Learn from Distinguished Scholars and Experienced Leaders Online or On-Campus in the Illinois Capital City

2023 award for US News "Best Grad Schools-Public Affairs"

Government agencies, nonprofits, and human services rely on educated leaders to shape policies, promote social change, and manage organizations. Prepare for a rewarding career where leadership directly impacts the lives of others with the undergraduate and graduate-level programs from the Illinois capital city's School of Public Management and Policy.

With our top-ranked Master of Public Administration (MPA) program leading the way, all of our academic offerings blend theory with practical experience. As a result, you can develop the knowledge and expertise necessary for leadership roles within the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.

Online & Campus-Based Degree Programs

A Community that is Making a Difference in the World

Join the community that is at the center of the Illinois' world of public management and policy.

“Attending UIS and being a student in the MPA program exposed me to a diverse group of students and community leaders who are champions of change. Being able to make connections and build relationships with other alumni in nonprofit and government sectors has been helpful in advancing issues or overcoming obstacles in many situations. Through UIS, I have gained lifelong mentors, friends, and peers who will support me in my professional journey.”

~ Jerome Holston

Support our Public Affairs Mission

The UIS School of Public Management and Policy works to educate emerging leaders serving nonprofit and government sectors in Illinois and across the nation. Your gift will support this critical work. Consider donating today to support SPMP.

Connect with UIS!

Students at UIS learn from faculty that are experienced leaders and distinguished scholars, both on-campus and online. With practical experiences in and out of the classroom, our undergraduate and graduate students become the leaders our communities need. Learn more about applying to programs in the School of Public Management and Policy today!

Alumni Connections

News

drone shot of UIS campus
Jan 14, 2025
Molly Berendt, Rising Star Alumni Award at the UIS Student Union
Ms. Molly Berendt, MPA’19, will receive a Rising Star Alumni Award on Friday, February 21, 2025 at the UIS Student Union. Ms. Molly Berendt, MPA’19, will…
drone shot of UIS campus
Jan 14, 2025
Bob Smith travelled to China and delivered lectures
Dr. Bob Smith, full professor of public administration travelled to china where he presented three universities in four cities and delivered lectures. Dr.…
Yona Stamatis and Julie Staley holding the Emmy award.
Oct 27, 2024
UIS professor featured in Emmy award-winning short-form video produced by doctoral student
University of Illinois Springfield Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology Yona Stamatis is featured in “Music of Hope”, a short-form video that won a…
Ken Kriz
Jun 05, 2024
Kenneth Kriz honored with Jesse Burkhead Award for best journal article
Kenneth Kriz, the interim vice chancellor for finance and administration and a distinguished professor of public administration at the University of Illinois…
drone shot of UIS campus
Oct 04, 2023
UIS's Online Human Services Master's Program Ranks 4th in Forbes Advisor's 2023 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
I am delighted to share the remarkable news that the University of Illinois Springfield's online Master’s in Human Services program has achieved an…
Human Services faculty
Oct 03, 2023
Forbes names UIS’ human services master’s degree a top online program for 2023
Forbes has named the University of Illinois Springfield’s human services master’s degree a top online program for 2023. The degree prepares students for…