Upper Iowa University News

	Upper Iowa University News

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UIU Announces New Masters Program

Upper Iowa University has received approval to offer a Master of Public Administration degree through its Online Program. The university announced that it is now accepting applications for the program with classes starting in October. The MPA program will be offered only online, as is the university’s highly successful online MBA program. UIU received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to implement the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. This approval recognized the quality of the existing MBA Online Program. UIU is also a member of NASPAA, the National Association of Public Affairs and Administration.

The UIU MPA degree program is designed to provide learners opportunities to develop skill-sets and knowledge in areas specific to administration of public organizations, public policy, leadership of staff, and management of funding, budgeting, and organizational process. The program provides a balance of quantitative and qualitative studies; theory and real world application.

This flexible professional degree consists of 42 semester credits; core classes plus three initial areas of emphasis to choose from. These areas are: Health and Human Services, Criminal Justice (Administration of Justice) and Public Personnel Management.

David Binder, Director of UIU Online Programs notes, “Not only is the Extended University recognized for the regional accreditation, but programmatic accreditation has been very important for our MBA. This program will have the same focus on quality and high standards including a full-time Ph.D. qualified MPA faculty member and academic advisor as well as closely trained and peer-evaluated course instructors who represent tremendous experience in their field. We understand that a quality faculty means quality graduates.”

Case studies, report writing and in-class asynchronous discussion are blended to provide learners the opportunity to clarify and assimilate course topics. Assessments take a variety of forms, including examinations and quizzes, term projects, and written reports. In-class participation is crucial to learner success and is included as a factor in grading. All work is conducted online with daily interaction between faculty and students. The program capstone experience is a research seminar in which learnersprepare and present a researched report on a significant topic of interest to the learner relevant to the learner’s area of emphasis.

UIU currently has over 500 students in the Online Program with strong growth expected with the implementation of the MPA program. Many UIU undergraduate alumni have requested this program and UIU is pleased to provide an additional opportunity for them to reach for their next educational goals.

“UIU is proud of its innovative programs and willingness to move in new directions,” Interim President, Dr. Suzanne G. James commented. “The MPA is a perfect fit for our goals to create additional opportunities for UIU’s undergraduates to pursue advanced degrees as well as to provide new markets not previously before reached.”

For more information and details about the MPA program visit www.uiu.edu/online or call 866-225-2808 or 515-369-7777 ext. 12.

Upper Iowa Univeristy
Public Relations
Cliff Ozmun, Assistant Director
563-425-5326
ozmunc@uiu.edu

Upper Iowa University
Public Relations
P.O. Box 1859
Fayette, IA 52142-1859