AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University's master of public administration (MPA) program has received accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).
The MPA program accreditation is for seven years. Iowa State's MPA program is the only NASPAA accredited program in Iowa.
"This accreditation is the result of many people working for several years to build the quality and infrastructure needed to meet the stringent accreditation standards of NASPAA," said Kurt Thurmaier, professor of political science and director of the public policy and administration program. "We are now recognized by the NASPAA for building a mission-driven program that is student focused and serves practitioners in local, state and national governments."
The MPA program received accreditation in its first filing. Only 57 percent of the 250 institutions in the United States offering an MPA are accredited by NASPAA.
"Our most important goal has been to gain national accreditation," Thurmaier said. "It's the key to the future of the program."
Thurmaier said the accreditation will make Iowa State's MPA program more attractive to prospective students, both in Iowa and nationally. He also hopes to be able to attract additional top faculty to campus.
The MPA degree is offered by the public policy and administration program in the department of political science at Iowa State. The department is in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.