Prepare to Lead and Advocate for Change
We are the University of Illinois System’s capital city connection for studying public affairs, education, and communication.
Whether you're interested in politics, public policy and administration, teaching, educational administration, or interpersonal and mass-mediated communication—we want to help you to take the next step in your educational journey.
Our world-class programs emphasize interdisciplinary, experiential learning and prepare students for leadership roles and careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors or to seek further education.
Embrace the future with confidence!
Schools and Departments
Whether on-campus, online, or a blend of the two, our undergraduate and graduate degree programs, certificates, and minors will connect you with opportunities unique to living and learning in a capital city. Whatever program you choose, you'll gain the knowledge, experience, and skills to build a meaningful career—and to transform lives and make a difference locally and globally.
Where students are inspired to lead, equipped to serve, and connected to opportunity
Why Choose CPAE?
We are proud to be the world-class University of Illinois System's capital city connection. Your CPAE degree will be among the most prestigious in the nation!
We bring the Illinois Capital City to You! Whether on campus or online, you will have exclusive access to internship and experiential learning opportunities that put you at the heart of the action.
With a network that extends across the globe, CPAE alumni work in research, government, schools and school systems, business, international relations, NGOs and non-profits. They mentor students, give guest lectures, offer valuable internship opportunities and provide critical financial support.
Illinois Municipal Policy Journal
The Illinois Municipal Policy Journal is a collaboration between Illinois Municipal League (IML) and the College of Public Affairs and Education at the University of Illinois at Springfield. UIS has been the journal’s editorial home since 2020.
This collaboration reflects the College’s values and mission in serving local communities through the faculty’s expertise, skills, and experience. IMPJ provides research-based analysis to guide policy decisions at the local and state level.
The goal of the journal is to provide municipal and state leaders with:
- Research
- Best practices
- Capital budgeting recommendations
- Shared services information
- Retail construction trend information
Featured Alumni
UIS alumni from the College of Public Affairs and Education learned actionable skills - skills to aid them as they work to achieve their dreams.
UIS alumni have gone above and beyond in making the world around us a better place to live.
We want to keep in touch with you! If you graduated from UIS, please update your information so you can keep aware of the great things happening on campus.
Support the College of Public Affairs and Education
The College of Public Affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield shapes the future educators, public policy makers, communicators and community servants for the future of Illinois and the nation. Help us support our mission of interdisciplinary, experiential learning by making a gift to support CPAE today.
Capitol Connection Blogs
News and views from the U of I System’s capital city connection for the study of public affairs, communication, and education.
News
Aug 05, 2021
August Public Affairs Minute from Dean Robert Smith
The Value of Education in Public Affairs for Balancing Truth and Emotions in the 21st Century…
Aug 04, 2021
Dr. Ken Kruz
Dr. Ken Kriz, Distinguished Professor of Public Administration on WGLT, NPR at ISU, about “Sales Tax Impact Is Murky For Normal As Rivian…
Aug 03, 2021
Dr. Betsy Goulet
“How to prepare people who help children" is the focus of the conversation with the UIS Child Protection Training Academy (CPTA) director…
Jul 29, 2021
I learned about politics when I asked for a new bike at age seven. First my mom, and then my dad, asked me if the other parent had agreed to…
May 17, 2021
Community Garden Work Night This Tuesday
Please join us in the UIS Campus Community Garden this Tuesday from 5-6:30PM for our weekly garden work night! We…
Aug 26, 2021
Starting Jan. 1, a new state task force will study the status of journalism across the state and make recommendations for improvement to the Illinois General…