DePaul University School of Public Service

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DePaul University School of Public Service Our first responsibility is to our students, graduates and all who are served by them: their clients

We respect the dignity and recognize the merit of each person as we work in partnership to build a multiracial, multicultural and international community among us. Our first priority is that each student acquires the knowledge, skills and values required to manage organizations in the public sector. We promote effective management of nonprofit organizations, government agencies, associations and other institutions serving the public interest. Our efforts incorporate the analysis and development of sound public policies and practices that further social equity in the delivery of affordable, quality services to all, but especially to those in need. We dedicate ourselves to excellence in our teaching, which is informed by scholarly research and enlightened social concern. We will accomplish our mission when we believe what we teach and practice what we believe. Program Benefits

Some students call our degrees the MBA with a conscience or the MBA for the nonprofit and government sectors. In addition to getting a broad-based education that prepares students for professional success, our students benefit from the specialized design of our course offerings and global focus. Perspective: By learning each other’s “businesses” — students pursuing careers in nonprofit and government take core classes together to ensure our graduates understand management strategies from many different points of view. Our diverse perspective allows student to be highly effective in their work , as well as highly aware of domestic and international issues. Most of our students take advantage of opportunities to study abroad — our programs offer courses in Belgium, India, Ireland, and Brazil in addition to domestic learning opportunities — greatly enhancing their appreciation of approaches and issues on a domestic and international scale. Personal preferences: At the same time, students have a wealth of choice in their programs — we offer six different graduate degrees and a selection of nearly 60 elective classes, this flexibility gives our graduates deep and strong credentials in their specific areas of interest. Students can take classes full-time or part-time, continuously or intermittently, in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Even our classes abroad are designed to be available to working adults: most classes are held in the summer; all last for one, intensive week. Practical knowledge and experience: Students can develop specialized qualifications through a thesis or practicum research, either of which can be based on an organizational or public policy issue. We also offer students hundreds of opportunities for meaningful experience in the field, not just as interns and volunteers but also through two DePaul-sponsored organizations: The Irwin W. Steans Center for Community-based Service Learning, which was founded to integrate the service concept into the university's curricula, and The Chaddick Institute, which advances the principles of effective infrastructure, land use, zoning, and transportation. Passionate teachers and mentors: Our faculty care about teaching and about each student’s progress, inside the classroom and outside in the real world. The school’s alumni — leading practitioners from Chicago's civic, social, cultural, and governmental agencies — provide unmatched internship and volunteer opportunities to our students.

What does it take to build peace in a divided community? This spring, DePaul University’s School of Public Service is gi...
10/21/2026

What does it take to build peace in a divided community? This spring, DePaul University’s School of Public Service is giving students the chance to learn from the people doing that work.

MPS 575: Peace, Conflict & Community Reconciliation pairs a spring course with a week in Belfast, June 20–26, 2027. Students will:

- Meet elected officials at Stormont
- Hear from nonprofit leaders, community activists, faith leaders, and policy experts
- Visit the Peace Walls and community organizations such as The 174 Trust and Corrymeela Community
- Examine the legacy of The Troubles, the Good Friday Agreement, and Brexit

The program is open to graduate and select undergraduate students across fields, including Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, International Studies, and Peace, Justice, & Conflict Studies. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

Applications are due February 1, 2027, through DePaul Study Abroad. Questions: [email protected]

Apply here: https://programsabroad.depaul.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=10268

A few weeks ago, DePaul University's School of Public Service kicked off the 2026-27 academic year with a rooftop recept...
10/15/2026

A few weeks ago, DePaul University's School of Public Service kicked off the 2026-27 academic year with a rooftop reception at the DePaul Center.

Students, alumni, faculty, and partners of SPS & SUD gathered to reconnect and build new relationships across the public service and nonprofit community. These connections are at the heart of what SPS offers: a network of people committed to strengthening Chicago and the communities beyond it.

Thank you to everyone who attended. We look forward to a year of learning, collaboration, and impact.

DePaul's Chaddick Institute and School of Public Service are hosting our 23rd Study Trip, to Milwaukee, on Friday, Novem...
10/14/2026

DePaul's Chaddick Institute and School of Public Service are hosting our 23rd Study Trip, to Milwaukee, on Friday, November 6.

Participants choose between a nonprofit management track and an urban planning track, and meet the leaders who have helped make Milwaukee a standout Midwestern city. It's a strong opportunity to expand your network and learn about current urban policy firsthand.

Registration is $20 and includes round-trip Amtrak fare and dinner. It's open to DePaul students. Register by November 1st.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/milwaukee-study-trip-2026-tickets-2001071703332?aff=oddtdtcreator

Looking for ways to fund your education? Stop by the Scholarship & FAFSA Fair to learn more about scholarships, financia...
09/25/2026

Looking for ways to fund your education? Stop by the Scholarship & FAFSA Fair to learn more about scholarships, financial aid resources, and the upcoming FAFSA application cycle.

Lincoln Park Campus:
October 1, 10:30am - 2:00pm
Student Center 1st Floor Atrium

Loop Campus:
October 6, 10:30am - 2:00pm
DePaul Center 11th Floor Gallery

SPS is hosting "Networking in Practice: How to Use LinkedIn and In-Person Events to Build Your Network Now."This virtual...
09/23/2026

SPS is hosting "Networking in Practice: How to Use LinkedIn and In-Person Events to Build Your Network Now."

This virtual session features two SPS Alumni Board members:
• Amy Funk, Senior Vice President, TWB Fundraising
• Ahmadou Dramé, Director, Illinois Justice Project

They'll share practical strategies for building meaningful professional relationships, online and in person.

Tuesday, October 6 | 4:00-5:00 PM CDT | Virtual
Register: http://depaulsps.eventbrite.com

SPS is hosting "Networking in Practice: How to Use LinkedIn and In-Person Events to Build Your Network Now."This virtual...
09/18/2026

SPS is hosting "Networking in Practice: How to Use LinkedIn and In-Person Events to Build Your Network Now."

This virtual session features two SPS Alumni Board members:
• Amy Funk, Senior Vice President, TWB Fundraising
• Ahmadou Dramé, Director, Illinois Justice Project

They'll share practical strategies for building meaningful professional relationships, online and in person.

Tuesday, October 6 | 4:00-5:00 PM CDT | Virtual
Register: http://depaulsps.eventbrite.com

Faculty Highlight: Prof. Euan HagueProfessor Euan Hague is the Executive Associate Dean in DePaul's College of Liberal A...
06/30/2026

Faculty Highlight: Prof. Euan Hague

Professor Euan Hague is the Executive Associate Dean in DePaul's College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

One example of experiential learning in Professor Hague's courses is his partnership with the Chicago Furniture Bank. Students have used GIS mapping to assess the organization's impact and interviewed case managers to better understand how access to furniture supports individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. Learn more about the project here: https://www.depaul.edu/news/furniture-reuse-2026.

"I think that experiential learning opportunities like this one in the School of Public Service enable students to put their studies into action to answer St. Vincent de Paul's question: 'What must be done?'"

Thank you, Professor Hague, for helping students connect research, policy, and community impact.

Faculty Highlight: Prof. Lisa DietlinProfessor Lisa Dietlin brings decades of experience in philanthropy, fundraising, n...
06/17/2026

Faculty Highlight: Prof. Lisa Dietlin

Professor Lisa Dietlin brings decades of experience in philanthropy, fundraising, nonprofit management, and advocacy to the School of Public Service.

One of her favorite ways to connect students with the field is through weekly guest speaker panels featuring professionals doing the work students hope to pursue after graduation.

"Whether it is nonprofit management, policy development, public service or advocacy, they are eager to tackle the issues facing the world. The future is in good hands."

Thank you, Professor Dietlin, for inspiring the next generation of public service leaders.

Address

14 E Jackson Boulevard, Ste 1600
Chicago, IL
60604

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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