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.

Two program members received public service recognition awards from the Chicago Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration - May 9, 2008

The Illinois Institute of Technology Graduate Program in Public Administration proudly announces that two members of the program – one recent graduate and one alumnus, who are also Chicago Police Department officers, received Public Service Recognition awards from the Chicago Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) on May 9, 2008.

Deputy Chief of Area Four Patrol Wayne Gulliford (Spring 05) was honored with the Alumni Model Administrator of the Year award (see picture below), for his ongoing work in specialized Homeland Security training to members of the Chicago Police Department and coordinating the efforts of four Police Districts on Chicago’s Westside, focusing on reducing violent crime in that area, while emphasizing community relations. Wayne also was recognized for his work as the commander of a unit of twenty Chicago Police SWAT Team members who were deployed to New Orleans in 2005 as part of the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) contingent to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Lieutenant Joseph Porebski (Spring 08) was awarded the Graduate Student of the Year award (see picture below). In addition to his GPA of 4.0 as a student in the MPA program, during his twenty-one (21) years on the Department, Joe has seen many assignments across the city, and has received numerous police department awards and commendations. On September 7, 2007, Joe and the 17th District Tactical Unit were honored by a Chicago City Council Resolution commending their actions on a search warrant which closed down a large marijuana growing operation. Joe is currently the Lieutenant in charge of the 17th District Community Policing Office.

Congratulations to both outstanding IIT MPA program alumni and public servants!

MPA Program Held Semi-Annual Reception - April 17, 2008

The Spring 2008 MPA Reception was held on Thursday April 17, 2008. Well over 100 current and prospective students, alumni, faculty, and staff attended this semi-annual event. Dr. Mariana Gabarrot Arenas, Director and Professor of the Masters program in Public Administration and Policy at Mexico's Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM), discussed US-Mexican Migration in a Global Context.

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 Program Hosts Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Webconference

On March 11, 2008 IIT's MPA Program hosted the Webconference Seminar titled "Fundraising in a Diverse World". The seminar is part of an ongoing Webconference Series provided by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

David Brown, Principal and President of BrownPartners in Philadelphia, webcasted live from Philadelphia. He spoke on reaching diverse and multicultural audiences. This event brought AFP members together with current MPA students, staff, and alumni. Please watch for us to host future webconference seminars!