Two universities in the state of Iowa currently offer an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program with no on-campus or residency requirements. Through the programs at Drake University and Upper Iowa University online students may elect to specialize in Healthcare Management, Public and Nonprofit Management, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, or follow a General Public Administration curriculum.
Both Iowa-based universities are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Learn more about the opportunities available through these schools below.
Schools in Iowa with Online MPA Programs
Drake University’s College of Business and Public Administration offers an online MPA program with a concentration in either Healthcare Management or Public and Nonprofit Management. The career-focused curriculum includes 30 graduate credit hours, utilizing real-world scenarios, group collaboration, and experiential learning to enhance coursework. Online students are expected to complete six core courses, three elective courses within their chosen area of specialization, and a final capstone course. Pre-service and early career students are required to complete an additional six graduate credit hours. Courses are conducted in an accelerated six-week format, and full-time students can expect to fulfill degree requirements within two years.
Drake University teaches its online MPA courses using asynchronous instruction, with students adhering to a provided syllabus while completing assignments and accessing course materials at times that work for their schedule. Communication is conducted through the learning management system Blackboard. Online students also have access to the university’s Professional and Career Development Services staff who can assist in career planning and more.
Upper Iowa University (UIU) offers a fully online MPA with an emphasis in one of the following six areas of study: General Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Healthcare Management, Nonprofit Organizational Management, or Public Management. The curriculum requires the completion of 36 credits of graduate level coursework, with 18 core credits emphasizing organizational management, ethics, policy and research methods followed by 15 specialized elective credits. The program concludes with an independent three-credit Research Seminar. Fall and spring courses are conducted in eight-week sessions, while summer courses are offered in six-week sessions. Students may elect to enroll in up to two courses per term. Online students are allotted up to five years following their initial enrollment to fulfill degree requirements.
UIU conducts its online degree programs via uiuLearn, a custom learning management system supported by Brightspace. Classes are conducted using asynchronous instruction, with online students able to access course materials and lectures and submit assignments on their own schedule, while adhering to a provided syllabus and predetermined deadlines. Online students are encouraged to communicate within their cohort and utilize university resources including the Tutor Center, Writing Center, and library.