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.

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.

 
College of Public Affairs and Education

School of Education

Choose your path and become a professional educator (teacher licensure in elementary and secondary education), complete a certificate, add an endorsement, or obtain a Masters degree in Education or Educational Leadership.

 
College of Public Affairs and Education

School of Communication and Media

From the perspectives of interpersonal and mass-mediated communication, we offer undergraduate opportunities and graduate degrees in Communication Studies and Public Affairs Reporting.

 
College of Public Affairs and Education

School of Politics and International Affairs

Graduate and undergraduate degrees to develop the knowledge, skills, and practical experience you need to succeed in international affairs, practical politics, or academia.

 
College of Public Affairs and Education

School of Public Management and Policy

Undergraduate, Master's, and Doctoral-level training for leadership and research roles in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Home of the highly-ranked Master of Public Administration (MPA) program.

 
College of Public Affairs and Education

Department of Legal Studies

Graduate and undergraduate offerings providing an interdisciplinary approach to the study of law, the legal system, and the role law plays in society.

Why Choose CPAE?

University of Illinois System Logo
A University of Illinois Degree

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!

Capital City Connections

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.

Alumni Network

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.

Embrace the future with confidence!


May 10, 2023
Dear Teachers, Alumni and Students: On behalf of the College of Public Affairs and Education let me extend a most sincere “thank you…
May 01, 2023
Elevated Gun Violence in U.S. Cities of All Sizes Photo by Maria Lysenko on Unsplash.com Observes political science professor, Magic…
Apr 25, 2023
The University of Illinois Springfield’s public affairs graduate degrees have been ranked among the top 25 percent of best programs in the country in 2023-…
Apr 12, 2023
Everything you wanted to know about Ranked-Choice Voting (and maybe somethings you didn’t) Your ranked-choice ballot In recent months, there has…
Apr 11, 2023
The recent election of Brandon Johnson as Chicago’s new mayor has been the center of attention in the US this week. As public safety concerns top the…

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