School of Public Service
Master of Science in International Public Service (IPS)
An international and diverse student body, faculty members from six different countries, a robust study abroad program, and a rich curriculum make the master of science in international public service management at DePaul University the perfect choice for students wishing to work for international organizations in the U.S. and overseas. Students in this degree program have a choice of a variety of electives including classes on proposal writing, fundraising, leadership and management, strategic planning, intercultural communication in organizations, and international relations and conflict resolution.
Program Profile
To graduate, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 52 credit hours of graduate credit. Each course carries four credit hours. Required core courses account for 40 credit hours and electives account for 12 credit hours. Students enrolled in coursework full-time (8 credit hours a quarter) generally graduate within 2 years. Students enrolled in coursework part-time (4 credit hours a quarter) generally graduate within 3 to 4 years.
There are currently 84 students enrolled in the IPS degree program.
Currently, 9 full-time professors make up the nucleus faculty for the IPS program.
Degree Chair: Marco Tavanti, Ph.D.
Upcoming Events
Join IPS Director, Marco Tavanti, during the first Global Cafe Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/282691531865926/
Mission Statement
The Master of Science in International Public Service educates ethical leaders to work in international organizations in the US and abroad and emphasizes understanding cross-sector relations. We believe that leaders need practical skills and first-hand experiences in solving global problems. We are committed to strengthening local communities and reducing disparities throughout the world, by building capacity through sustainable development. We promote compassion for marginalized communities and service to all people with sensitivity, professionalism, accountability, transparency and justice.
Admission Requirements
- A completed online application
- Official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended
- A two-page personal statement describing your educational and career goals, relevant work or volunteer experience, and any special circumstances affecting past or prospective academic performance
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
Language requirements
Intermediate proficiency in a text translation and comprehension on a foreign language is a degree requirement. Unless you have an undergraduate degree in foreign language within 5 years and with a minimum GPA 3.0, or your have successfully passed a TOEFL examination, you will be asked to demonstrate your language competency through an internal exam that consists of a written translation of a professional text in a foreign language. The approved languages are Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, or Russian.
Study Abroad Requirement
Students in the IPS program are required to take at least ONE course abroad. These unique one to two week study abroad trips allow both full-time and part-time students to participate. Click HERE for study abroad options.
International work/internship requirements
Students must complete substantial professional experience in an international or intercultural setting. Applicants with such experience may request a waiver by submitting a letter describing the extent of their work in international or cross-cultural countries and organizations. In this case, students choose an alternative four-credit hour course with the director's approval. Applicants without such experience complete an internship with an appropriate organization. Visit the internship page for more information.
Current students may visit Campus Connection for current course information. Prospective students may log on as a guest. Once on Campus Connection please select Course Descriptions followed by the department.
Printable Degree Audit
Required Courses (44 credit hours)
MPS 500 Introduction to Public Service Management
MPS 501 Cross Sector Analysis
MPS 511 Sustainable Development and NGO’s
MPS 610 Internship (required for students without international or cross-cultural work experience)
MPS 612 International Political Economy
MPS 613 Comparative Public Policy
MPS 614 Global & Civil Society Organizations
Research Requirement: Choose one of the following sequences.
Research Sequence for Policy Based Research:
MPS 586 Research Methods I, Introduction to Applied Research and Statistics (pre-requisite: MPS 501) and
MPS 587 Research Methods II, Advanced Applied Research and Statistics (pre-requisite: MPS 586)
OR
Research Sequence for Management Based Research:
MPS 588 Introduction to Research Methods and Statistics for Management (pre-requisite: MPS 501) and
MPS 589 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics for Management (pre-requisite: MPS 588)
MPS 593 Integrative Seminar
MPS 594 Ethical Leadership in Public Service
Elective Courses (8 credit hours)
MPS 513 Volunteerism
MPS 519 Resource Development
MPS 521 Leadership & Management
MPS 522 Fundamentals of Human Resources
MPS 523 Group Dynamics for Leaders
MPS 529 Strategic Planning
MPS 575 Seminar in Administration: EU and NATO (Brussels)
MPS 597 Public Service Fellows Seminar
MPS 600 Independent Study
MPS 604 Special Topics courses by approval only
MPS 611 Management of International NGOs
MPS 615 Intercultural Communication in Organizations
MPS 616 International Relations and Conflict Resolution
Thesis Option
MPS 598 Thesis Research
(Students with a grade point average of 3.5 or above may choose the thesis option and replace MPS 593 with MPS 598)