Public Policy and Administration
Program Mission: The Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program provides an online curriculum for students interested in public administration, nonprofits, and public policy. Students will receive training in the advanced analytical, methodological, and theoretical approaches used in political science. The curriculum prepares students for work in public administration, including employment in all levels of government, non-profit management, lobbying, private sector government relations, and public policy analysis. Internships related to public administration, public policy and nonprofits are available.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see "Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs"). All applicants must submit a statement of personal goals and two letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals familiar with the applicant's academic training and potential for success in graduate school.
Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the "Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates" section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.
Degree Requirements
Degree Requirements: Degree requirements include those outlined for the master's degree by the Graduate School (see "Requirements for the Master's Degree"). Additional requirements include a total of 33-36 semester hours, including research methods, a program completion option, required courses, and electives.
AND one of the following program completion options:
Students in the Internship Option (Credits: 3) must earn at least 24 graduate credit hours in the MA in Political Science before enrolling in their internship.
OR
Portfolio Option: Two Additional Courses from the 5000-level in Political Science (Credits: 6) Students in the Portfolio Option must must complete a professional portfolio comprised of a resume, a professional statement, one oral presentation recording, and three documents from coursework and/or professional development. Students will complete the portfolio no later than their final semester of study. The Certificate of Comprehensive Knowledge will not be issued until the portfolio is complete.
Proseminars
Complete both of the following courses. Total Credits: 6
Public Administration and Public Policy Electives
Choose two of the following. Total Credits 6
Political Science Electives
Choose two of the following. Total Credits 6
PLS 4763, 4783, 4823; 5153; and 5163 may satisfy either elective category, but will not double-count. PLS 5900 will count in the elective category appropriate to course content, but will not double-count in both categories.
Additional Coursework
Students must take an additional 8-12 hours of graduate-level courses from the electives lists above or the courses listed below.
Students may count no more than 6 hours from the following courses.
Total Credits 8-12
Graduate Assistantships
Information on graduate assistantships may be obtained by contacting the Coordinator of Graduate Studies or Chair, Department of Political Science, 2135 Coleman Hall, EIU.
Information sourced from the 2025-2026 EIU Graduate Catalog.