Earn a Minor in Public Leadership

The School of Public Management and Policy introduces a Minor in Public Leadership—an interdisciplinary program designed to develop leadership skills with a focus on the public good. This minor is open to students in any major and is ideal for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Learning Outcomes

  • Teach students leadership concepts, theories, models, and current leadership issuesand prepare students for leadership positions that promote public service.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $5,018*
Online: $5,790*
Credit Hours
15

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

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
August 10, 2026

Start Date:
August 24, 2026

Apply Today!

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 $5,018*
Online $5,790*

*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.

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.

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Courses & Catalog Information

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.

Public Relations Specialists

Bright Outlook

Promote 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:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree

Public Relations Managers

Bright Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

Median Annual Wage $146,910
Wage Range $82,410 – $284,990
Projected Growth Bright

Public Safety Telecommunicators

Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take inf

Median Annual Wage $53,040
Wage Range $37,320 – $79,830
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Social Perceptiveness
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate

Directors, Religious Activities and Education

Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, hea

Median Annual Wage $52,100
Wage Range $34,670 – $98,310
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Post-secondary certificate, Associate’s degree

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governme

Median Annual Wage $142,080
Wage Range $83,350 – $195,190
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Post-doctoral training

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

Bright Outlook

Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic

Median Annual Wage $90,150
Wage Range $55,000 – $134,950
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
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2026-08-24