Welcome to UIC Public Administration

Our world is increasingly urban and our leaders must understand the complex problems and governance challenges of urban regions. UIC’s Department of Public Administration (DPA) provides an opportunity for students to study public administration, public policy, and urban leadership in the vibrant urban laboratory provided by the metropolitan Chicago region.

Our degree programs in Chicago provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively confront the problems that challenge the civic, fiscal, and economic sustainability of our neighborhoods, cities, and regions and to lead the organizations and policy networks critical to the quality of life in our urban communities.

Stay up to date with DPA, visit go.uic.edu/dpadispatch to read the latest issue of our department newsletter.

Best College U.S. News Rankings

The 2020 U.S. News and World Report Public Affairs rankings recognize UIC as the top public administration graduate program in Illinois, with several top 25 specializations.

#35 of 285 Program Ranking (top 12 percent nationally)
#3 in Urban Policy
#12 in Public Finance and Budgeting
#15 in Local Government Management
#21 in Nonprofit Management
#35 in Public Management and Leadership

Degrees and Concentrations

Degree Concentrations/ Specializations
Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Economic Development Policy, Health Policy, Social Welfare Policy, Environmental Policy, Education Policy & Global Policy
Master of Public Administration Financial Management, Nonprofit Management, Public Management, Public Policy, Urban Governance and Management
PhD in Public Administration Financial Management, Public and Nonprofit Management, Survey Methods, Urban Governance and Networks

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UIC’s MPA Program is accredited by The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). To achieve this status, the MPA Program must meet certain curricular and operational standards that demonstrate the quality of the curriculum, faculty and student support services.

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