Master of Public Policy (MPP)
Advance your career and utilize your talents to improve our community, state and world.
- Delivered entirely online
- Begin coursework Fall 2025
- Full consideration date: August 1 - Apply now!
- View our program fact sheet
You may be eligible to receive a $2,000 Online & Distance Education Scholarship -- complete the application today!
Accredited by the NASPAA Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation and listed on the Annual Voter of Accredited Programs in conformity with NASPAA standards
Features
Entirely Online | 37 Credits | 2 Years
- Designed for working professionals - study with the same group of professionals through our cohort structure and complete the program in two years, including summers
- Professional, applied degree designed to enhance the skills needed for success in the increasingly-complex public policy arena
- Explore the political and social aspects of public policy as well as methods for policy analysis
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 |
 | Lisa Jaeger Enrollment Contact 319-273-2504 |
Request Information
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 six weeks in length.
- A brief orientation will be scheduled on the UNI campus, but a virtual option is available.
View course sequences:
The mission of the Master of Public Policy 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. We expect our graduates to:
- Value accountability and transparency as integral to responsible stewardship of the public trust
- Assess the ethical implications of policy decisions and incorporate considerations into their professional work
- Differentiate between efficiency and effectiveness
- Demonstrate respect, equity and fairness with fellow public servants and diverse communities
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
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 six weeks in length.
- A brief orientation will be scheduled on the UNI campus, but a virtual option is available.
View course sequences:
The mission of the Master of Public Policy 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. We expect our graduates to:
- Value accountability and transparency as integral to responsible stewardship of the public trust
- Assess the ethical implications of policy decisions and incorporate considerations into their professional work
- Differentiate between efficiency and effectiveness
- Demonstrate respect, equity and fairness with fellow public servants and diverse communities
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
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
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Apply
Along with the application, students must submit the required additional application materials listed above. If you have any questions, contact us at 319-273-7206 or online@uni.edu for assistance!
Apply for Scholarships
Online & Distance Education offers scholarships for qualified students. Learn more and apply for the scholarship today.
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.
Meet our faculty
Scott Peters
Department Head & Professor, Department of Political Science
Email Scott Peters →
319-273-2727
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