School of Public Service
School of Public Service: Online Degrees
Currently, the School of Public Service offers the following two degrees online—the Master of Science in Public Service Management, our flagship degree, and the Master of Public Administration with a specialization in International Public Management—another example of the ways the School continuously innovates to keep our curriculum relevant and our programs accessible. Online students participate fully in the programs; taking the same courses, from the same faculty as in class students. The online version of the M.S. Public Service Management is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Both online programs are accredited by NASPAA.
The online programs are cohort style and open for admission every fall quarter.
Faculty present course material pairing an innovative mix of asynchronous learning based on discussion forums (using the Desire2Learn course management system) with faculty-directed real-time synchronous learning with video and audio (using Collaborate Live Classroom technology). Desire2Learn creates a learning environment through a central website rich with course materials, e-mail, discussion boards, online quizzes, an online grade book, workgroup space, and document sharing. An online student must be able to complete basic tasks, such as downloading and installing programs, using word processing software (such as Microsoft Word), using a web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari), and sending e-mail. DePaul University provides free training to graduate students who need to polish their computer skills.
There are no required classroom meetings in an online course (students meet online for a mandatory orientation before classes begin). Students can substitute an online course with an on-site class taught on DePaul’s Loop campus. Online students are also encouraged to participate in the school’s rich study abroad program by taking a class in Belgium, India, Ireland, Colombia, Cuba or Brazil.