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.

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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.

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Required Courses

You’ll complete 11 core courses plus two electives.

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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.
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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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