Master of Public Administration (MPA) Graduate Degree

The UIU MPA program identifies diversity, democracy, and due process as “core democratic values.” The MPA program strives to:

• Develop and maintain a collaborative and inclusive learning environment that promotes the values of diversity, democracy, and due process.
• Develop and maintain a high-quality curriculum that develops students’ leadership, managerial, and analytical skills for public service in government and non-profit organizations.
• Develop a culture of intellectual inquiry for faculty to pursue teaching excellence and for both students and faculty to pursue scholarship that advances the public administration field.

The program student learning outcomes are based on the core competencies recommended by the Network of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). The program is designed to promote and develop the following student learning outcomes:

1. Students will have demonstrated an ability to lead and manage.
2. Students will have demonstrated an ability to participate in and contribute to the public policy process.
3. Students will have demonstrated an ability to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions.
4. Students will have demonstrated an ability to articulate and apply a public service perspective.
5. Students will have demonstrated the ability to communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

The Upper Iowa University Master of Public Administration degree requires 36 semester credits of graduate-level coursework with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for completion.

Students completing the 18 credit MPA core requirements will have a broad overview of the discipline with an understanding of organizations, ethics, policy and research methods. Of the core courses only PA 502 and PA 503 should be taken sequentially.

The 18 credit emphasis areas provide more in-depth knowledge into the areas of criminal justice, cybersecurity,  or emergency management and homeland security, or public management.

The PA 590 Capstone should be taken as the last course in the program and should not be taken concurrently with any other course. Permission to deviate from these guidelines can be done with permission from the MPA program director.

Curriculum

• PA 500 – Writing for Public Administrators 3 Credit(s)
• PA 501 – Graduate Survey of Public Administration 3 Credit(s)
• PA 502 – Introduction to Program Evaluation 3 Credit(s)
• PA 503 – Research Methods for Public Administration 3 Credit(s)
• PA 504 – Political Economy and Public Policy 3 Credit(s)
• PA 511 – Public Budgeting and Finance 3 Credit(s)

MPA Program Capstone

The MPA program closes with a program capstone, encompassing knowledge gained from the core and emphasis courses.

• PA 590 Research Seminar

The MPA in Criminal Justice Emphasis is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how conceptual and theoretical frameworks apply to real-world situations in a wide range of criminal justice career paths, and prepare students for leadership positions in agencies and organizations with missions related to criminal justice and public safety.

Students will possess the knowledge needed to provide leadership in positions in a wide range of policing organizations from the local to the federal level.

Curriculum

• PA 554 – Theories of Crime and Public Policy 3 Credit(s)

Choose four of the following: 12 Credits

• PA 507 – Ethics of Public Service 3 Credit(s)
• PA 508 – Terrorism and Politics 3 Credit(s) OR PA 522 – Psychology and Culture of Terrorism 3 Credit(s) OR PA 535 – Counter-Terrorism 3 Credit(s)
• PA 550 – Advanced Criminal Procedure 3 Credit(s)
• PA 552 – Correctional Systems Issues and Policy 3 Credit(s)
• PA 553 – Seminar in Juvenile Justice 3 Credit(s)
• PA 556 – Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties 3 Credit(s)
• PA 557 – Introduction to GIS: Crime Mapping/Critical Incidents 3 Credit(s)
• PA 558 – Psychology of Criminal Behavior 3 Credit(s)
• PA 559 – Seminar in Cybercrime 3 Credit(s)

Criminal Justice MPA Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is expected to be a job growth of about 7% increase in criminal justice occupations over the next 10 years (www.bls.gov). Available courses include such topics as Theories of Crime and Public Policy, Advanced Criminal Procedure, Correctional Systems Issues, Constitutional Law, Psychology of Criminal Behavior, and Juvenile/Youth Justice. In addition to these more traditional criminal justice topics there are also courses on newer area of concern to criminal justice: Cybercrime, and GIS with a focus on crime mapping.

The Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Cybersecurity prepares mission-driven leaders in government, nonprofit, and other service-minded organizations to address the growing risks of our digital age. Students will explore how to align cybersecurity strategies with policy goals, including responsibilities such as protecting data and ensuring compliance. Built for working professionals, this 100% online program empowers students to lead secure, resilient organizations—without requiring a technical background.

Curriculum

• CYBR 510: Information Governance, Risk Management (7-week course)
• CYBR 520: Network Architectures for Cyber Managers (7-week course)
• CYBR 530: Cyber Risk Management and Strategy (7-week course)
• CYBR 540: Executive Cyber Defense (7-week course)
• PA 559: Seminar in Cybercrime

UIU + Rize Partnership

This emphasis is offered in partnership with Rize Education who specializes in connecting academic rigor with industry relevance, so that students can graduate with elevated skills that will be prepared for the modern workforce.

Some courses in this major are offered online through a consortium of accredited colleges and universities. Instruction is provided by faculty employed by partner institutions, and academic oversight remains with Upper Iowa University. Students register through and receive academic credit from Upper Iowa University.

Courses with AI and CYBR prefixes are not eligible for VA benefits or Military Tuition Assistance.

Rize Term Start Dates – Graduate Courses

2025-2026

Summer Rize Session 6: June 29, 2026

2026-2027

Fall Rize Session 1: August 31, 2026
Fall Rize Session 2: October 26, 2026
Spring Rize Session 3: January 11, 2027
Spring Rize Session 4: March 8, 2027
Summer Rize Session 5: May 3, 2027
Summer Rize Session 6: June 28, 2027

MPA in Cybersecurity Salary and Job Outlook

Cybersecurity is now a mission-critical priority for public and nonprofit institutions, with career opportunities spanning strategy, compliance, and digital risk mitigation. MPA graduates with cybersecurity expertise are well-positioned for leadership roles that bridge policy and technology. Estimated total pay for related careers (with experience) includes:

• Cybersecurity Strategy Consultant – $198,000
• Cyber Risk Manager – $158,000
• Director of Cybersecurity – $296,000
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – $385,000

MPA in Cybersecurity vs. Master’s in Cybersecurity

An MPA in Cybersecurity focuses on the intersection of digital security, public service, and policy leadership. It is tailored for professionals working in government or nonprofit environments who must manage risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and uphold public trust in the digital era. In contrast, a traditional Master’s in Cybersecurity is more technical, emphasizing hands-on skills like cryptography, ethical hacking, and security infrastructure. While the MPA cultivates leadership and governance capabilities, the Master’s is geared toward those building or engineering cybersecurity systems.

The MPA in Emergency Management emphasis area is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in agencies and organizations with missions to protect life, liberty, and property.

Students will possess the knowledge needed to provide strategic leadership for an all hazards/ Whole Community approach to an emergency event given a networked environment operating within a democratic political system.

Curriculum

• Graduate Elective 3 Credits

Choose four of the following: 12 Credits

• PA 507 – Ethics of Public Service
• PA 508 – Terrorism and Politics
• PA 522 – Psychology and Culture of Terrorism
• PA 523 – Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and Public Policy
• PA 524 – Leadership Issues with Critical Incidents
• PA 525 – Comparative Strategies of National Security
• PA 526 – Emergency Management: Mitigation, Recovery, and Continuity
• PA 532 – Human Resources Management in Public Organizations
• PA 535 – Counter-Terrorism
• PA 543 – Emergency Management: Planning and Response
• PA 555 – Critical Infrastructure: Vulnerability Analysis and Protection
• PA 557 – Introduction to GIS: Crime Mapping/Critical Incidents

MPA in Emergency Management Salary and Job Outlook

Emergency Management Directors plan and direct disaster responses and crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural disasters, wartime, or technological incidents. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024, Emergency Management Directors earned a median annual wage of $86,130. In 2023, there were approximately 12,400 positions in this field. Employment is projected to grow by 4% from 2023 to 2033, aligning with the average growth rate for all occupations.

For students that re looking for a broader or more inter-emphasis focus the general study emphasis area allows students to develop a program that meets their specific needs and goals. At least 4 of the electives (12 credits) must be MPA courses.

Curriculum

Graduate Electives – choose four of the following:

• PA 507 Ethics of Public Service
• PA 562 Seminar in Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
• PA 563 Administrative Law
• PA 564 Seminar in State and Local Government ManagementPA 565
• Advanced Policy Analysis and Evaluation
• PA 566 Economic Development: Theory and Practice

The MPA in Public Management emphasis is designed to assist students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage in complex and dynamic public organizational settings.

Students will develop the knowledge, skills and ability to evaluate and apply contemporary managerial research, theories, concepts and principles in order to successfully maximize the potential of diverse human talent in order to develop contributing and productive public employees and teams so they are able to serve the needs of diverse citizen groups.

Curriculum

Choose five of the following: 15 Credits

• PA 505 – Organizational Behavior 3 Credit(s) OR BA 555 – Organizational Culture
• PA 507 – Ethics of Public Service
• PA 509 – Theories of Leadership
• PA 532 – Human Resources Management in Public Organizations
• PA 544 – Productivity Improvement in Government
• PA 545 – Labor Relations and Conflict Resolution in the Public Sector
• PA 548 – Advanced Issues In Public Management
• PA 562 – Seminar in Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
• PA 563 – Administrative Law
• PA 564 – Seminar in State and Local Government Management
• PA 565 – Advanced Policy Analysis and Evaluation
• PA 566 – Economic Development: Theory and Practice
• PA 569 – Government and Nonprofit Accounting and Budgeting

MPA in Public Management Salary and Job Outlook

Chief Executives in the public sector—including city managers, county administrators, and department heads—lead and coordinate the operations of government agencies and community services. They are responsible for implementing policy, overseeing personnel, and ensuring that public organizations meet the needs of their constituents. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024, public-sector executives earned a median annual wage of approximately $100,090. Employment in these roles is projected to grow by 3% from 2023 to 2033, reflecting continued demand for experienced leadership in local and state government.

Students may complete, as an elective, an internship (PA 594). This means obtaining a full-time paid or unpaid position for a period of eight weeks (not less than 320 hours) in a public sector or not-for-profit agency. The internship typically involves the student working on an administrative policy or management issue confronting a public or not-for-profit organization. It is an opportunity for the student to relate her/his academic experience in the master’s program to the issue that is the focus of the experience.

Internship positions are coordinated by the MPA Program Chair. Some internships are competitive in nature and are available on a regular basis with federal, state, county, and local governments. Others are posted from time to time as they are made known to the University. Still others become available on an ad hoc basis through the initiative of the student. A student’s progress in an internship is monitored by the student’s immediate supervisor at the agency sponsoring the internship and by the instructor.

The student prepares a report on the internship documenting the experience and its product, indicating the value of the experience for the student, and offers personal reflection on:

• Achievement of the core and emphasis area student learning outcomes.
• Opportunities for integration of program values in practice.
• Future career directions based on the experience and related learning.

The report incorporates documentation prepared for and submitted to the sponsoring organization regarding the issue studied, and is submitted to the instructor of record for PA 594 as the evidence of completion of the experience. The sponsoring organization will prepare a report on the work and effectiveness of the student. These reports, along with the student’s work product, will be considered in assigning a grade to the Internship. The report is graded on a pass/fail basis.

The Internship (PA 594) is graded pass/fail for transcript purposes.

To be eligible for our MHA degree program, students must:

• Have a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by an agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Post-secondary Education (USDE-OPE) or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If your degree is from a non-U.S. institution, you’ll need an English translation or evaluation of your transcript.
• Have at least a 2.75 GPA in their undergraduate coursework or a 3.0 on the most recent 60 semester credits of undergraduate work. Minimum GPA may vary by program.
  • Many factors go into an admissions decision. Earning the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission to Upper Iowa, and students with a lower GPA may still be considered.
• Provide official transcripts from the college/university where the baccalaureate degree was conferred. If you have earned graduate-level credit at another institution, provide those transcripts for transfer opportunities. Transcripts must be submitted directly from the granting institution—they cannot pass through your hands.
• Submit documentation of English proficiency, if an international student.

Graduate students may also submit GRE or GMAT scores.

Send all required documents to:
Upper Iowa University
PO Box 1857
Fayette, IA 52142

The average time is two years though students who take more than one course per session may graduate in less time.

Students who graduate with this degree find employment in variety of government agencies or nonprofit organizations. The degree can be paired with any occupation and subject matter.

Yes. Students can take an internship course for credit and faculty will help students arrange and complete the experience.

Yes! UIU’s Master’s in Public Administration is a 100% online program.

There is an option to complete, as an elective, an internship (PA 594 ). This means obtaining a full-time paid or unpaid position for a period of eight weeks (not less than 320 hours) in a public sector or not-for-profit agency. The internship typically involves the student working on an administrative policy or management issue confronting a public or not-for-profit organization.

• A Public Affairs degree blends aspects of policy and administration with a broader governance focus.
• A Public Administration degree emphasizes the management and operation of public sector agencies.
  • For example, the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree prepares students to assume managerial and leadership positions at all levels of government and in nonprofit organizations.
• A Public Policy degree concentrates on creating and evaluating policies, often with a quantitative approach.
• A Public Relations degree is about managing communication and public image for organizations.