Shape the future with us
Graduate programs photo gallery
At the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, you’ll be part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary, hands-on learning community full of peers and expert faculty who are passionate about changing the world. Whether you are called to lead in the arts, the environment, health care management, or public policy, you’ll gain practical experience, learn effective communication, and network with a global community of successful alumni as you work your way toward a meaningful career of leading for the greater good.
Experiences you will carry into your career
From full-time internships to rigorous research projects in your field, you'll apply everything you learn in the classroom directly to real-world problems.
A culture of collaboration
From healthcare management to public affairs, our classroom coursework is dynamic and collaborative, allowing you to develop strong connections while you develop problem-solving and communication skills.
Our versatile, green building
The three-level, 9,000-square-foot Paul H. O’Neill Graduate Center is dedicated to the interests and needs of graduate students. A LEED gold-certified facility, it has ample space for teaching, learning, research, and service activities.
Alumni leading for the greater good
There are more than 37,000 O’Neill School alumni across the globe, and in 2020-21, more than 95% of went on to full-time employment or continued education within their field of choice after graduation. More than half of the graduates of our Master of Public Affairs program now help shape national policy in Washington, D.C. and provide a strong alumni community and resources for our current students.
A beautiful campus
The scenic, wooded paths and stately limestone buildings at Indiana University’s Bloomington location make it a perennial favorite on lists of “most beautiful campus” in the United States.
Our public affairs legacy
Celebrating its 50th year in 2022, the O’Neill School is one of the largest and most-respected schools of its kind, consistently recognized as the best among all Master of Public Affairs (MPA) programs.
Put what you learn into action
Students work together and gain hands-on experience through practicums and capstone projects.
Science matters
The world craves leaders who understand the science behind sound environmental policies. The Master of Public Affairs-Master of Science in Environmental Science (MPA-MSES) combines rigorous scientific training with a thorough education in policy, management, and economics, which prepares you to create comprehensive solutions to complex environmental problems.
Master of Environmental Sustainability
With the Master of Environmental Sustainability (MES), you will develop the skills you need to implement policies and advocate for change at the intersection of humans and the environment.
First-hand understanding
Outdoor and laboratory experience in fields such as limnology—the study of fresh water—prepare environmental science students with hands-on experience in sustainable natural resource management and conservation.
Leading in the arts
We work to build a better world by training our graduates to understand the arts at the crossroads of policy and management, empowering them to become effective advocates and leaders.
Master of Arts in Arts Administration-Master of Public Affairs
Whether you want to work at the local level or on the world stage, the dual Master of Arts in Arts Administration-Master of Public Affairs (MAAA-MPA) program will ensure you have the arts management skills and policy expertise to succeed.
A lively arts community
The Bloomington campus, and the City of Bloomington itself, have an astonishing variety of cultural offerings, with arts presenters that are eager to work with our Master of Arts in Arts Administration-Master of Public Affairs (MAAA-MPA) students, including the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival.
Field experience is vital
Arts management skills and policy expertise are gained through internships and multiple practicum experiences—actively combining the theoretical with real-world applications.
Internship experience
Competitive, on-campus internships at the Mathers Museum of World Cultures enable students who are planning on a museum career to gain experience that truly prepares them for what’s next.
International leadership
Policy and change extend beyond our borders: We offer a Master of International Affairs (MIA) program and dual degrees with the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies.
Healthcare Management
Our one-year Master of Science in Healthcare Management (MSHM) program is offered in partnership with the Kelley School of Business and was developed with top healthcare leaders. Our graduates are prepared for leadership roles in organizations across the industry, including hospitals, healthcare consulting firms, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, insurance, and long-term care facilities.
Information and library science
The Herman B Wells Library is a close neighbor of the Paul H. O’Neill Graduate Center and a hub for Master of Public Affairs students pursuing a dual degree in Information or Library Science.
GT-IDEA: Innovative leadership
Students develop new ways to interpret, visualize, and communicate complex data through the Grant Thornton Institute for Data Exploration for Risk Assessment and Management (GT-IDEA).
Find and work with your people
A project-based, case-based, real-world curriculum offers opportunities to engage and work with peers in and out of the classroom.
Hone your leadership skills
Collaborative projects offer opportunities for you to take on leadership roles and develop practical, career-relevant skills.
Get involved in student leadership
Students for Equity in Public Affairs (SEPA)—a community of leaders who advocate for a diverse cultural climate at O'Neill—is one of many of our active, student-founded and led organizations.
Experience with real-world clients
Capstone projects are integral to our graduate programs, giving you an opportunity to work on complex issue for a real-world client.
Engage in the field
Internships and research projects add professionally relevant experience to our degree programs.
Get to know our alumni
Many alumni remain involved with the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs well after they graduate, often by engaging and connecting with current students.
Lasting connections
Students who work together on world-changing issues often build friendships that will last a lifetime.
Relax with your peers
Collaboration isn’t limited to the classroom. Some of the world’s most complex policy puzzles can be solved with a little recreation.
Local science education
The WonderLab Museum—a children’s science center in downtown Bloomington—provides learning opportunities for students studying nonprofit administration but is also a fun place to play.
Career guidance
From day one, you’ll have access to our Career Hub. Coaches and consultants can help you with everything from locating internships while you are a student to your job search before and after you graduate.
Opportunties to connect
Individual connections with nonprofit, government, and community organizations are made at Career Focus Fairs through our Career Hub, and alumni networks.
Making it work for you
Many students make their education more affordable through funding opportunities that include Service Corps - where students are placed to work with local nonprofit and arts organizations - or competitive fellowships.