Lewis University

What you'll study

The programme blends core public administration subjects with general education and elective options so you graduate with both broad civic knowledge and practical administrative skills. Typical modules include:

• Introduction to Public Administration — foundations of public service, bureaucracy, and administrative theory.
• Public Policy Analysis — policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation techniques.
• Public Financial Management — budgeting, fiscal administration, and financial reporting in public organisations.
• Organisational Behavior and Human Resources — personnel management, leadership and change in the public sector.
• Administrative and Constitutional Law — legal framework governing public agencies and regulatory processes.
• Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis — research design, statistics and program evaluation skills for evidence-based decision-making.
• Nonprofit Management and Fundraising — governance, fundraising strategies and board relations for NGOs and community organisations.
• Ethics in Public Service — professional ethics, accountability and transparency.
• Urban and Community Development — planning, economic development and community engagement at local levels.
• Capstone/Internship — applied practicum or capstone project that places students with government agencies, nonprofits or policy research units.

Courses emphasise experiential learning through internships, service-learning projects and partnerships with local governments and community organisations in the Chicago metropolitan area. Students may also choose electives to specialise in areas such as emergency management, grant writing or intergovernmental relations.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical entry expectations include a competitive high school grade profile and submission of official transcripts. Lewis University reviews applications holistically, so admissions may also consider letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining interest in public service, and relevant extracurricular or work experience.

Standardised test requirements (SAT/ACT) may be optional or considered in context of the full application; mature or transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and may be assessed on prior higher-education performance. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to the university’s standard requirements and submit certified academic records.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of entry- to mid-level positions across public, nonprofit and related private sectors. Common career paths include:

• City or county administration and programme coordination
• Policy analyst or research assistant for government agencies and think tanks
• Budget analyst, fiscal technician or financial administrator in public organisations
• Nonprofit programme manager, development officer or community outreach coordinator
• Legislative aide, constituent services specialist or campaign staff
• Emergency management and public safety administration roles

Many graduates also move on to postgraduate study such as a Master of Public Administration (MPA), law school, or specialist master’s degrees in public policy, urban planning or nonprofit management to advance to leadership positions.

Why study at Lewis University

Lewis University offers a values-based, student-centred approach with small class sizes and faculty who bring practical experience from government and nonprofit sectors. The university’s location in the Chicago region provides ready access to internships and practicum opportunities with municipal governments, county agencies and community organisations, allowing students to build professional networks while studying.

Programmes emphasise experiential learning, ethical leadership and community engagement, and the university provides career services, internship placement support and flexible scheduling options — including evening and blended courses — that suit traditional and working students. These features help graduates transition quickly into public service careers or continue their education at the graduate level.