The core professional degree for a management career in public service

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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.

The UIS School of Public Management and Policy's MPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

2023 award for US News "Best Grad Schools-Public Affairs Finance and Budgeting"

Earning your master's degree with training in public finance and budgeting can lead to job titles, including budget analyst, policy economist, tax manager, and budget examiner. We are one of the top schools for public finance and budgeting.

Program Facts

36 Total Credits
Online & On-Campus Options
Earn your degree online, in-person, or a hybrid of both.
16 - 24 Months
Accommodates the Schedules of Working Professionals
Accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
#73 Top 25%
in U.S. News & World Reports list of Best Public Affairs Programs

Preparing the Next Generation of Public Service Professionals

Our MPA takes a practice-oriented, research-based approach to training those who want to serve the public good. We equip students with the core leadership, budgeting, management, and analysis skills to make an immediate impact.

Develop a Specialized Expertise in ...

Leadership & Management

Build vital skills in strategic thinking, planning, management, personnel, and the design, operation, and evaluation of processes, systems, and programs to advance societal goals

Analytical Tools

Gain the analytical ability to clarify problems, identify alternatives, and formulate solutions

Financial Management

Learn to assess financial conditions and manage the financial aspects of public organizations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting

Social Equity

Understand the importance of designing and implementing systems that are fair in terms of access, processes, quality, and outcome

Why the MPA @ UIS?

MPA CURRICULUM

The MPA core includes coursework in management, finance, public policy, and analysis. Students may utilize their elective courses to take a deeper dive into a particular area of interest or earn one of our Graduate Certificates. Click here for more information on the MPA Curriculum.


Tuition & Fees

We are committed to making higher education accessible and affordable. Estimate your education costs.

Internship Experiences

Earn a stipend and cover most of your education costs w/ our Graduate Public Service Internship Experience & Illinois Legislative Staff Internship.

Aid & Scholarships

See the financial aid and scholarships that are available to help fund your education.


News
Oct 04, 2023
I am delighted to share the remarkable news that the University of Illinois Springfield's online Master’s in Human Services program has achieved an…
Sep 28, 2023
Balancing Budgets in a Postpandemic World: Insights from 'On the Edge' - A Discussion with Volcker Alliance and UIS Experts In a recently concluded…
Aug 01, 2023
Listen to my interview on NPR Illinois | Community Voices This past semester, we launched the new CAST Minor and will be welcoming our first students…
Dec 01, 2021
Accountability for Social Equity At the end of 2021, I am again reminded why public administration is so important. We are closing out the second year of a…
Oct 14, 2021
UIS Public Administration Professors Participate in ABFM Conference in Washington, DC The Association for Budgeting and Financial Management (ABFM)…
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