The Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) program is devoted to bridging the worlds of scholarship and practice. We intend to spark discussions and stimulate research that improves public and nonprofit management and public policy in Illinois, the nation and the broader global community.
Thus, we admit and want to work with students who wish to serve the public interest, drive social change and make a difference in their communities and workplaces. As such, we offer a high-level academic experience designed for mid-range and advanced professionals in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate and integrate the theoretical literature and methodological approaches from a range of public affairs disciplines, thereby establishing a repertoire of new problem-solving skills and analytical strategies.
- Apply their new problem-solving skills and analytic strategies to understand and appropriately address complex problems in public management and public policy.
- Assess and critique the analytic techniques and conclusions of scholarly articles and practitioner communications.
- Prepare and produce high-quality, independent research that systematically analyzes real-world phenomena resulting in a meaningful contribution to practice.
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
$3,999/yr*
Online
$4,534/yr*
Based on 52 credit hours over 5 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.
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
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
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
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.
Median Annual Wage
$77,970
Wage Range
$52,330 – $127,780
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of d
Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.
Median Annual Wage
$153,990
Wage Range
$46,950 – $221,710
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Professional degree, Post-doctoral training
Administrative Services Managers
Bright OutlookPlan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.
Median Annual Wage
$114,130
Wage Range
$67,100 – $207,720
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Bachelor’s degree, Post-secondary certificate
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