Low-Residency Online M.A.

Ames is a great place to live, but a low-residency online M.A. program is available for students in the Public Policy program. Here is how it works:

All of the courses you need to graduate with an M.A. are available in an online format (some courses are online only, others are hybrid courses where we record a class with the Ames students and create extra learning and interaction opportunities for the distance students).

We still think students learn more, interact with faculty better, and are more likely to finish the program they start if there is an in-person component. Two required courses for all students in the public policy concentration, the Public Policy Proseminar (507) and Policy Implementation (508), offered alternating fall semesters, combine online learning with a weekend in Ames where students take classes Friday evening and Saturday until five. We schedule multiple faculty members to teach the weekend session so that you can meet more of them in person. Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast and lunch are provided to give opportunities to get to know your fellow students and faculty. Students also visit Ames in their last semester to present their creative component.

With just three short trips to Iowa, you can get an M.A. from Iowa State.