The Master of Public Administration (MPA) will provide you with the skills, expertise and networks to lead and manage organizations in the public and nonprofit sectors. Here, you will gain a strong foundation in the workings of government and policy, learn the frameworks and tools needed to manage people and processes effectively and develop the skills to lead teams and organizations. Public administration graduates enter or advance in careers as public program managers, nonprofit leaders, management analysts, research analysts, city/town administrators and more.

Learning Outcomes

  • Lead and manage in public governance.
  • Communicate in a clear and concise manner.
  • Apply relevant theories, knowledge and skills to manage resources and programs effectively.
  • Participate in and contribute to the public policy process.
  • Describe the public policy process and the role of the various participants and stakeholders.
  • Identify problems, frame the issues and identify and evaluate alternatives for addressing a problem.
  • 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 studies and reports.
  • 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.
  • Demonstrate a sensitivity to and respect for differences in culture.

Quick Facts

Format
Online, On-campus
Duration
2 years
Credit Hours
36

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:
May 15, 2025

Start Date:
August 22, 2025

Apply Today!

 two tone gray background

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

money icon

UIS is No. 5 for students graduating with the least amount of debt, Midwest Region (2021).

taxpayer icon

Top 25 best value school, Midwest Region, and the only public university in Illinois on the list (2022, 2023, 2024).

group icon

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.

< High School
$26,800
High School
$36,600
Bachelor's
$68,300
Master's
$87,200
Doctorate
$105,600

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.

star no. 1
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024

Courses & Catalog Information

Rotating Image

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.

  • Academic Advisor
  • Admission/Assessment Officer
  • Outreach Coordinator
  • Program Specialist
  • Transition Assistance Specialist
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Fundraiser
  • Community Planner
  • Congressional Committee Staffer
  • Convention Organizer
  • Corporate Relations Manager
  • Major Gifts Coordinator
  • Media Planner
  • Membership Coordinator
  • National Campaigns Coordinator
  • Community Organizer
  • Administrative Fiscal Officer
  • Citizen Outreach Coordinator
  • College Professor
  • Community Development Officer
  • Event Planner
  • Government Official
  • Grant Writer
  • Labor Relations Representative
  • Nonprofit Administrator
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Rural Development Officer
  • Social Science Analyst
  • Policy Analyst
  • Student Activities Coordinator
  • Employment Recruiter
  • Lobbyist
Say #YestoUIS