Introduction
As a prospective Master of Public Administration (MPA) student considering programs in the State of Iowa, there are several compelling reasons to explore this region for your graduate studies. When it comes to MPA programs, Iowa boasts several reputable institutions that offer unique and innovative programs. Overall, Iowa’s affordability, cultural amenities, economic opportunities, and innovative MPA programs make it a compelling choice for prospective students seeking a rewarding graduate education and a promising career in public administration.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 4
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 1
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $12,600 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $18,500 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus, hybrid, and online
- Average Starting Salary: $60,000
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- No GRE/GMAT Required
- 100% Online
- HLC Accredited
Walden University
Online Public Policy and Administration Programs
Walden University’s Public Administration programs are taught by a distinguished faculty of scholar-practitioners, many of whom have senior-executive experience in government and public service. Programs include:
- No GRE/GMAT Required
- Top Ranked
- Built for Leaders
Arizona State University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
ASU’s Online Master of Public Administration provides students with a curriculum that covers leadership strategies, ethical decision-making, and effective management across various organizations.
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Military Friendly
- 100% Online
Purdue Global
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Purdue Global’s Online MPA is designed to help practicing and aspiring administrators develop skills and techniques to provide leadership in a wide variety of public service fields.
- Affordable
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Accredited Program
Liberty University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Liberty University’s Master’s Degree in Public Administration Online is designed to equip students with a thorough background in the theories and practices essential for success in government and nonprofit roles. MPA areas of focus include:
- Accredited Programs
- Affordable Degrees
- 100% Online
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Public Administration & Political Science Degrees
Stand up and be counted with a degree in public administration/political science from Southern New Hampshire University—and learn how to facilitate change from within the system. Program offerings include:
NASPAA-Accredited MPA Programs in Iowa
The state of Iowa has four different educational bodies that offer an MPA graduate degree, and one institution is NASPAA-accredited as recently as 2025. An overview of this program- including accreditation, credit hours, location, and class modality- can be found here:
The University of Iowa
- Iowa City, IA.
- 42 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Affairs (MPAff)
Program Overview:
The MPAff at Iowa is interdisciplinary by design, with core and elective courses drawn from the School of Planning & Public Affairs and partner units like Business, Law, Engineering, Public Health, Strategic Communications, and Social Work. This structure equips students to creatively address critical societal challenges such as sustainable development, public infrastructure, health disparities, and inequality.
The School of Planning and Public Affairs is the #1 Public Affairs Master’s program in Iowa per U.S. News & World Report, and the Planetizen ranking places the broader urban planning master’s program 16th nationally.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: Students choose between two concentrations—Public & Nonprofit Management (covering strategic leadership, nonprofit governance, grant writing) and Public Policy (offering areas such as environmental, health, housing, and criminal justice policy).
- Dual-Tracks: The program offers combined-degree (Graduate-to-Graduate) options, such as MPAff/J.D., and an accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate (U2G) pathway across disciplines. This allows motivated students to leverage graduate coursework early and shorten the overall time to degree.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus only
- Accreditation: NASPAA, HLC
- Credit Hours: 42
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $13,425 (PYR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $32,372 (PYR)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: 19 (small cohort)
Other Considerations:
- Faculty-led, community-engaged learning is a hallmark—through projects coordinated with the IISC, the program embeds students in the policy and planning challenges experienced across Iowa.
- The Capstone Experience spans two linked courses where students work closely with communities through Iowa’s University Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC), blending data, policy analysis, and action-oriented solutions for real clients.
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- No GRE/GMAT Required
- 100% Online
- HLC Accredited
Walden University
Online Public Policy and Administration Programs
Walden University’s Public Administration programs are taught by a distinguished faculty of scholar-practitioners, many of whom have senior-executive experience in government and public service. Programs include:
- No GRE/GMAT Required
- Top Ranked
- Built for Leaders
Arizona State University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
ASU’s Online Master of Public Administration provides students with a curriculum that covers leadership strategies, ethical decision-making, and effective management across various organizations.
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Military Friendly
- 100% Online
Purdue Global
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Purdue Global’s Online MPA is designed to help practicing and aspiring administrators develop skills and techniques to provide leadership in a wide variety of public service fields.
- Affordable
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Accredited Program
Liberty University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Liberty University’s Master’s Degree in Public Administration Online is designed to equip students with a thorough background in the theories and practices essential for success in government and nonprofit roles. MPA areas of focus include:
- Accredited Programs
- Affordable Degrees
- 100% Online
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Public Administration & Political Science Degrees
Stand up and be counted with a degree in public administration/political science from Southern New Hampshire University—and learn how to facilitate change from within the system. Program offerings include:
Accreditation Details
The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) accreditation signifies that a program meets high standards of excellence in public service education and prepares graduates for impactful careers in public administration and policy.
While there is only one NASPAA-accredited MPA program in Iowa, several universities in the state are NASPAA members and have programs accredited by regional bodies such as the NCACSHLC, which ensures the MPA degree is acceptable by federal education standards. The remaining three institutions are overviewed here:
| Institution | Location | Accreditation | Credit Hours | Modality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drake University | Des Moines, IA | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online |
| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | NCACSHLC | 37 | Online |
| Upper Iowa University | Fayette, IA | NCACSHLC | 36 | Online/On- Campus |
Career Outlook
With a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in Iowa, graduates can pursue a wide range of rewarding careers in public service, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Some unique career opportunities in Iowa include:
- Agricultural Policy Analyst: Given Iowa’s status as a major agricultural state, policy analysts in this field work to research and develop policies that impact the state’s agricultural industry, such as farm subsidies, conservation programs.
- Community Development Specialist: Iowa’s rural communities often seek specialists to help them develop and implement plans for economic development, infrastructure improvement, and community revitalization.
- Water Resource Manager: With its extensive network of rivers and lakes, Iowa relies on water resource managers to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of its water resources, especially in the face of environmental challenges.
- Local Government Administrator: Cities and counties in Iowa require skilled administrators to manage day-to-day operations, oversee budgets, and implement policies and programs that benefit residents.
- Nonprofit Executive Director: Iowa’s nonprofit sector is vibrant, and executive directors play a crucial role in leading organizations that address a wide range of social, environmental, and cultural issues.
One notable individual with an MPA degree from Iowa is Tom Vilsack, who served as the governor of Iowa from 1999 to 2007 and later as the United States Secretary of Agriculture under President Barack Obama. Vilsack’s MPA degree from Drake University helped prepare him for a successful career in public service, where he focused on issues such as agriculture, rural development, and food policy.
All MPA Programs in Iowa
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drake University | Master Of Public Administration | Iowa | Des Moines | No | No | https://online.drake.edu/master-of-public-administration/ |
| University of Northern Iowa | Master Of Public Policy | Iowa | Cedar Falls | Yes | Yes | https://admissions.uni.edu/international/public-policy-mpp |
| Upper Iowa University | Master Of Public Policy Administration | Iowa | Fayette | Yes | No | https://uiu.edu/academics/programs/mpa/ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are GRE scores required for MPA programs in Iowa?
A: No, Iowa’s MPA programs—including the University of Iowa and Drake University—do not currently require the GRE. Admissions typically emphasize GPA, writing samples, and professional goals.
Q: Are any MPA programs in Iowa NASPAA-accredited?
A: Yes, as of 2025, the University of Iowa’s MPA program received NASPAA accreditation, aligning with national quality standards for public service education.
Q: Can I study part-time or online?
A: Yes. The University of Iowa offers an online option, and both schools accommodate part-time students with evening or hybrid courses.
Q: What types of careers do graduates pursue?
A: MPA graduates in Iowa work in state agencies, city management, nonprofit leadership, higher education administration, and healthcare policy—particularly in Des Moines and Eastern Iowa’s regional hubs.
