The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program will provide you with the analytical skill, decision-making frameworks and subject matter expertise to address complex policy questions. You will graduate with the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
Skills in using economic and statistical analysis to improve public policy
A deeper understanding of policy development
The ability to engage stakeholders to affect change
Our location in Illinois' capital city and our Chicago connections will provide you with many opportunities to engage directly with policymakers. These opportunities will expose you to the legal and institutional structures in which policies are developed. You will graduate prepared for leadership, advocacy and public policy design and evaluation roles in the governmental, nonprofit and private sectors.
Learning Outcomes
- Lead and manage in public governance.
- Identify public problems, research the background of the issues and identify and evaluate alternatives to address these problems.
- Participate in and contribute to the public policy process.
- Describe the public policy process and the role of the various participants and stakeholders.
- Apply relevant theories, knowledge and skills to lead in developing, implementing effectively and evaluating public policy.
- 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 peer-reviewed and grey literature.
- 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.
- Communicate in a clear and concise manner.
- Demonstrate a sensitivity to and respect for different cultures and perspectives.
- Identify differential policy impacts on diverse populations and develop policy alternatives to address these.
Calendar
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
$6,917/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.
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
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.
Social and Human Service Assistants
Bright OutlookAssist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Median Annual Wage
$45,930
Wage Range
$34,200 – $63,290
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree, Some college, no degree
Judicial Law Clerks
Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.
Median Annual Wage
$64,920
Wage Range
$46,180 – $113,140
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.
Median Annual Wage
$82,220
Wage Range
$52,520 – $140,010
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Doctoral degree
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
Process new insurance policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms. Obtain information from policyholders to verify the accuracy and completeness of information on claims forms, appl
Process new insurance policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms. Obtain information from policyholders to verify the accuracy and completeness of information on claims forms, applications and related documents, and company records. Update existing policies and company records to reflect changes requested by policyholders and insurance company representatives.
Median Annual Wage
$49,230
Wage Range
$37,560 – $73,590
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree, Some college, no degree
Geographers
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land fo
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
Median Annual Wage
$102,040
Wage Range
$66,770 – $136,660
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Doctoral degree, Master’s degree
Urban and Regional Planners
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Median Annual Wage
$89,320
Wage Range
$60,010 – $134,490
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Professional degree
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