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.
Calendario
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.
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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.
Chief Executives
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan,
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Median Annual Wage
$213,990
Wage Range
$75,700 – $507,730
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree
Chief Sustainability Officers
Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.
Median Annual Wage
$213,990
Wage Range
$75,700 – $507,730
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate
General and Operations Managers
Bright OutlookPlan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing d
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
Median Annual Wage
$105,770
Wage Range
$50,090 – $253,390
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Bachelor’s degree, Some college, no degree
Legislators
Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.
Projected Growth
Average
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Bright OutlookPlan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.
Median Annual Wage
$107,230
Wage Range
$65,120 – $194,900
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Supply Chain Managers
Bright OutlookDirect or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existi
Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.
Median Annual Wage
$107,230
Wage Range
$65,120 – $194,900
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate
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