The Master’s Degree in Public Affairs Reporting provides students with an opportunity to specialize in news coverage of governmental affairs. A primary goal is for graduates to become professional journalists who can report and interpret governmental activity and public policy for news consumers. The program aims to develop news reporters able to understand public affairs and communicate those concepts with the clarity, accuracy and speed demanded of professional journalists of the highest rank.
PAR is a 10-month master’s degree program that trains students to become journalists who produce intelligent news coverage that helps audiences understand government, politics and other public affairs.
The program concentrates instruction in three areas: journalistic skills (news reporting and writing for digital, broadcast and print), public affairs knowledge and professional responsibility. PAR's centerpiece is a six-month paid internship, where PAR students work for a professional news organization in the Statehouse press room to report on the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session and other aspects of state government.
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
$14,240/yr*
Based on 40 credit hours over 1 year.
*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.
Editors
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
Median Annual Wage
$77,920
Wage Range
$41,250 – $153,700
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, an
Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
Median Annual Wage
$104,590
Wage Range
$64,560 – $215,620
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Bachelor’s degree
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information throu
Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.
Median Annual Wage
$62,200
Wage Range
$36,240 – $144,140
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Producers and Directors
Bright OutlookProduce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of a
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
Median Annual Wage
$90,360
Wage Range
$45,780 – $198,540
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product o
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Median Annual Wage
$133,660
Wage Range
$63,300 – $286,240
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree
Public Relations Specialists
Bright OutlookPromote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
Median Annual Wage
$74,750
Wage Range
$44,110 – $135,150
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree
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