College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences > Academics > School of Public Service > Graduate Programs > International Public Service (MS) > About the Program

More About the Program

​​​​​Degree Chair:  Ramya Ramanath, PhD

Description:

The Master of Science in International Public Service (MS-IPS) educates professionals to the field of international development and global humanitarian affairs. It provides the essential competencies and skills for managing international projects and leading international nongovernmental organizations. The curriculum offers a balanced education in international leadership (ethical, theoretical and practical), project management (for organizations, sectors, institutions) and evaluation (assessment, monitoring and impact analysis). Through study abroad programs, international internships and applied research projects with nongovernmental and intergovernmental organizations, the IPS degree is required for a professional career in international development. 

Mission:

The Master of Science in International Public Service (IPS)degree 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.​

Foreign Language P​​roficiency:

Students entering the International Public Service (IPS) degree in Fall 2015 and beyond are not required to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language as a graduation requirement. However, please note that a second language is critical to helping your resume stand out and for constructing an effective career in IPS. Therefore all IPS students are strongly encouraged to build and demonstrate their proficiency in at least one other language appropriate to the applicant’s field or geographical interests.​​

Faculty Committee:

​Ramya Raman​ath​
Rober​t Stokes​
Molly O'Donn​ell​​
Michael Diamo​nd​
Nicholas Kachiro​ubas​
Raphael Og​om​
Barbara ​Kraemer​
Ronald Fern​andes​​

52 credit hours are required to complete the program. The length of time varies according to student need. Some students pursuing the degree full-time (2 courses per quarter) finish in two years. Others take one course a quarter and complete their program requirements in three to four years. Students often switch between full and part time status throughout their academic careers at SPS, dependent on their personal and professional duties.

In 2016, the most recent year in which graduation rates were reported to NASPAA, for the cohort of students that began their IPS degree five years earlier, 18 percent graduated in 2 years, 52 percent graduated in 3 years and 67 percent graduated in 4 years. 

Sectors:

  • National or central government in the United States: 0 (0%)

  • State, provincial, or regional government in the United States: 1 (7%)

  • City, county, or other local government in the United States: 0 (0%)

  • Foreign government (all levels) or international quasi-governmental: 0 (0%)

  • Nonprofit domestic-oriented: 1 (7%)

  • Nonprofit/NGOs internationally-oriented: 4 (29%)

  • Private Sector - Research/Consulting : 2 (14%)

  • Private Sector but not research/consulting: 2 (14%)

  • Obtaining further education: 1 (7%)

  • Military Service: 0 (0%)

  • Unemployed (Not Seeking Employment): 0 (0%)

  • Unemployed (Seeking Employment): 3 (21%)

Titles:

  • International Education Credential Evaluator, Educational Perspectives Inc.

  • International Program Development Coordinator, Lions Clubs International

  • Regional Grant Officer for South America, Rotary International

  • Service & Justice Coordinator, Xavier University Dorothy Day Center for Faith & Justice

  • Regional Project Manager, Sow a Seed, Haiti

  • Sales, Marketing and Press Manager, Facets Multimedia

  • Annual Giving Coordinator, Opportunity International 

  • Manager of Institutional Research, Chicago Cares

  • Auditing and Monitoring Specialist, Rotary International 

  • Refugee Case Manager, RefugeeOne

  • Sales Associate, Global Heart Fair Trade

  • Liaison for U.S. Defense Attaché Office, United States Embassy Managua, Nicaragua

  • Project Development, International Organization for Migration

  • Immigration Case Specialist at VISANOW, P.C.

  • Program Director, Mil Milagros

  • Marketing Coordinator, AXA Assistance USA

  • Engineers in Action- Intern  Engineering Resource Associates- GIS Specialist working on MWRD project

  • International project specialist

  • First-year PhD candidate in Political Science with a focus in Comparative Politics at Northwestern University.

  • Workforce Development Program Manager at RefugeeOne

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