Prepare to Lead and Advocate for Change

We are the University of Illinois System’s capital city connection for studying public affairs, education, and communication.

Whether you're interested in politics, public policy and administration, teaching, educational administration, or interpersonal and mass-mediated communication—we want to help you to take the next step in your educational journey.

Our world-class programs emphasize interdisciplinary, experiential learning and prepare students for leadership roles and careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors or to seek further education.

Embrace the future with confidence!

Schools and Departments

Whether on-campus, online, or a blend of the two, our undergraduate and graduate degree programs, certificates, and minors will connect you with opportunities unique to living and learning in a capital city. Whatever program you choose, you'll gain the knowledge, experience, and skills to build a meaningful career—and to transform lives and make a difference locally and globally.

 
College of Public Affairs and Education

School of Education

Choose your path and become a professional educator (teacher licensure in elementary and secondary education), complete a certificate, add an endorsement, or obtain a Masters degree in Education or Educational Leadership.

 
College of Public Affairs and Education

School of Communication and Media

From the perspectives of interpersonal and mass-mediated communication, we offer undergraduate opportunities and graduate degrees in Communication Studies and Public Affairs Reporting.

 
College of Public Affairs and Education

School of Politics and International Affairs

Graduate and undergraduate degrees to develop the knowledge, skills, and practical experience you need to succeed in international affairs, practical politics, or academia.

 
College of Public Affairs and Education

School of Public Management and Policy

Undergraduate, Master's, and Doctoral-level training for leadership and research roles in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Home of the highly-ranked Master of Public Administration (MPA) program.

 
College of Public Affairs and Education

Department of Legal Studies

Graduate and undergraduate offerings providing an interdisciplinary approach to the study of law, the legal system, and the role law plays in society.

Why Choose CPAE?

University of Illinois System Logo
A University of Illinois Degree

We are proud to be the world-class University of Illinois System's capital city connection. Your CPAE degree will be among the most prestigious in the nation!

Capital City Connections

We bring the Illinois Capital City to You! Whether on campus or online, you will have exclusive access to internship and experiential learning opportunities that put you at the heart of the action.

Alumni Network

With a network that extends across the globe, CPAE alumni work in research, government, schools and school systems, business, international relations, NGOs and non-profits. They mentor students, give guest lectures, offer valuable internship opportunities and provide critical financial support.

Why the UIS College of Public Affairs and Education is for you!

Capitol Connection Blogs

News and views from the U of I System’s capital city connection for the study of public affairs, communication, and education.

Alumni


News
Nov 22, 2023
The University of Illinois System through the Illinois Mexican and Mexican American Student Initiative (I-MMÁS) along with the University of Illinois,…
Oct 04, 2023
I am delighted to share the remarkable news that the University of Illinois Springfield's online Master’s in Human Services program has achieved an…
Sep 28, 2023
Balancing Budgets in a Postpandemic World: Insights from 'On the Edge' - A Discussion with Volcker Alliance and UIS Experts In a recently concluded…
Aug 29, 2023
Welcome back as we start our new 2023-24 academic year! Welcome Students: As you are about to start on your college journey, or continue…
Aug 01, 2023
Listen to my interview on NPR Illinois | Community Voices This past semester, we launched the new CAST Minor and will be welcoming our first students…

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