Northern Illinois University
Department of Public Administration
School of Public and Global Affairs

Pursuing an M.P.A. at NIU can lead to advanced careers in local government, public finance and budgeting, and a wide range of public service areas.

Highly Ranked Program

Our fully accredited M.P.A. degree program is ranked No. 4 in the nation for Local Government Management, No. 11 in Public Finance and Budgeting and No. 57 in overall public affairs by U.S. News & World Report. These rankings place us ahead of all public and private institutions in Illinois and many elite schools nationwide.

Paid Internships

Students who qualify gain experience working for governmental and nonprofit agencies. The average wage for an internship is over $20 per hour. Our pre-career students accumulate over 1,600 hours of on-the-job experience in their internships, uniquely preparing them for expanding opportunities in the public sector.

High Completion Rate and 95% Job Placement

M.P.A. students consistently complete the program within the recommended time frame and secure positions in public service agencies. Most full-time students finish in two years (four full semesters and one summer), while part-time students typically finish within three years (seven semesters).

The chart below shows the graduation rates for students who entered the program in 2018-2019, offering a five-year window for completion. The data reveals that 98% of students complete the program within four years.

Job Placement (Academic Year 2022-23)

Twenty-seven students graduated in fall '22, spring '23, and summer '23. The chart below shows their job placement within six months of graduation.

Total Enrolled Students (Academic Year 2024)

The full-time equivalency (FTE) of the total enrolled Master of Public Administration students is 63.2, covering 87 M.P.A. students. This figure does not include those pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Public Management (GCPM). A total of 87 students are currently enrolled in the M.P.A. program and/or the GCPM.

Executive Class Format

Classes are taught in an eight-week format for intensive learning, with an average class size of 14-18 students.

Significant Alumni Network

One-third of all city and county managers in Illinois are alumni of our program. Our graduates hold influential roles in local governments across Illinois, the Midwest, and nationwide.