Master of Public Policy (MPP)
Advance your career through this multidisciplinary program and utilize your talents to improve our community, state and world.
- Delivered entirely online
- Begin coursework Fall 2026
- Priority application deadline: June 1
As an Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have a dedicated Enrollment Contact and Program Coordinator to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation and much more.
Chris Larimer
Program Coordinator
Professor, Political Science
christopher.larimer@uni.edu
319-273-6047
Lisa Jaeger
Enrollment Contact
lisa.jaeger@uni.edu
319-273-2504
Request Information
Features
What Sets UNI's MPP Program Apart
- 100% Online Format – Ideal for working professionals balancing careers and education
- 36-Credit Program – Streamlined curriculum focused on real-world policy challenges
- Complete in 2 Years – Designed for efficient, focused learning (including summer courses)
- Collaborative Cohort Model – Learn alongside peers in government, nonprofits, and advocacy
Accredited by the NASPAA Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation and listed on the Annual Voter of Accredited Programs in conformity with NASPAA standards
Explore What's Happening in Public Policy at UNI - Read our latest MPP Newsletter
Courses & Delivery
Courses are offered entirely online using dynamic platforms including Zoom video conferencing and Blackboard, enhancing your learning experience and community with peers.
- Classes meet on Tuesday evenings.
- Fall & spring courses are taught in eight-week modules. Summer courses are four weeks in length.
- A brief orientation will be scheduled on the UNI campus, but a virtual option is available.
View course sequences:
Admission Requirements
To be admitted, students must have:
- a bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- minimum GPA of 2.75 (GPAs of less than 2.75 may be considered for provisional admission)
- completed application checklist items:
- a personal statement that reflects on the program's mission and how an MPP degree will enhance your personal and career development
- resume
- two letters of recommendation
- along with the application, students should have their official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions
Nilvia Reyes Rodriguez
"I have found the MPP students we work with for their final research projects are outstandingly talented in their respective fields. The work they put into their projects clearly shows. This work, their findings, and their final proposals are absolutely going to help guide our community engagement pieces and Community Impact Report."
Director of Community Impact and Engagement
Courtney Blind
"I [reviewed] the research provided and wanted to share my gratitude to [the MPP] students. This work far exceeded my expectations and I am very appreciative of the background, yet tangible takeaways. This will help advise short-term and long-term decisions as we move forward with Dance Marathon."
Executive Director, Corporate and Community Development, UI Health Care
Darrin Gage
"After working in local government as a city clerk, city administrator, and county director of policy and administration, I had a strong desire to further develop my knowledge of policy design and analysis at an in-depth, rigorous level that professional conferences and seminars cannot provide. UNI’s MPP program offers a flexible schedule for non-traditional students and ongoing opportunities to engage meaningfully in cohort-based learning and to benefit from the experience of other professionals."
Master of Public Policy, Class of 2025
Director of Policy & Administration - Linn County, Iowa
