Graduate Programs in Public Administration
A Professional Masters Degree Program

The Graduate Programs in Public Administration is a unit of IIT's Department of Social Sciences, which encompasses the disciplines of political science and sociology, with special emphases in the fields of urban government and community affairs, policy analysis, organization and management of work, public finance, public safety, and nonprofit management. IIT has offered educational programs in public administration since the 1940s and has awarded the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree, the most widely recognized professional credential, since the mid-1960s.

Building on the foundations laid by former departmental faculty members Herbert A. Simon (a Nobel Laureate), Victor Thompson and Donald Smithburg, the current program continues to present a practical focus on the characteristics and responsibilities of the effective governmental manager. Courses meet during the evening hours at IIT's Downtown Campus, conveniently located in the West Loop near transportation and many governmental offices, to accommodate the needs of the mid-career public service professionals that constitute most of the program's student body.

MPA Program Held Semi-Annual Reception - November 8 , 2007

The Fall 2007 MPA Reception was held on Thursday November 8, 2007. Well over 100 current and prospective students, alumni, faculty, and staff attended this semi-annual event. Mattie Hunter , an Illinois State Senator, spoke on her background in public administration and on the value of a Masters degree in her field.

The MPA Reception is held for the MPA Program community to celebrate the achievements of its students, alumni, and faculty, to learn about a topic of interest, and to socialize with other members of the MPA community.

MPA Professor Dr. Scott Peters awarded Dean's Excellence Award

Scott Peters was one of five faculty and staff to be recognized by Dean McMorris at the 2006 Dean's Excellence Awards, and one of two faculty to receive an award for excellence in teaching. The awards recognize outstanding achievements by faculty and staff of the College of Science and Letters.

Dr. Peters has been instrumental in making the Master of Public Administration program for Chinese officials such a huge success.