GPSI Application Information
Some academic programs have special application and admission requirements, in addition to the standard UIS graduate admission requirements. Please visit the UIS graduate education website for specific academic program admission requirements and deadlines.
The application process for the Graduate Public Service Internship Program is detailed below. Please note the additional information and required form for the personal goal statement noted below. Commencing with the 2009 application process, the requirements for the personal goal statement apply to both the GPSI and GA programs. The GA website will be updated at a later date.
Domestic Students:
1. If you want to apply for graduate study at UIS and also want to apply for the Graduate Public Service Internship Program, click here.
2. If you are a current UIS graduate student or you have already applied for graduate studies at UIS and would like to apply for the Graduate Public Service Internship Program you only need to complete Section II of the UIS graduate admission application. Please click here to access Section II.
International Students:
1. If you want to apply for graduate study at UIS and also want to apply for the Graduate Public Service Internship Program, click here.
2. If you are a current UIS international graduate student or you have already applied for graduate studies at UIS and would like to apply for the Graduate Public Service Internship Program, click here.
Personal Goal Statement: The personal goal statement is one of the most important components of your GPSI file. This statement is your opportunity to tell us in your own words why you are pursuing a GPSI internship. It is a chance for us to get to know you -- the person behind the GPA, the test scores, the undergraduate degree, and previous work history. Specifically, we are looking for originality and information relevant to GPSI / UIS and not generalized information or long philosophical discussions. Originality, meaning using your own words based on your personal experience, is critical. It is not okay to borrow (plagiarize) words or ideas from other people or internet sites without citing the source for the information. Personal goal statements are checked for originality. If you fail to adhere to the personal goal statement originality requirement, you will be excluded from the GPSI applicant pool.
To access the required form for the personal goal statement for both the GA and GPSI programs, please click here. Please note: the personal goal statement is form formatted as a Microsoft Word document. Please do not "unlock" the form. You simply need to enter your data in the gray shaded areas on the form, save the file, and submit the document as noted below as Microsoft Word file attachment.
Please submit your personal goal statement to the GPSI office as an email file attachment to Sharon Heflin at shefl1@uis.edu. Or, you may mail your completed form, along with your other application documents, to the Office of Graduate Intern Programs. The mailing address is: Office of Graduate Intern Programs, University of Illinois Springfield, One University Plaza, MS BRK 475, Springfield, IL 62703-5407. If you are also applying for the GA program, please email your goal statement to the GA office at gaprog@uis.edu
Reference Letters: You must submit three (3) reference letters, two from faculty who are familiar with your academic work and one from a current or former employer. We will accept copies of reference letters submitted to academic programs. Please click here to download the reference letter form. While you are not required to use this form, we encourage you to do so. Please complete one form per letter.
Your reference letters must be sent to the Office of Graduate Intern Programs, University of Illinois Springfield, One University Plaza, MS BRK 475, Springfield, IL 62703-5407. Or, your reference letter may be sent to the GPSI office as a file attachment to shefl1@uis.edu. The email must be sent by the reference -- not the GPSI applicant. The letter must be on the references university or place of business letterhead.