Overview

The Master of Public Administration at Northern Illinois University helps you develop applied problem solving skills, ethical administrative practices and leadership skills that directly affect and enhance teaching and career proficiencies.

It normally requires the completion of a minimum of 39 semester hours of approved graduate study in the public management core and a selected specialization. The student must complete a minimum of 39 semester hours of course work exclusive of internship hours.

Area(s) of Emphasis:

Specialization in Fiscal Administration
Specialization in Nonprofit Management
Specialization in Strategic Public Management and Leadership
Specialization in Local Government Management
Specialization in Comparative Public Service
Specialization in Public Service Law and Management

Specializations

Students must also complete the requirements of one of the following specializations, thus permitting the development of expertise in a particular field of academic and professional interests. Students must enroll in PSPA 695 for at least 4 semesters. The requirements for PSPA 695 may be waived if a student has had appropriate professional experience.

Specialization in Comparative Public Service

Through a study of public administration and management in a global context, students will gain an advanced capacity to assume a leadership role and use management skills to enhance the mission of government agencies and nongovernmental organizations in the U.S. and another country. In addition to learning skills and strategies for leadership and management of U.S. agencies, students will demonstrate an advanced ability to:

Lead and manage in public governance in a country outside the U.S.,

Participate in and contribute to the policy process in a country outside the U.S.,

Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions in a country outside the U.S.,

Articulate and apply a public service perspective in a country outside the U.S.,

Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry in a country outside the U.S.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Organization Theory and Behavior

Public Service Performance I: Theory and Management

Public Service Performance II: Management and Data Analysis

Human Resources Management in Public Service Organizations

Budgeting and Financial Management

Public Revenue Analysis and Financial Management

Information Technology in Public Service Organizations

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-10 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

39 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Public Administration View 604 other Masters in Public Administration in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent recognition.

Achieved a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.

If you received a three-year degree awarded through the Bologna process in Europe or a three-year Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration awarded in India, you are eligible to apply (provided you are seeking admission to the MBA or OMIS program).

Transcripts

Letters of recommendation.

Statement of purpose.

Test scores (if required).

Resume or curriculum vitae (optional)

Additional materials required by your program.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

39429 USD / year

≈ 39429 USD / year
Out-of-State

24297 USD / year

≈ 24297 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

24297 USD / year

≈ 24297 USD / year

Additional Details

National and International: 878.99 per credit Local: 509.75 per credit

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Public Administration.

Available Scholarships

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On this page

About

Overview

Specializations

Specialization in Comparative Public Service

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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