Public Policy (MPP)

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Overview

This master's degree program is designed for anyone interested in furthering their education about public policy. Utilize your talents to improve your community, state, nation and the world. Discover the tools you need to assume effective and meaningful positions with public or nonprofit organizations that serve the community.

Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2021 cohort.
Applications are currently being accepted through August 1 - Apply today!

Program features

Designed for working professionals looking to advance their careers

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program is a professional, applied degree designed to enhance the skills you need in the increasingly-complex public policy arena.
Explore the political and social aspects of public policy, as well as various methods for policy analysis.
Courses in this two-year program are offered with working professionals in mind, with two courses per semester.

Flexible learning for a busy life

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 six weeks in length. This program includes a brief orientation to the program and is scheduled on the UNI campus; date TBA. Individual arrangements may be made for out-of-state students.

While most students encounter very few technical difficulties, our team of support specialists is available to assist you as needed. For your convenience, you will have access to the UNI Rod Library.

Program Mission

The mission of the University of Northern Iowa’s Master of Public Policy program is to enhance the public service values of emerging and mid-career public service professionals by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze, develop, and evaluate public policy at all levels of government. We expect our graduates to: value accountability and transparency as integral to responsible stewardship of the public trust; be able to assess the ethical implications of policy decisions and incorporate those considerations into their professional work; be able to differentiate between efficiency and effectiveness in evaluating policy alternatives; and demonstrate respect, equity and fairness in their dealings with fellow public servants and a diverse citizenry.

Testimonials

Jeremy Rosel

The most important thing I’ve taken from this program is the importance of critical thinking and the ability to evaluate community programs and resources. Before, I felt like just another person living in Cedar Falls; now I feel more invested in the development of my community because of the conversations we’ve had in class. Furthermore, I feel like I can add to the conversation and help grow the world around me.

Program Schedule

Public Policy (MPP) - Fall 2021 Cohort

Tentative course schedule
Click on a course title to view the course description (if available).

On-campus introductory session for August 2021 to be determined

Fall 2021

PUBPOL

6260

Policy Analysis: Methods and Approaches

Research methods and approaches for analyzing and evaluating public policy choices and impacts. Understanding the context and purposes of policy analysis. Defining policy research questions and developing research designs. Selecting and applying appropriate research methods to policy problems. Prerequisite(s): enrollment requires admission to the graduate program in Public Policy, or consent of Director of Graduate Program in Public Policy.

3 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

PUBPOL

6275

Quantitative Methods for Politics and Policy

Statistical methods appropriate to study of political science and public policy, including hypothesis testing using parametric and nonparametric tests, correlation and bivariate regression, experimental methods, logistic regression and multiple regression.

3 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

Spring 2022

FIN

5159

Public Finance

3 unit(s)

PUBPOL

5159

Ethics in Public Policy

3 unit(s)

Summer 2022

POL AMER

5176

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. May be repeated under different topics. Prerequisite(s): junior standing.

3 unit(s)

Topic: Climate Action Planning

POL AMER

5176

Topics in Public Policy

3 unit(s)

Topic: Race and Public Policy

PUBPOL

6281

Internship in Public Policy

Field experience for students enrolled in Master of Public Policy degree program. Students may be given credit for extensive career experience at the discretion of the Program Director.

3 unit(s)

For students with sufficient public policy work experience, internship may be waived.

Fall 2022

PUBPOL

6259

Advanced Methods

3 unit(s)

POL AMER

5153

Leadership and Management in Public Service

This course provides students the opportunity to study the political nature, characteristics and operation of American public organizations. You will analyze the internal and external factors that explain how public organizations operate, including theories and models of leadership and internal dynamics of public organizations and their role in the American political system. Prerequisite(s): POL AMER 1014 (942:014); POL AMER 1048 (942:048); junior standing. (Fall)

3 unit(s)

Spring 2023

PUBPOL

6204

Program Evaluation in Public Policy

Theory and practice of program evaluation and evaluative research from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives.

3 unit(s)

PUBPOL

6259

Capstone: Policy Practicum

3 unit(s)

Summer 2023

PUBPOL

6285

Readings in Public Policy

Registration requires written consent of Program Director. May be repeated.

1 unit(s)

PUBPOL

6299

Research

Individually arranged research hours with individual instructors. Research paper will be produced to satisfy degree requirements. Defense of research paper is required.

3 unit(s)

FAQs

General information

What are the costs?

All students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of location, making it an affordable option for all students.

Tuition for the 2020-21 academic year is $509 per unit of graduate credit or $320 per unit of undergraduate credit. An additional technology fee per course may apply. Tuition and fees are expected to rise each May, typically announced by the Iowa Board of Regents in March.

Do I qualify for financial aid?

Distance education students may qualify for financial aid with the following eligibility requirements:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Be admitted to UNI and enrolled in a degree-seeking or Advanced Studies Certificate program
Be enrolled for a minimum number of credits per semester or summer session
Be in compliance with satisfactory academic progress standards

Specific questions about financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at 319-273-2700 or fin-aid@uni.edu

Why choose the University of Northern Iowa?

Since its establishment in 1876 as the Iowa State Normal School, the University of Northern Iowa has maintained its affirmed commitment to the support of excellence in teacher education. That commitment remains strong as the university continues to prepare students to become teachers, as well as provide opportunities for career advancement in the field of education. In addition to a commitment to teaching, our faculty members are engaged in research, writing and professional development. View UNI's national rankings and honors.

I'm not sure about distance learning. How can I make sure it’s right for me?

Research findings demonstrate that students of all types of learning styles can succeed in a distance environment. View our tips for being a successful distance learner.

What kind of support services can I expect to receive?

The University of Northern Iowa is committed to providing comprehensive support services for distance education students. The Office of Continuing and Distance Education serves as your primary point of contact in accessing distance education support services, including enrollment services, technical support for online course tools and more. You are also given access to the UNI Rod Library’s print and electronic collections for your convenience. View a complete list of services and support resources.

Please contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 319-273-7206, 800-648-3864 or distance@uni.edu with any questions. If we don’t have the answer, we will do our best to find it.

Will academic advising assistance be provided?

You will work with the program coordinator when communicating about the program of study. Once participating in the program, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will work with you one-on-one regarding your progress in the program.

Program specific information

How do I get started?

See the "Next Steps" tab above for information. If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinator(s) and/or enrollment contact below or contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at ContinuingEd@uni.edu.

What happens if I miss a course in the sequence?

While it is often possible to make up courses that are missed, our commitment is to deliver the courses as outlined in the cohort schedule. This is not designed as a program in which students come and go. Rather, the cohort model requires that students take the prescribed sequence in unison. Should you need to miss a course, you should consult with your program advisor for options.

Is the GRE or any other examination required?

There are no entrance exam requirements for this program.

How will I enroll in the courses?

When you have completed the steps to admission and have been accepted into the program, we will send you details and information about how to enroll in the first course. After you participate in the first term of courses in the cohort sequence, the Office of Continuing and Distance Education will notify you with enrollment details for the next term of courses as they become available. You are required to enroll in your courses each semester.

Can I take the courses out of sequence or start at a later date?

The program is planned so that students move through the sequence of courses as a cohort group. The first course forms a foundation for the program and includes an introduction unit describing the program goals, sequence of courses, standards, rubrics and academic expectations. For that reason, it is important that you enroll and complete the courses in the same sequence. Program faculty expect that students have a growing knowledge of concepts built upon a prescribed sequence of courses. In addition, program faculty work to build an online community as students move through the course sequence together.

How are the courses delivered?

For information about course delivery, please see the "Overview" tab above.

Additional FAQs

Can transfer credits from another college/university apply toward program requirements?

In general, students complete the full set of courses outlined in the program. It is possible to transfer a limited number of graduate credits. However, this credit must meet the following criteria:

Course must be a regular graduate course with a graduate course number (not professional development or college credit through an Educational Agency or conference).
Course must be taken by the student in graduate status, and the official transcript must show a grade of B or better earned.
Course must be applicable as a graduate requirement at the institution where it is taken.
Course must be taught by regular graduate faculty.
Course must meet the UNI seven-year recency requirement.
Academic departments will determine whether or not they wish to accept transfer credit even if it meets the above requirements. These criteria were established to prevent credits not intended for use toward graduate degrees (i.e., Area Education Agency/professional development credits) from being used to meet UNI degree program requirements.

Please check with the program coordinator about specific situations.

Next Steps

Step one: Express your interest

Please complete the online interest form on the right to express your interest in joining a future cohort leading to a Master of Public Policy. The next cohort is scheduled to begin August 2021. We will use the information you provide to send you program updates, including important information about application deadlines.

Step two: Apply for admission

We are accepting applications for the Fall 2021 cohort through August 1.

Former UNI students: The online application requires logging in with your CatID credentials. If you have forgotten your username or passphrase, contact the IT Help Desk at servicedesk@uni.edu or 319-273-5555 and have them reset your password.

Need help with your UNI application?

Contact us at 800-648-3864 or Distance@uni.edu for assistance. Additional resources are also available from the UNI Graduate College.

Complete the online Application for Graduate Study and the required application materials requested by the department (see below) can be attached at time of application submission or sent separately. (Note: required application materials can be attached at the time of application submission or after submission.)
Please note that you are applying for admission as a Graduate student for Fall 2021.
The program for which you are applying is Public Policy - MPP.
Entrance exams are not required.
Note that if you have received a degree from UNI, you do not have to pay the non-refundable $60 application fee or request your UNI transcripts.
International students: Please contact the Office of International Admissions at international.admissions@uni.edu or 319-273-2195 for specific instructions.

Additional application materials:

An applicant statement describing your professional background, your motivation for applying to the Master of Public Policy program, and your career goals
Two letters of recommendation

Required application materials can be attached (in .pdf format) to the application at the time of or after submission or sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

Office of Admissions
University of Northern Iowa
002 Gilchrist Hall
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018
admissionsprocessing@uni.edu

What to expect

When your application for graduate study is complete, you will receive confirmation from UNI Admissions staff that they have received and forwarded your application and transcripts to the Department of Political Science for review.

The department will review your application materials and contact you about your admission status. Following admission to the program, you will receive information about how to enroll in the first set of courses.

Delivery of the program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.

Program Coordinator(s):

Christopher Larimer

Political Science

(319) 273-6047

Christopher.Larimer@uni.edu

Enrollment Contact:

Rita Gutman

Continuing and Distance Education

(319) 273-2504

Rita.Gutman@uni.edu

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Continuing Education and Special Programs

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Flexible learning for a busy life

Program Mission

Jeremy Rosel

Public Policy (MPP) - Fall 2021 Cohort

General information

Program specific information

Additional FAQs

Step one: Express your interest

Need help with your UNI application?

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