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Political Science: Public Administration & Public Policy Option

Focus on the core mechanics of public service, exploring how policies are made, how public and nonprofit organizations are managed, and how data drives effective governance. Designed specifically for future leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors, this specialized program is 100% online.

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Political Science: Public Administration & Public Policy Option

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Degree Level
Master of Arts
Delivery
Fully Online
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
33 Total, 33 in Major
Careers
Executives, Officers, General, Managers
Political Science: Public Administration & Public Policy Option students at EIU

Why Study Political Science: Public Administration & Public Policy Option at EIU?

  • Study global politics, diplomacy, and international development
  • Develop strong communication and problem-solving skills for international careers
  • Build proficiency in a second language
  • Prepare for careers in diplomacy, foreign service, international nonprofits, multinational corporations, and global education
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"From the moment I stepped onto campus, every professor, staff member, and student I encountered treated me with such genuine warmth and respect, as if I were already a valued member of their community. Despite not having officially joined the EIU family, I immediately felt a deep sense of belonging. The atmosphere was one of comfort and inclusivity, where everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and well-being."
Abbey McCord
Political Science: Public Administration & Public Policy Option | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Political Science: Public Administration & Public Policy Option at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Students complete internships with congressional offices, political campaigns, law offices, city managers, nonprofit organizations, and through Washington, D.C. programs.
  • Peace Corps Prep Program
  • Moot Court
  • Model Illinois Government
  • Model United Nations
Hands-On Experience, Political Science: Public Administration & Public Policy Option students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The online M.A. in Political Science with an option in Public Administration and Public Policy prepares you for employment in government agencies, nonprofits, city and urban planning, economic development policy, public policy research, private sector government relations, protective services and law enforcement administration, and education.

View in Catalog
$206,420
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Chief Executives
  • Chief Sustainability Officers
  • General & Operations Managers
  • Legislators
  • Transportation, Storage, &…
  • Supply Chain Managers
  • Postmasters & Mail Superintendents
  • Social & Community Service Managers
  • Regulatory Affairs Managers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Openings: Employers are expected to need at least 75,000 people for this career over the next several years. That count includes new jobs created by growth and spots opened when workers move on.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor Openings / Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit EnterprisingEnterprising interest typeYou like business and leadership. This type of work includes managing, selling, marketing and leading, including in politics or law.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$15,147 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 15% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
15% of lifetime limit

$15,147 total, just 15% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Jin Hong Kim
Assistant Professor, Grad Coordinator, Interdisciplinary Civic & Nonprofit Leaderhip Minor Coordinator
jhkim2@eiu.edu
2325 Coleman Hall
Jin Hong Kim Message Jin

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or email jhkim2@eiu.edu directly
Karen Swenson
Department Chair, Professor, and Pre-Law Coordinator, Political Science
kbswenson@eiu.edu
2321 Coleman Hall
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Message Karen

or email kbswenson@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

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or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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