University of Illinois Springfield’s Snapshot
~12
Online master’s programs
~$352
Per credit hour
~$13–17k
Typical total cost
U of I
System credential
Key policies
Institution type
Public university (U of I system)
Regional accreditation
HLC
Admissions model
Rolling (most) · Deadline-based (CS/counseling)
GRE/GMAT required
Not required
Out-of-state premium
None — flat rate for all
Notable Programmatic Accreditations
- NASPAA
- CACREP
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Start Here: Compare UIS by What Matters Most
- Compare institutional strengths → Particularly strong in public administration, counseling, applied computing, data analytics, and affordable public-sector graduate education
- Compare accreditation → HLC regional accreditation plus NASPAA accreditation for the MPA and CACREP accreditation for Human Development Counseling
- Compare affordability → One of the lowest-cost online master’s portfolios within a major public university system at approximately $352 per credit regardless of residency
- Compare learning model → Traditional faculty-led online coursework with asynchronous delivery, smaller cohorts, and mature distance-learning infrastructure developed over two decades
- Compare alternatives → University of North Texas, Western Governors University, Indiana University Online, and University of Maryland Global Campus
What This University Is Known For
UIS’s online reputation rests on four pillars:
NASPAA-Accredited MPA Program.
The Master of Public Administration is UIS’s flagship online offering. NASPAA accreditation is the gold standard for public administration programs, and UIS has held it for years. The program offers five concentrations — including Homeland Security, Health Administration, and Community and Non-Profit Leadership — and draws heavily from working government and nonprofit professionals, many based in Springfield’s state-capital ecosystem. For students targeting public sector leadership, this is the program that defines UIS.
Online Education Pioneer.
UIS launched online master’s programs in the early 2000s, well before most public universities took distance learning seriously. That early investment means the online learning infrastructure isn’t bolted on — it’s built in. Course design, student support, and library access for online students reflect two decades of institutional learning, not a pandemic-era pivot.
Affordable University of Illinois Credential.
The U of I brand carries weight, especially in the Midwest. UIS gives students access to that system-level credential recognition at a fraction of what Urbana-Champaign charges. For employers and licensing boards that care about institutional pedigree, the University of Illinois name on a diploma matters — and UIS delivers it at state-school pricing.
Applied Technology and Data Programs.
The MS in Computer Science and MS in Data Analytics are strong applied programs that emphasize practical skill-building over theoretical research. The CS program requires a relevant undergraduate background, which keeps cohort quality high, while the Data Analytics program bridges computer science and business — a useful positioning for career changers.
Featured Programs / Top Picks
The signature program. NASPAA accreditation means this MPA meets the field’s highest professional standards — a credential that matters for federal GS-scale positions, state agency leadership roles, and competitive nonprofit management jobs. Five concentrations allow specialization without requiring additional coursework, and the 40-credit structure keeps the total cost around $14,080. Students already working in government or nonprofit roles can apply their professional experience directly to coursework. If you’re pursuing public sector leadership and cost matters, this is one of the strongest online MPA values available.
A 40-credit applied program with concentrations in Software Engineering and Database and Web Systems. This isn’t a broad-audience coding bootcamp — applicants need undergraduate CS or a related background, which keeps the curriculum at a genuinely graduate level. At $14,080 total, it substantially undercuts comparable programs at larger institutions. Best for working software professionals seeking credential advancement or specialization without leaving their current role.
This 48-credit, CACREP-accredited program is UIS’s most intensive offering, with concentrations in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The Clinical Mental Health track leads to licensure eligibility — a critical distinction. CACREP accreditation increasingly functions as a gatekeeper for licensure in many states, and finding it at this price point is uncommon. The caveat: practicum and internship hours require in-person clinical placements, so this isn’t a fully online experience. Students in clinical psychology or family therapy should weigh this program carefully.
A 36-credit interdisciplinary program that bridges computer science and business analytics. At $12,672 total, it’s one of the most affordable online data analytics master’s programs from a regionally accredited public university. The program suits career changers and working professionals who need data skills without committing to a full computer science degree. Rolling admissions and no GRE requirement lower the barrier to entry.
Online Master’s Programs by Subject
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) — NASPAA-accredited, 40 credits, five concentrations , including Homeland Security and Health Administration. UIS’s flagship program.
- Master of Arts in Political Science — 40 credits with concentrations in American Politics, International Relations, and Public Policy. Thesis option available. Complements the MPA for students building public sector expertise.
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 40 credits, concentrations in Software Engineering and Database and Web Systems. Requires a relevant undergraduate background.
- Master of Science in Management Information Systems — 40 credits, bridges business and technology. Suitable for career changers moving into IT management.
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 36 credits, interdisciplinary program spanning CS and business analytics.
The MA in Human Development Counseling (48 credits, CACREP-accredited) offers School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentrations. The clinical track leads to licensure eligibility. Requires in-person practicum placements. Students exploring broader psychology programs should note that UIS does not offer a general psychology master’s — this is a counseling-specific credential.
The MA in Education — Teacher Leadership (36 credits) is designed for practicing teachers seeking leadership skills without changing licensure. It does not lead to initial teacher certification or administrative endorsement.
The MA in Legal Studies (36 credits) targets professionals who need legal knowledge in non-attorney roles — compliance officers, HR managers, law enforcement leaders. This is not a JD equivalent. Students exploring the intersection of law and criminal justice may also want to review criminal justice programs and online juris master programs for comparison.
The MA in Communication (40 credits) is a general communication theory and practice program with rolling admissions.
- MA in English — 36 credits, thesis or non-thesis. Strong preparation for community college teaching.
- MA in History — 36 credits, thesis or non-thesis option.
The MS in Environmental Sciences (40 credits) offers concentrations in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, with a thesis-based research option. Fully online environmental science master’s programs from public universities are relatively rare, giving UIS a genuine niche here.
How This University Compares
UIS vs. University of North Texas
University of North Texas occupies a similar tier: affordable public university, broad online master’s portfolio, and regional accreditation. UNT offers more programs overall, including business and information science specializations that UIS lacks. But UIS has a stronger public administration identity (NASPAA accreditation carries specific weight) and lower per-credit tuition. For public sector careers, UIS has the edge. For students wanting more program variety or business-adjacent degrees, UNT offers more options.
UIS vs. Western Governors University
Western Governors University is the default comparison for affordable online degrees, but the models are fundamentally different. WGU uses competency-based progression with flat-rate tuition per six-month term. UIS uses traditional credit-hour coursework with semester pacing. WGU is faster for self-directed learners who can accelerate; UIS offers a more conventional graduate experience with faculty-led instruction, cohort interaction, and research opportunities. Critically, UIS carries a traditional public university credential with programmatic accreditations (NASPAA, CACREP) that WGU cannot match in those specific fields. For public administration or counseling, UIS is the stronger choice. For speed and breadth across business and IT, WGU has advantages.
UIS vs. Indiana University Online
Indiana University Online is a Big Ten institution with significantly higher brand recognition and a larger program portfolio, particularly in business (Kelley School). But that comes with higher tuition — IU’s online per-credit rates often run $500–$700+, depending on the program. UIS offers comparable quality in its core areas (public administration, CS, data analytics) at roughly half the cost. Students who prioritize prestige and business programs should consider IU; students who prioritize value in public service, technology, or liberal arts fields will find UIS more cost-effective.
For students weighing UMGC as another affordable alternative, the key distinction is selectivity and scale. UMGC is open-access with massive enrollment. UIS is selective, with smaller cohorts and stronger faculty engagement — but fewer programs overall.
University of Illinois Springfield is
Best For
- Working public sector professionals seeking an MPA. UIS’s NASPAA-accredited MPA is purpose-built for government employees, nonprofit managers, and policy professionals who need a recognized credential for career advancement. Springfield’s proximity to the Illinois state government deepens the program’s public sector connections. Students interested in student loan forgiveness programs should note that public sector careers often qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness — making an affordable MPA even more cost-effective over time.
- Midwest-based professionals who want a University of Illinois credential at state-school pricing. The U of I name carries meaningful weight with employers throughout Illinois and surrounding states. UIS provides access to that institutional brand without the tuition premium attached to Urbana-Champaign.
- Career changers entering IT, data analytics, or MIS. The MS in Data Analytics and MS in Management Information Systems both accommodate students transitioning from non-technical backgrounds, with rolling admissions and no GRE requirement, making entry straightforward.
- Counseling students who need CACREP accreditation at a low cost. CACREP-accredited programs are increasingly required for licensure in many states, and most charge significantly more than UIS’s $352/credit rate. For students pursuing the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration specifically, this is a high-value option.
- Teachers seeking leadership credentials without leaving the classroom. The MA in Education — Teacher Leadership is structured for practicing educators who want to build leadership capacity without pursuing administrative licensure. The fully online format and rolling admissions fit the schedules of full-time teachers.
Not a Best Fit For
- You need an MBA or a business-focused master’s degree. UIS does not offer an online MBA. Students seeking business administration should consider institutions with AACSB-accredited online MBA programs or schools like Purdue University , which offers broader business and engineering options.
- You want a large alumni network and national brand recognition. UIS is a respected regional institution, but it doesn’t carry the same national name recognition as Big Ten flagships or large-scale online providers. If employer perception in competitive national markets matters more than cost savings, a higher-profile institution may be worth the premium.
- You need STEM programs beyond computer science. UIS does not offer online master’s programs in engineering, nursing, or most laboratory sciences. Students seeking MSN programs , MHA programs , or MSW programs will need to look elsewhere.
- You prefer live, synchronous instruction. Most UIS online programs rely heavily on asynchronous delivery. Students who learn best through real-time discussion, live lectures, and structured classroom interaction may find the format isolating compared to programs that blend synchronous and asynchronous components.
- You want a fully online counseling degree with no in-person requirements. The MA in Human Development Counseling requires practicum and internship hours at in-person clinical sites. This is standard for CACREP-accredited programs, but students seeking a completely remote experience should be aware of this requirement upfront.
Admissions Snapshot
General Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA typically 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for most programs (some accept 2.5+ with conditional admission)
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose or personal essay
- Two to three letters of recommendation (varies by program)
GRE/GMAT Policy
Most UIS online master’s programs do not require the GRE or GMAT. Students exploring other online master’s programs with no GRE will find UIS consistently listed among affordable, no-test-required options.
Admissions Models
UIS programs split between rolling and deadline-based admissions:
- Rolling admissions: MPA, MA in Education, MS in MIS, MA in Communication, MS in Data Analytics, MA in Legal Studies
- Deadline-based admissions: MS in Computer Science, MA in Political Science, MA in Human Development Counseling, MA in English, MA in History, MS in Environmental Sciences
Program-Specific Notes
- The MA in Human Development Counseling has the most competitive admission process, with a fall-only start and typically higher GPA expectations. Interviews may be part of the selection process.
- The MS in Computer Science requires an undergraduate degree in CS or a closely related field. Students without that background may need prerequisite coursework.
- Most programs offer fall and spring entry points. Summer entry is available for the MPA.
Application Timeline
For deadline-based programs, applications are typically due 6–8 weeks before the semester start. Rolling programs accept applications on a continuous basis with capacity-dependent starts.
Tuition & Cost Overview
| Cost Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Per-credit tuition (online) | ~$352 |
| In-state / out-of-state parity | Yes — online students pay the same rate regardless of residency |
| Lowest total program cost | ~$12,672 (36-credit programs: Education, English, History, Data Analytics, Legal Studies) |
| Highest total program cost | ~$16,896 (48-credit Human Development Counseling) |
| Most common total cost | ~$14,080 (40-credit programs: MPA, CS, MIS, Political Science, Communication, Environmental Sciences) |
| Fees | University fees apply; vary by semester and credit load |
| Financial aid | Federal financial aid, graduate assistantships, and institutional scholarships available |
| Military/veteran benefits | Yellow Ribbon Program participant; GI Bill® accepted |
Cost Context: At $352 per credit hour, UIS undercuts most comparable public university online programs. For reference, Indiana University Online often charges $500–$700+ per credit depending on the program, and even similarly affordable institutions like the University of North Texas tend to run slightly higher. The in-state/out-of-state parity for online students removes a common cost barrier for non-Illinois residents.
Visit University of Illinois Springfield’s official online programs page
Related Rankings
Online Master’s Programs — No GRE Required
Most UIS online master’s programs waive the GRE, making it a strong fit for students specifically filtering for no-test-required options. The combination of no GRE, affordable tuition, and recognized accreditation positions UIS well in this category.
AACSB-Accredited Online MBA Programs
UIS does not offer an online MBA, but students who discover this gap while evaluating UIS may want to explore AACSB-accredited options as an alternative path for business-focused graduate study.
FAQ
Yes. UIS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the same regional accreditor that covers all three University of Illinois system campuses. Regional accreditation is the standard that employers, licensing boards, and other universities recognize for graduate-level credentials.
Yes. UIS online master’s degrees carry the same University of Illinois Springfield credential as on-campus programs. Diplomas and transcripts do not distinguish between delivery formats.
They are separate institutions with different profiles. UIUC is a Research 1 flagship with higher tuition and programs concentrated in engineering, business, and STEM. UIS is a teaching-focused institution with lower tuition and strengths in public administration, liberal arts, computer science, and counseling. The two share the University of Illinois system name but serve different student populations.
The MA in Human Development Counseling requires practicum and internship hours at approved clinical sites, which must be completed in person. All other online master’s programs are fully online with no on-campus residency requirements.
Most programs can be completed in 18 to 36 months, depending on enrollment pace. Full-time students typically finish in about two years. Part-time students and those in the 48-credit counseling program may take up to three years.
No. UIS does not require the GRE or GMAT for any of its current online master’s programs. Admission decisions are based on undergraduate GPA, professional experience, and application materials.
Yes. UIS participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and accepts GI Bill® benefits. Military tuition assistance is also accepted. Veterans and active-duty service members should contact the UIS Veterans Services office for program-specific guidance.