in written communication across a variety of public and professional settings

Related Programs

• Public Administration B.A.
• Political Science B.A.