All MPA courses are offered regularly and conveniently on weeknights. Some are available on weekends. Faculty expertise and the curriculum are especially well tailored to Illinois State government. The program works actively with many elements of state and local government to integrate academic and experiential components of the educational process.
Many graduates have positions in Illinois state government.
A growing number of pre-professional students have joined them in preparation for careers in public administration. Both the mix of students and the location of the program assist in the process of relating the concepts of theory to the insights of practical experience. Basic MPA curricular requirements are designed to impart knowledge and skills essential to meet pressing public problems. Advanced course work in the program may be pursued through identified sets of professional development courses or through individually designed programs of study related to particular career goals. Thus, the program allows highly flexible career preparations, while imparting fundamental knowledge and problem-solving skills.