Overview

The Public Affairs Reporting program at the University of Illinois Springfield directs students to an investigation of the interactions between the news media and society and the news media and government and encourages students to expand the knowledge of such interaction through research and experimentation.

Features

A primary goal is for graduates to become professional journalists who can report and interpret governmental activity and public policy for news consumers. The 10-month program aims to develop news reporters able to understand public affairs and communicate those concepts with the clarity, accuracy and speed demanded of professional journalists of the highest rank.

The centerpiece of the program is a six-month internship as a Statehouse reporting correspondent working for a professional news organization. Program faculty expect each graduate, whatever the skill level upon entering the program, to be proficient in reporting, editing and writing at graduation.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

State of the State

Media Law and Ethics

Critical and Persuasive Writing for Journalists

Advanced Public Affairs Reporting

Legislative Issues

Developing Public Policy in Illinois

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

40 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Springfield, United States

Disciplines

Public Law Public Policy Journalism View 121 other Masters in Journalism in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

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.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the Online Admissions Application
Personal Statement – This is an applicant’s chance to tell us about themselves. Describe interests and accomplishments which are not indicated elsewhere on the application.
Academic Statement – Tell us more about professional aspiration, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to the choice of a specific academic program at the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Completed PAR application
Samples of written work
Narrative statement on qualifications and interest in program
3 references

Other requirements:

Finalists are required to take a literacy/competency/current events test; complete a writing exercise; and interview with PAR Admissions Committee
Writing ability
Interest in government and public affairs
Potential for a career in journalism Academic record

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

26062 USD / year

≈ 26062 USD / year
Out-of-State

26062 USD / year

≈ 26062 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12978 USD / year

≈ 12978 USD / year

Living costs

Springfield

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 Affairs Reporting.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Features

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

Living costs

Springfield

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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