Frequently Asked Questions: MPA Program

Why get an MPA?
Do you want to pursue a career in the public sector? Do you want to make a difference through government or non-profit management? Do you want to be successful as a leader? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should seriously consider getting an MPA.

A Master of Public Administration equips you with essential tools to be successful in the public sector, as well as the private sector. This degree not only opens doors for you, but it also provides new doors for you. As a graduate student in Public Administration, you will develop general and specific skills that can be applied in a wide variety of careers.
 
MPA Graduates pursue many different directions. Equipped for government (local, state, or federal), non-profit organizations, and even the private sector, there are unlimited options. The possibilities include:

Why choose Iowa State?

Accreditation
ISU's MPA program is the only accredited MPA program in Iowa -- accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs. The accreditation demonstrates a commitment to excellence.

10/10s & Assistantships (Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships)
These opportunities provide many benefits for students: flexible schedules, great financial benefits, development of skills, and interaction with faculty.

Internships
A variety of internships are available in all areas of government.

Variety of classes
You can design a course plan that fulfills your interests and prepares you for your specific path, whether it be public management, public policy analysis or e-government.

Some classes taught by practitioners
By providing classes taught by academics and classes by practitioners, our program has a great mix of theory and practice. Students receive both the academic side of public administration AND the practical side of public administration. In some graduate programs, studies focus mostly on research and theory. This is great for preparation for teaching or conducting research, but it does not prepare students for practical applications as public servant leaders. Our program, however, incorporates both theory and practice, so that students gain knowledge and skills in both areas.

Full -time and part-time
Our student body is a great combination of full-time students that joined the program right after receiving a bachelor degree and part-time working professionals from a variety of fields. This combination fosters dynamic interactions in and out of the classroom, as there are exchanges of many different ideas and experiences.

 

What if I cannot make it to campus for the courses?

Flexibility and accommodations for working professionals
Our program accommodates for working professionals. We offer four types of classes that fit well with working professionals: night classes (from 6-9pm one day a week); Saturday classes (one Saturday a month from 8am to 5pm); intensive classes (one week classes offered over Christmas break and the summer); and distance education. We have numerous students that take one to three classes a semester while working full-time. You can design your course schedule to fit your needs.

Streaming video
You don't even have to leave your home! Our program provides a streaming video option so that graduate studies can better fit into your life. These options allow you to take courses from your own home.

 

Are there scholarships available?
Dwight Ink Graduate Scholarship
This award is given to a graduate student in the the Department to Political Science to support their applied research in Public Administration. The 2006 recipient is Derek White, a graduate in Public Administration, who conducted research on youth and community involvement.
Submit application by March 1 to:           

James M. McCormick
Department of Political Science
Scholarship Committee
503 Ross Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011

The Bob Wessel Honorary MPA Scholarship
The Bob Wessel Honorary MPA Scholarship is awarded to an incoming student in the Public Policy and Administration Program who shows promise for an outstanding career in public service. The faculty admissions committee reviews the applications of new MPA students to select the annual winner. The committee reviews the GPA, GRE scores, the transcript analysis, the statement of goals and purpose for the MPA degree and other materials that may be relevant to the scholarship selection.

Application Deadline: March 1
Amount: $1,000
Inquiries:                       

Alex Tuckness
Public Policy & Administration Program
Scholarship Committee
503 Ross Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011