Graduate Public Service Internship Program

Contact Information

Website: www.uis.edu/gradinterns/gpsi-program

Office Phone: (217) 206-6153

Office Location: PAC 409

Located within the Center for State Policy and Leadership, the Graduate Public Service Internship Program (GPSI) is ranked as one of Illinois’ premier governmental internship programs. For over 45 years this program has provided graduate students with an opportunity for experiential learning through a public sector internship while completing a master’s degree at the University of Illinois Springfield. The program is open to students from all academic backgrounds, including those who have already earned an advanced degree.

The program is comprised of a 21-month public sector internship for full-time UIS graduate students. During the academic year (August 16 - May 15) the internship obligation is 20 hours per week for a stipend of $1,200 per month and during the intervening summer term (May 16 - August 15) the internship obligation is the full-time equivalent for a stipend of $2,400 per month. Additional benefits include 24 credit hours of graduate tuition waiver at the in-state rate, $300 per fiscal year for professional development activities, and a $650 student fee waiver for the fall and spring semesters.

GPSI is a competitive internship program; therefore, completing the application process does not guarantee an internship. For first-round interview consideration, the deadline for file completion is March 31. “File completion” means that the application, resume, three reference letters, and notice of graduate admission are on file in the GPSI office. Internships begin August 16.