Overview

One of the most enduring challenges is how we collectively, creatively, and democratically respond to key challenges facing our communities, nation, and the world.

Among these challenges are environmental change, including an increased incidence and intensity of disasters such as flooding, sea level rise, and wildfires attributable to climate change; health care; an aging population; addiction; inadequate infrastructure; inequality; unaffordable housing; racism; transportation; immigration; economic development; and public safety.

Key Features

In response, the Public Affairs program at the The University of Iowa trains future leaders to systematically and creatively address these and other challenges in the coming years. With its interdisciplinary public affairs infrastructure—representing colleges, departments, and centers across campus—the University of Iowa is a leader in public affairs locally and nationally.

Careers

Public Affairs leaders analyze, develop, manage, and implement public policies within government agencies at the city, state, regional, national, international, and nonprofit organizational level. The profession promotes public institutions that are economically resilient, innovative and entrepreneurial, just and equitable, and efficient and well-managed.

Specific policy areas include:

Climate and Environment

Criminal Justice

Economic and Workforce Development

Education

Entrepreneurship

Health

Housing

Social Justice

Transportation

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness

Nonprofit Organizations: Structure, Governance and Strategy

Strategic Management of Public and Nonprofit Organizations

Grant Writing

Public Policy and Persuasion

Digital Strategic Communication

Communities and Crime

Community Corrections

Poverty Policy

Economic Growth and Development

Administration and Policy in Gifted Education

Education in Black America

Environmental Policy

Systems and Scenario Thinking

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

42 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Iowa City, United States

Disciplines

Public Policy View 408 other Masters in Public Policy in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Three letters of recommendation

A statement of purpose

Resume or CV

Unofficial academic records/transcripts

GRE scores are not required

International students without a U.S. degree or whose first language is not English must submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS scores before admission and funding decisions can be made.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

32776 USD / year

≈ 32776 USD / year
Out-of-State

32776 USD / year

≈ 32776 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13829 USD / year

≈ 13829 USD / year

Living costs

Iowa City

United States

1187 - 1841 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

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Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Public Affairs.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key Features

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Iowa City

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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