The “best” time depends on the program requirements and program type. The first opportunity to study away is the summer after completing the entire freshman year (two semesters). Most students participate during their sophomore or junior year to ensure degree progress and academic flexibility.

UIS offers a variety of housing options at different price points.

Students are encouraged to present at campus events, share blogs, or participate in Study Away promotional activities.

Yes, students may stay during Fall, Winter, and Spring Break. Students must complete a request form before each break period for safety reasons.

Located in Springfield, the Illinois state capital, UIS gives students unique access to government agencies, nonprofits, and public service professionals. The program is designed to be practical and career-focused, helping you build leadership, management, and problem-solving skills you can apply right away. With experienced faculty and flexible online and on-campus options, UIS supports students whether they are starting, changing, or advancing their careers in public service.

UIS combines affordability, personalized learning, and career-focused education.

A maximum of 12 hours can be accepted in transfer ("B" or better) - https://catalog.uis.edu/graduate-students/academic-info-doctoral/transfer-credit/ . The courses would need to be reviewed for equivalency before being accepted as a substitute for any required courses.

You can find your academic advisor by logging in to Advise U and selecting the "Get Advisor" tab. Click "Search by UIN," enter your UIN, and your assigned academic advisor(s) will be displayed.

A bachelor's degree in public and nonprofit administration prepares you for careers in government, nonprofits, and community organizations in roles such as program manager, policy analyst, nonprofit leader, city or county administrator, grant manager, human resources specialist, and community development coordinator. The skills you gain, like leadership, budgeting, and strategic planning, are useful across many public service careers and give you flexibility to grow in the field.

Many UIS students balance employment with flexible course schedules and online options.

Pets aren't permitted in any campus residence (except fish in maximum 10-gallon tank). If you have specific questions, please contact the residence life office

UIS may be a strong fit for students seeking affordability, flexibility, online learning, and personalized education.

Students who value engagement, flexibility, and personalized support often thrive at UIS.

A dissertation is required. You will have 15 hours in dissertation phase. There are many options, but as a practitioner degree, these typically are three basic types - case studies, program evaluations, and more traditional dissertations such as a quantitative analysis testing a hypothesis/hypotheses

Yes, students may participate multiple times, provided they meet eligibility and academic requirements for each program.

Yes, Study Away enhances your résumé, builds global connections, and may include internship or service-learning options.

Both undergraduate and graduate UIS students who meet eligibility requirements can apply.

Yes. Core classes are synchronous

The program is 52 semester hours. Requires 6 cores classes (4 credit hours each), one advanced policy or management (4 hours), one advance methods course (3 hours), 6 hours of electives, and the dissertation hours. Https://catalog.uis.edu/graduate-students/cpae/publicadministration/#doctoraltext

A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for undergraduates, and 3.0 GPA is required for graduate students, some programs or universities may require higher GPAs.

ECCE (Engaged Citizenship Common Experience) Global Awareness credit is offered on the majority of Study Away programs. These credits are typically needed by UIS undergraduate students and fulfill general credits.

All international travelling students are required to enroll in U of I system health and safety insurance. Some programs may require additional insurance.

Program costs depend on the program type. Exchange & NSE programs charge UIS student tuition. Short-term programs fees, not including tuition start at about $3,500.

Housing varies by program and may include university residence halls, host families, shared apartments, hotel rooms, or self-arranged housing. Each program brochure page will list more detailed information regarding housing.

Students are encouraged to start planning at least 6–9 months in advance to meet application, passport, and scholarship deadlines.