This innovative Masters in Public Service Management degree program will enable you to make a difference by helping solve the problems of our communities and our world. Designed to teach you broad-based management skills that advance a variety of careers in the public and private sectors, the Masters in Public Service Management (MPS) offers a blend of in-person and online courses, giving you flexibility to balance your studies with your life. As part of the program, you'll participate in two in-person immersion weeks at our Loop Campus—one at the beginning and one at the end of the academic year. These immersion weeks provide valuable networking opportunities and hands-on learning experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of leaders, including those in federal, state, and local positions, professionals from higher education, and key figures from nonprofit organizations.
To accelerate degree completion, you can earn credit for prior college-level learning based on your work, volunteer and life experiences. Professionals can apply for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit for up to two courses (8 credit hours). All other courses are offered online, either in the evening or asynchronously. Students will have the option to attend in-person classes in Chicago’s Loop. This cohort-based program begins each fall and can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Mission Statement
The MS in Public Service Management degree educates students to work in public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Through our cross-sectoral approach to learning, research, and service our students learn to connect domestic and global issues, alleviate poverty, and build responsive and responsible service organizations. We promote compassion for marginalized communities , ethical leadership and service to all people with integrity, accountability, justice, professionalism, sensitivity, and transparency.
| Program Requirements | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|
| Core Requirements | 32 |
| Open Electives | 16 |
| Total hours required | 48 |
The MS in Public Service Management may also be expanded to include select graduate certificate programs covering particular areas of interest. Students participating in a combined MS/certificate program should consult with their academic advisor (SPSAdvising@depaul.edu) to determine what coursework might count toward both programs. A separate application process for the certificate may be required. Students who are interested in any of the following combination programs should contact the Graduate Student Services Office for additional information.
- Public Service Management + Community Development Certificate
- Public Service Management + Critical Ethnic Studies Certificate
- Public Service Management + Emergency Management Administration Certificate
- Public Service Management + Geographic Information System Certificate
- Public Service Management + Global Health Certificate
- Public Service Management + Health Care Administration Certificate
- Public Service Management + Metropolitan Planning and Development Certificate
- Public Service Management + Politics and Policies of Forced Migration Certificate
- Public Service Management + Social Research Certificate
- Public Service Management + Strategic Writing and Advancement for Nonprofits Certificate
- Public Service Management + Sustainable Urban Food Systems Certificate
- Public Service Management + Translation and Interpreting Certificate
- Public Service Management + Women's and Gender Studies Certificate
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Explain relevant public service issues to target audiences in the appropriate written and oral formats.
- Apply an ethical framework in making an organizational decision on a current moral dilemma.
- Determine the interactive roles of business, government, and nonprofit sectors in public welfare.
- Analyze the leadership skills essential to managing public service organizations.
Degree Requirements
Students complete 12 courses (48 credit hours) for the Master of Science in Public Service Management program. Eight courses (32 credit hours) of core course work and four courses (16 credit hours) of open electives.
Core Courses
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MPS 500 | PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT | 4 |
| MPS 501 | FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC SERVICE | 4 |
| MPS 505 | PROFESSIONAL IMMERSION IN PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT | 4 |
| MPS 514 | GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION | 4 |
| or MPS 515 | NONPROFIT FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION | |
| MPS 522 | FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT | 4 |
| or MPS 615 | MANAGEMENT OF INTERCULTURAL DIVERSITY | |
| MPS 533 | APPLIED STATISTICS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE (USING EXCEL) | 4 |
| or MPS 536 | APPLIED STATISTICS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE (USING SPSS) | |
| MPS 542 | POLICY DESIGN AND ANALYSIS | 4 |
| MPS 605 | PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES ON PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT | 4 |
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from this list: | 8 | |
| LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC SERVICE | ||
| GROUP DYNAMICS FOR LEADERS | ||
| STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING | ||
| Select two other MPS courses as electives | 8 | |
Student Handbook
Students in the School of Public Service will follow many of the requirements, rules, and regulations set by the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the DePaul University Graduate Student Handbook. There are additional academic regulations specific to students in the School of Public Service. Please see information below.
Academic Probation
All students within the School of Public Service must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher as part of their requirements for graduation. As a result, any student who earns a cumulative GPA below 2.7 (B-) is placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation are required to meet with an Academic Advisor (SPSAdvising@depaul.edu) to discuss their performance and determine a plan for improvement.
Dismissal
Students who are not able to raise their cumulative GPA to a minimum of 2.7 within two academic quarters (after being placed on academic probation) are subject to dismissal from the program.
Readmission
If a student is dismissed from the program (as outlined in the dismissal policy), they may reapply through the formal admission application process.
Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate from the program, students must complete all program requirements with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher. If a student's cumulative GPA is below a 2.7, they may be denied graduation.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
While School of Public Service courses are open to non-degree seeking graduate students, pre-requisite requirements for certain courses may be enforced.