PAR trains students to become journalists who produce intelligent news coverage about government and politics.

Here's what sets PAR apart from other graduate-level journalism programs:

  • TIME-EFFICIENT: Earn a master's degree in just 10 months
  • AFFORDABLE: Save money with guaranteed scholarships, tuition waivers and stipends
  • REAL EXPERIENCE: Cover Illinois politics for a professional newspaper, wire service, TV station or radio station as part of a PAID internship.

From our Alumni ...

"I would not have the job I do today without PAR. Having that experience inside the Illinois Capitol...and getting to work with some of the best in the business helped shape me into the journalist I am today. I CANNOT say enough good things about the PAR program and will forever be grateful for what I learned and the lifelong friends I made during my time in Springfield."

Emiily Manley
Emily Manley ('18), Missouri Capitol Bureau Chief, Nexstar

"For any aspiring reporter who wants on-the-ground training, I cannot point to a better program than PAR. It did more to prepare me for the real world in one year than four years of undergrad. The classes are designed to be specifically relevant to public affairs and what you’re later covering. The real experience working in the Capitol is invaluable."

Natasha Korecki
Natasha Korecki ('97), senior national political reporter, NBC News

"The PAR program at UIS is, hands down, the best training ground for journalists who are serious about learning how government works and why it impacts everything we do. I've worked in four states and the knowledge I gained during my time at UIS has always helped me hit the ground running." 

Daralene Jones
Daralene Jones ('03), anchor and investigative reporter, WFTV-TV Orlando

"(PAR's) individualized career guidance, exposure to readership and future employers, source building opportunities and the ability and platform to dig deep into real-life issues at a professional level is unmatched. I wouldn't be where I am today without the resources and experiences I gained through my time in the PAR program."

Grace Barbic
Grace Barbic ('21), reporter, The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin

Learn more: PAR Alumni

Support PAR

Your gifts to the Public Affairs Reporting program help us provide vital scholarship funds to current students, recruit the next generation of journalists and more. Thank you for your continued support.

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