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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
"I didn't expect to get real experience this early, but by my sophomore year I was already working on projects that felt like actual marketing work. It made me feel confident that I'm ready for what comes next."
Alex Wilcoxon
Marketing | Junior
Alex Wilcoxon, Marketing 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

Our online program offers an MA in Political Science with an Option in Public Administration and Public Policy. We provide a flexible program for students seeking employment in government agencies, nonprofits, city and urban planning, economic development policy, public policy research, private sector government relations, protective services/law enforcement administration, and education. Why Consider the Online M.A.

View in Catalog
$206,420
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • 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 Openings · Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Enterprising

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, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

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.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid →
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

Message Jin

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

Message Karen

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

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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