INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE (MS)
Promote ethical, positive change in the world
DePaul’s master’s in International Public Service (IPS) is designed for students interested in the field of international development and global humanitarian affairs. You’ll gain the skills and expertise to manage, lead and evaluate international projects and organizations. Deepen your experience through study abroad, internships and applied research opportunities.
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Flexible formats for any lifestyle
Courses are offered in the evening on the Loop Campus, and in some cases, online. The program can be completed in two years and one additional quarter (including one summer) by following a schedule of two classes per quarter.
Learn more about online classesCertificate options
An urban classroom in a global city
An international hub, Chicago is home to citizens from virtually every nation—and a place where you’ll experience firsthand the interconnectedness of the world. Connect to job and internship opportunities with international and nonprofit organizations like Rotary International, the American Red Cross and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Admission Requirements
Submit an online application, professional statement, résumé and official transcripts.
Required Courses
You’ll complete 11 core courses plus two electives.
93%
of International Public Service graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.
$56k
The median salary for International Public Service graduates was $56,000.
Get real-world experience in international public service
Raphael Ogom, PhD, is the program director for the Tanzania study abroad program. He was inspired to develop and run this program because he’s a firm believer in immersing his students in cultures and environments beyond their own. At DePaul, you’ll have the chance to receive a well-rounded education that includes opportunities to study with passionate leaders like Ogum.
“What stood out to me about the School of Public Service was the emphasis on practical application as opposed to just theory. With the study abroad programs and my internship, I knew I would gain the experience that would enable me to succeed in my professional career.”
Heather (MS ’17)
Mayoral Fellow, City of Chicago
Alumni Network
You’ll benefit from extensive networking opportunities with DePaul’s strong alumni network, including more than 3,460 School of Public Service alumni. Connect with fellow International Public Service grads, who typically pursue careers in government, non-profit association management and within various nonprofit organizations.
Hear more from SPS Alumni
Scholarships & Aid
The School of Public Service offers several quarterly scholarship, graduate assistantship and fellowship opportunities. Learn more about the scholarships and opportunities available to you.
Admission Requirements
????The MS-IPS program is designed for young and mid-level career professionals and students with a background in development studies, international studies, foreign languages, sociology, anthropology, political science, public policy or other general and specialized undergraduate majors relevant to a career in international development and global policy analysis.
The reviews of the applications carefully consider the candidate’s academic background, career perspectives, international experience and interests, language capacity and other professional experiences.
Application Requirements
International Application Requirements
Current students may visit Campus Connect for current course information. Prospective students may log on as a guest. Once on Campus Connect please select Course Descriptions followed by the department.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change.
Learn more about Graduate Admission.
Degree Requirements
Students are required to complete a total of 13 courses (52 credit hours): eleven core courses (44 credit hours), two elective courses (8 credit hours).
Core Courses
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MPS 500 | INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT | 4 |
| MPS 510 | INTERNATIONAL DIMENSIONS OF PUBLIC SERVICE | 4 |
| MPS 511 | SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT | 4 |
| MPS 533 | APPLIED STATISTICS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE (USING EXCEL) | 4 |
| or MPS 536 | APPLIED STATISTICS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE (USING SPSS) | |
| MPS 575 | STUDY ABROAD SEMINAR | 4 |
| MPS 583 | RESEARCH METHODS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE | 4 |
| MPS 593 | INTEGRATIVE SEMINAR | 4 |
| MPS 594 | ETHICAL LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC SERVICE | 4 |
| MPS 611 | MANAGEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL NGOs | 4 |
| MPS 612 | INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY | 4 |
| MPS 616 | INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT | 4 |
Internship Capstone Option
Students may choose to replace MPS 593 with MPS 610 Internship Capstone option.
Elective Courses
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Choose two of the following: | 8 | |
|
MPS 501 |
CROSS-SECTOR ANALYSIS | |
|
MPS 513 |
VOLUNTEERISM IN GLOBAL CIVIL SOCIETY | |
|
MPS 514 |
GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION | |
|
MPS 515 |
NONPROFIT FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION | |
|
MPS 518 |
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS | |
|
MPS 519 |
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT | |
|
MPS 521 |
LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC SERVICE | |
|
MPS 522 |
FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT | |
|
MPS 524 |
MARKETING FOR SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS | |
|
MPS 525 |
WORKING WITH NONPROFIT BOARDS | |
|
MPS 529 |
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING | |
|
MPS 535 |
HEALTH CARE POLICY | |
|
MPS 537 |
COMPARATIVE HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS | |
|
MPS 541 |
ECONOMIC FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC SERVICE | |
|
MPS 542 |
POLICY DESIGN AND ANALYSIS | |
|
MPS 543 |
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION | |
|
MPS 546 |
ADVOCACY AND LOBBYING | |
|
MPS 552 |
GIS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | |
|
MPS 561 |
LAW AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS | |
|
MPS 563 |
LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY | |
|
MPS 573 |
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | |
|
MPS 576 |
ENERGY POLICY AND THE ENVIRONMENT | |
|
MPS 577 |
ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICTS AND MEDIATED SOLUTIONS | |
|
MPS 578 |
URBAN RESILIENCE AND CLIMATE ADAPTATION POLICY | |
|
MPS 579 |
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS | |
|
MPS 600 |
INDEPENDENT STUDY | |
|
MPS 601 |
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNSHIP | |
|
MPS 604 |
SPECIAL TOPICS | |
|
MPS 614 |
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS SEMINAR | |
|
MPS 615 |
MANAGEMENT OF INTERCULTURAL DIVERSITY | |
|
MPS 618 |
MIGRATION AND FORCED MIGRATION | |
|
MPS 619 |
INTERNATIONAL LAW | |
Study Abroad Requirement
Students are required to take the MPS 575 study abroad course. This one week study abroad trip allows both full-time and part-time students to participate. Students should apply for the competitive study abroad scholarships to help with travel costs.
Internship Option
Students have the option to complete substantial professional experience in an international or intercultural setting for course credit. Students without substantial professional experience in an international or intercultural setting, are strongly encouraged to pursue an internship with an approved organization. To pursue this option, students enroll in MPS 601 while completing the internship. For more information contact SPSAdvising@depaul.edu.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Students are not required to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language as a graduation requirement. However, please note that a second language is critical to helping a resume stand out and for constructing an effective career in international public service. Therefore all students are strongly encouraged to build and demonstrate proficiency in at least one other language appropriate to their field or geographical interests.
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