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.
Value of a UIS Degree
UIS is No. 5 for students graduating with the least amount of debt, Midwest Region (2021).
Top 25 best value school, Midwest Region, and the only public university in Illinois on the list (2022, 2023, 2024).
98% of students receive aid
The average graduate from UIS will see an increase in earnings of $31,700 - $69,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Illinois.
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 you're 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.
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 Opportunities
Exploring the following career paths can help you see how your degree opens up a wide range of exciting and rewarding opportunities in various fields.
- Advocate
- Attorney
- Policy Adviser
- Policy Analyst
- Policy Director
- Community Planner
- Public Relations Specialist
- Congressional Committee Staffer
- National Campaigns Coordinator
- Community Organizer
- Professor
- Administrative Fiscal Officer
- Citizen Outreach Coordinator
- Community Development Officer
- Government Official
- Grant Writer
- Labor Relations Representative
- Nonprofit Administrator
- Rural Development Officer
- Social Science Analyst
- Lobbyist
