Introduction
Entering a Public Administration graduate program in Illinois offers a distinctive blend of academic, professional, and recreational opportunities. The state hosts respected institutions like the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, and the University of Illinois Springfield, each contributing to a diverse academic landscape. These schools aren’t just places of learning but gateways to specific aspects of public administration tailored to the state’s needs.
Beyond classes, Illinois provides a mix of activities for graduate students. In Chicago, students can explore the city’s museums, theaters, and galleries, experiencing the diverse neighborhoods, from the historic charm of Hyde Park to the energetic vibe of Wicker Park. Rural areas in Illinois offer their own charm, with outdoor activities like hiking, winery tours, and community festivals contributing to a more relaxed pace of life.
Professional networking in Illinois is deeply rooted in the state’s governance history. Chicago, as a global city, is a platform for students to connect with professionals in government, international organizations, and nonprofits. In Springfield, students can build connections directly within the state government, gaining insights into policy making and administration at the state capital. Various universities offer graduate assistantships and legislative internships for MPA students in the process of getting their degree.
Job opportunities for Public Administration graduates in Illinois are varied and catered to the state’s needs. Chicago offers roles in large government agencies, international organizations, and nonprofits, leveraging its status as a major economic and cultural hub. Rural areas provide opportunities for community-driven initiatives, addressing challenges unique to smaller municipalities and contributing to sustainable development.
Recreational activities showcase Illinois’ diverse geography, with Lake Michigan offering water-based activities in Chicago, while rural areas offer hiking trails, nature reserves, and opportunities for agro-tourism. The mix of urban excitement and rural settings allows students to tailor their extracurricular experiences.
Illinois’ unique mix of urban sophistication, rural charm, and a robust public administration ecosystem makes it an exceptional choice for graduate students seeking a distinctive academic and professional journey. The state’s commitment to governance and community development ensures that students are active contributors to the evolving landscape of public administration in Illinois.
MPA Programs in Illinois
Attaining an MPA degree opens doors to fulfilling managerial careers within the public sector, nonprofit organizations, and private entities engaged in partnerships with government officials.. As an MPA student, you can choose to specialize in a diverse array of degree focuses, including human resources management, criminal justice, environmental planning, and nonprofit management, among other areas. These concentrations tie directly into job opportunities in Illinois at the state, county, and local levels of government.
Aspiring students exploring MPA programs can find one of the largest variety of school choices in the State of Illinois compared to the rest of the country. The State of Illinois hosts Public Administration Masters programs that offer various concentrations and focuses at 12 different public and private educational institutions. A summary of these programs, regardless of accreditation, mode, or cost, can be found here:
NASPAA-accredited MPA Programs
For an MPA (Master of Public Administration) student in Illinois, it’s important to pursue a degree accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). NASPAA accreditation is a sign of quality and adherence to high academic standards in public administration.
Opting for a NASPAA-accredited program ensures that the MPA curriculum covers essential skills needed for effective public service, making the degree more credible and marketable to potential employers. In Illinois, where the public sector is vital, having a NASPAA-accredited MPA degree not only shows a commitment to professional excellence but also opens doors to diverse career opportunities in government agencies, non-profits, and other public service sectors.
Currently, 7 institutions in Illinois hold NASPAA accreditation for their MPA programs, demonstrating their commitment to quality education and industry standards. This accreditation serves as a reliable indicator for prospective students, affirming program relevance and providing a strong foundation for a career in public administration.
The following is an overview of the 7 NASPAA-accredited institutions in Illinois. Tuition estimates are calculated on a per credit hour basis:
DePaul University
- Chicago, IL
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 52
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $743
Program Overview:
The MPA curriculum at DePaul covers ethical organizational leadership, public finance and budgeting, human resource management, and public policy design and analysis. Additionally, you can specialize in areas such as Emergency Management, Health Care Administration, International Public Management, Metropolitan Planning and Urban Affairs, or opt for the standard concentration. DePaul’s Chicago location provides unique opportunities for real-world experience in government and nonprofit agencies, aligning with your interests and career aspirations. With flexible formats, including evening classes on the Loop Campus or entirely online, the program accommodates various lifestyles.
Governors State University
- University Park, IL
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 39
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $490
Program Overview:
The GSU Master of Public Administration (MPA) program equips public managers, ranging from first responders to village managers, with essential skills in social justice, entrepreneurship, and professional advocacy. This program prepares students for roles in nonprofit, local, county, state, and federal organizations, offering a high-quality education to a diverse student body. The curriculum focuses on applying sound reasoning to develop solutions to real-world problems and imparts specific concepts, techniques, and management skills relevant to the public sector. The MPA degree is designed to help students reach their career goals by preparing them as professional managers in various administrative branches of government and not-for-profit organizations.
Northern Illinois University
- Dekalb, IL
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 44
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $595
Program Overview:
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at NIU is one of the best in the nation, catering to both pre-career students and mid-career executives, offering flexibility through eight-week executive-format courses that align with your schedule. Courses can be completed entirely online for the MPA, specializing in local government, or through a traditional format, allowing full-time or part-time study with eight-week evening classes at two locations. The online option utilizes an asynchronous format, allowing flexibility for mid-career professionals, while the traditional program follows a hybrid executive format with one-night-per-week classes. Both pathways offer opportunities for mid-career professionals to focus on one class for eight weeks and complete two classes each semester, enhancing the practicality of the program.
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville
- Edwardsville, IL
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 39
GRE: Contingent on GPA
Resident Tuition: $321
Non-Resident Tuition: $470
Program Overview:
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Master of Public Administration (MPA) is one of the leading MPA programs in the region, with a curriculum strategically designed to cultivate analytical and administrative skills. The MPA core program, particularly beneficial for mid-career students, provides fundamental administrative training, complemented by an elective sequence allowing personalized concentration alignment with career goals. Pre-career students benefit from a competitive professional internship program, gaining valuable experience in diverse fields. SIUE’s MPA program, fully accredited by NASPAA, accommodates both full-time and part-time attendance, allowing students to complete the degree within 12 months or longer based on individual preferences. This unique flexibility and accreditation highlight our commitment to delivering a comprehensive and adaptable public administration education.
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
- Carbondale, IL
- Campus
Modality: On-Campus
Credit Hours: 40
GRE: Contingent on GPA
Resident Tuition: $321
Non-Resident Tuition: $470
Program Overview:
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale is an applied program emphasizing community engagement, equipping students for managerial, administrative, and professional roles in public, aviation, and nonprofit organizations. The program accommodates both full and part-time students, fostering flexibility in career development. Pioneering a concentration in aviation administration in 1990, the program is interdisciplinary, drawing from various university departments. MPA degree requirements cover core knowledge in public administration, allowing flexibility for students to tailor their studies to specialty fields like city management, financial management, aviation administration, and more.
University of Illinois at Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 54
GRE: Contingent on GPA
Resident Tuition: $321
Non-Resident Tuition: $647
Online Tuition: $367
Program Overview:
The UIC MPA program recognizes the interdisciplinary nature of public administration, with faculty expertise in diverse fields such as law, management, political science, economics, and information technology. Comprising full-time faculty and adjunct professors, the program ensures a comprehensive educational experience. The mission of the UIC MPA program is to promote excellence in public service careers across various sectors, guided by scholarly research and ethical practice. The UIC MPA program offers flexibility through an Online MPA option, preparing students for public service careers in various sectors.
University of Illinois at Springfield
- Springfield, IL
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Contingent on GPA
Resident Tuition: $321
Non-Resident Tuition: $647
Online Tuition: $367
Program Overview:
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at UIS School of Public Management and Policy is designed to equip you with the essential skills, knowledge, and networks needed to lead and manage organizations within the public and nonprofit sectors. Graduates of the MPA program at UIS pursue diverse careers such as public program managers, nonprofit leaders, management analysts, and city administrators. The program has received the 2023 award for “Best Grad Schools-Public Affairs Finance and Budgeting” by US News. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, analytical tools, financial management, and social equity, preparing the next generation of public service professionals for immediate impact.
Online MPA Programs
In the twenty-first century, the flexibility of online learning allows individuals from various locations, whether Upstate or Downstate, to attend a university of their choice, all while residing in the comfort of their homes. This accessibility and the growing preference for online education underscore the reasons why an increasing number of students opt for obtaining their public administration graduate degrees within their home state.
Online MPA programs provide students the flexibility to access course materials and lectures at their own pace, from any location with an internet connection. This adaptability is particularly advantageous for busy individuals or working professionals, enabling them to balance work commitments with academic pursuits. For those seeking career advancement or a change, online MPA programs facilitate the integration of education into existing professional and personal responsibilities.
In the State of New York, there are 12 MPA programs that offer a fully online learning option, with seven of them being NASPAA accredited. Additional information on the remaining five unaccredited programs can be found here:
Adler University
- Chicago, IL
- Online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $924 (per credit)
Program Overview:
Adler University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed to impart core knowledge and skills essential for effective and socially responsible policy implementation, organizational leadership, and finance across various government levels. The program prepares individuals for diverse career settings, from youth and professional sports to government agencies and private practice. Additionally, the online MPA program provides specialized concentrations in Sustainable Communities, Crisis Management, or Military and Veteran Services, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career paths.
National Louis University
- Chicago, IL
- Online + Campus
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $790 (per credit)
Program Overview:
The Master’s of Public Administration program at NLU readies you for senior roles in governmental, non-profit, or private sector organizations. Balancing academic theory and practical methodology, the program teaches you to analyze, shape, and administer policies in various sectors. The MPA can be completed in just 19 months, offering flexibility through 100% online or blended course formats. With eight concentrations, including Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, and Public Safety and Justice Leadership, you can customize your degree to align with your career goals.
Northwestern University
- Evanston, IL
- Online + Campus
Credit Hours: 39
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $1,288 (per credit)
Program Overview:
Northwestern’s MPPA program equips students with the analytical, administrative, and leadership skills necessary to effect meaningful change in government, education, and nonprofit sectors. Offering a distinctive curriculum that delves into both the administrative and analytical aspects of policy, the program emphasizes the interconnected and global nature of policy challenges. Graduates gain tools to drive change locally, nationally, and internationally. Specializations include Public Policy, Public Administration, Global Policy, Global Health, or Data Analytics for Public Policy. The flexible curriculum allows students to balance online and on-campus courses based on their specialization and schedules.
Aurora University
- Aurora, IL
- Online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE: Not required
Tuition: $580 (per credit)
Program Overview:
This program offers a comprehensive management curriculum, including specialized electives, allowing you to apply public administration theories to real-world scenarios and leverage your prior academic and field experience. Developed in collaboration with community leaders and public service professionals, this degree ensures that you receive education tailored to your career objectives. The curriculum covers community relations, budgeting, public policy, and nonprofit management, and all courses are taught by expert instructors using the Open Educational Resources library and network, eliminating textbook costs.
Accelerated MPA Programs
A Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) degree typically takes 2-3 years for full-time students and 3-4 years for part-time students. However, various programs in the State of New York offer accelerated and dual-track options, allowing students to complete their degrees in a shorter time frame. The primary advantage of accelerated MPA programs is a significant reduction in the time needed to obtain the degree.
While traditional MPA programs often take two years or more, accelerated programs can be completed in approximately 12 to 18 months. For instance, Binghamton University and SUNY Albany provide an “Accelerated/4+1 Degree” option, enabling students to finish their undergraduate and graduate MPA degrees in a combined 5 years.
The New School offers multiple program pathways, including a Fast Track Path (a 16-month accelerated MPA option), a Traditional Full-Time Path lasting 2 years, and a Part-Time Path spanning 3 to 3.5 years. Marist College provides an accelerated 14-month MPA program track, allowing students to explore unique concentrations, gain hands-on industry-related experiences, and achieve their academic and professional goals more quickly. Hilbert College offers a 16-month MPA degree, emphasizing efficiency in program completion.
Syracuse University’s MPA program requires a residency of 12 to 18 months, with all students starting the program in early July. Full-time students typically complete the program by the following June, although there is an extended 18-month option available that includes a summer internship for interested students. These accelerated and alternative tracks provide flexibility and efficiency for students pursuing an MPA degree.
Affordable MPA Programs
Investing in a Master’s Degree in Public Administration can be substantial for students and working professionals alike. In New York, cost-effective MPA programs aim to enhance accessibility to higher education, accommodating a diverse range of students who may face budgetary constraints.
The affordability of these programs alleviates financial stress, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the MPA student community. Additionally, the appeal of cost-effective MPA programs extends to working professionals and individuals managing financial commitments, offering them the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees without accumulating significant debt.
For residents in the State of New York, SUNY schools are generally the most affordable approach to obtaining an MPA degree. SUNY Buffalo State offers tuition at $6,785 per semester and SUNY Brockport offers tuition at $5,655 per semester. Comparably, Binghamton University offers tuition at $6,892 per semester.
On a per credit basis, Hilbert College offers the lowest rate at $700 per credit. Marist College is $920 per credit and Monroe College is $919 per credit. LIU Brooklyn also offers a rate of $1,352 per credit.
All MPA Programs in Illinois
What Types of Careers Can I Pursue With an MPA Degree in New York?
In the State of New York, holding a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree opens the door to a wide array of rewarding careers across various sectors. Given the state’s diverse economy and complex administrative landscape, MPA graduates can pursue unique and impactful roles.
In urban planning and development, New York’s ever-evolving urban landscape offers opportunities for MPA graduates to contribute to shaping sustainable and resilient cities, working on projects that address infrastructure, housing, and community development.
In nonprofit management, the state is home to a vibrant nonprofit sector, and MPA graduates can play instrumental roles in managing and leading these organizations. From overseeing charitable foundations to running advocacy groups, there are ample opportunities to make a positive impact on society.
In emergency management, given the state’s susceptibility to various natural and man-made disasters, MPA professionals specializing in emergency management can play crucial roles in coordinating disaster response efforts, ensuring public safety, and developing resilience strategies.
In healthcare administration, New York boasts a robust healthcare system, and MPA graduates can pursue careers in healthcare administration. They may work in hospitals, public health agencies, or nonprofit organizations, contributing to the improvement of healthcare services and accessibility.
In public policy analysis, with the state being a policy hub, MPA graduates can excel in public policy analysis roles. They may work with government agencies, think tanks, or research institutions, influencing policy decisions and addressing societal challenges.
New York has been home to several famous public officials who held MPA degrees, demonstrating the impact of such qualifications in public service. Michael Bloomberg, the former Mayor of New York City, holds an MPA from Harvard University. His career spans successful entrepreneurship and impactful public service, reflecting the versatility an MPA degree can offer.
Geraldine Ferraro, a former U.S. Representative and the first female major-party vice presidential nominee, earned her MPA from Harvard. She made significant contributions to public service and women’s rights.
An MPA degree in the State of New York can open doors to diverse and impactful careers, ranging from urban planning to healthcare administration. The state’s complex administrative landscape and rich history of notable public officials with MPA degrees underscore the value and versatility of this qualification in shaping effective and influential public service careers.
