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Master of Public Administration (MPA) Graduate Degree

Available Online

The UIU Advantage

Are you interested in helping people? Committed to a cause? Would you like to serve your country? Follow your calling by learning in-depth knowledge and advanced skills that can help you to better serve your community.

The Master of Public Administration degree provides students with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to excel at leading and managing government and nonprofit organizations. Practitioner oriented and suitable for a variety of occupational fields, this graduate degree helps students navigate the unique political and legal challenges that surround public organizations.

Why Master of Public Administration at UIU?

  • Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned public administrator, the MPA degree can help you develop new skills and strengthen existing ones.
  • Your UIU MPA degree delivers the leadership, managerial, analytical, and decision-making skills that ensure academic and professional success.
  • Abundant networking opportunities nationwide.
  • Occupational Outlook Salary Range: $65, 320 to $99,730+ for social service, healthcare, and administrative managers.
  • Our faculty are experienced professionals who are committed to helping the communities they serve.

Areas of Emphasis

UIU MPA students can choose from the following areas of emphasis.  Additional details about each emphasis are available on the MPA curriculum page.

  • Criminal Justice
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security
  • General Study
  • Healthcare Management
  • Nonprofit Organizational Management
  • Public Management

Curriculum

Core courses include subject matter such as writing in the profession, public policy, program evaluation, and public finance.

Ready For More?

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Explore Your Program

MPA Courses

See course descriptions for the classes you need for your Master of Public Administration degree.

Academic Calendar

Keep up with your academic program’s registration deadlines, session dates, holiday breaks and exam schedules.

Careers with an MPA

Graduates can find employment in a variety of fields, such as budget and fiscal management, city/county management, human capital management, human resource management, private sector consulting, public sector consulting, program administration, public affairs/communications, and strategic analysis.

John Kinley

John Kinley, '14, '16

Bachelor of Science - Public Administration
Master of Public Administration - Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Upon completing my masters degree, I was offered a reservist position with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As a reservist, I was deployed to numerous disasters, which made it seem like a full-time job. I now work full-time for FEMA out of the Chicago Regional Office as a Public Assistance Program Delivery Manager.

UIU Locations for Master's Degree in Master of Public Administration (MPA)

adult student in class

Unique Course Schedule

Most graduate students take one course each eight-week session, allowing for higher comprehension, achievement and balancing of your studies with your other commitments.

MPA Program Goals and Outcomes

MPA Program Goals and Values

The UIU MPA program identifies diversity, democracy, and due process as “core democratic values.” The MPA program strives to:

  • Develop and maintain a collaborative and inclusive learning environment that promotes the values of diversity, democracy, and due process.
  • Develop and maintain a high-quality curriculum that develops students’ leadership, managerial, and analytical skills for public service in government and non-profit organizations.
  • Develop a culture of intellectual inquiry for faculty to pursue teaching excellence and for both students and faculty to pursue scholarship that advances the public administration field.

MPA Student Learning Outcomes

The program student learning outcomes are based on the core competencies recommended by the Network of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). The program is designed to promote and develop the following student learning outcomes:

  1. Students will have demonstrated an ability to lead and manage.
  2. Students will have demonstrated an ability to participate in and contribute to the public policy process.
  3. Students will have demonstrated an ability to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions.
  4. Students will have demonstrated an ability to articulate and apply a public service perspective.
  5. Students will have demonstrated the ability to communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

Admissions

When you’re ready to apply for your Master of Public Administration, we’re ready to help you every step of the way.

Academic Support Services

Providing resources to support you through your classes.

John Grummel

Faculty Spotlight

John Grummel, Ph.D.
Director Masters of Public Administration - Maltbie Endowed Professor

The MPA degree at UIU prepares students for career options across both the public and private sectors, which is of immense value in the world today whether it is working for a non-profit, a government agency, or for a business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to students’ most frequently asked questions about UIU’s MPA. If you don’t see the answer you need, contact us for help.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The average time is two years though students who take more than one course per session may graduate in less time.

What can I do with this degree?

Students who graduate with this degree find employment in variety of government agencies or non-profit organizations. The degree can be paired with any occupation and subject matter.

Are internships and practicums available?

Yes. Students can take an internship course for credit and faculty will help students arrange and complete the experience.