The Master of Public Administration (MPA) will provide you with the skills, expertise and networks to lead and manage organizations in the public and nonprofit sectors. Here, you will gain a strong foundation in the workings of government and policy, learn the frameworks and tools needed to manage people and processes effectively and develop the skills to lead teams and organizations.
Public administration graduates enter or advance in careers as public program managers, nonprofit leaders, management analysts, research analysts, city/town administrators and more.
Learning Outcomes
- Lead and manage in public governance.
- Communicate in a clear and concise manner.
- Apply relevant theories, knowledge and skills to manage resources and programs effectively.
- Participate in and contribute to the public policy process.
- Describe the public policy process and the role of the various participants and stakeholders.
- Identify problems, frame the issues and identify and evaluate alternatives for addressing a problem.
- Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions.
- Demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze and interpret data for use in decision-making and drawing conclusions.
- Critically read and apply findings from studies and reports.
- Articulate and apply a public service perspective.
- Articulate the importance of and operate in a manner that facilitates democracy, equity, transparency, efficiency and ethics.
- Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
- Demonstrate a sensitivity to and respect for differences in culture.
Calendar
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Tuition & Aid
UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.
Tuition Estimates
On-campus
$6,408/yr*
Online
$7,817/yr*
Based on 36 credit hours over 2 years.
*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.
Ways to Save on Tuition
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Outlook & Potential Earnings
Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
Median Annual Wage
$105,870
Wage Range
$76,280 – $167,770
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate
Tutors
Instruct individual students or small groups of students in academic subjects to support formal class instruction or to prepare students for standardized or admissions tests.
Median Annual Wage
$43,350
Wage Range
$29,430 – $75,990
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Some college, no degree, High school diploma or equivalent
Social and Community Service Managers
Bright OutlookPlan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement,
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Median Annual Wage
$80,390
Wage Range
$53,150 – $132,260
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
Determine eligibility of persons applying to receive assistance from government programs and agency resources, such as welfare, unemployment benefits, social security, and public housing.
Median Annual Wage
$54,210
Wage Range
$38,900 – $74,690
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree, Bachelor’s degree
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have v
Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
Median Annual Wage
$74,260
Wage Range
$49,800 – $109,100
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate
Human Resources Specialists
Bright OutlookRecruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.
Median Annual Wage
$75,940
Wage Range
$47,180 – $128,720
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree
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