Students who devote their careers to public service are discovering that need has no borders in a DePaul University program that trains future leaders of nonprofit programs with international missions.

A new master's degree in International Public Service Management, offered in Chicago, combines a liberal arts education in international studies with hands-on training in the technical skills necessary for public service management.

Graduates of the program could work as program officers and administrators for large nonprofit public service organizations that operate across borders, such as the International Red Cross, or smaller, transnational agencies focusing on local issues.

URBAN EDUCATION BECOMES DOCTORATE SPECIALTY IN CHICAGO

Urban educators know all to well the unique issues facing inner-city school systems: high staff and student attrition rates, limited achievement and erosion of public trust.

For teachers committed to helping urban students reach their potential, DePaul University in Chicago has launched a doctoral program specializing in curriculum and educational leadership.

"Our program will feature action research tailored to children and youth in urban areas," said Barbara Sizemore, a noted authority on urban education and dean of DePaul's School of Education. The program gives teachers the ability to forge a sense of vision and direction while working with parents, community groups and leaders.

CHANGING NEEDS IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS FIELD PROMPTS NEW PROGRAM

Advances in voice and data technology coupled with increased competition among telecommunications companies has prompted workers in that field to seek enhanced skills.

DePaul University's Graduate School of Business meets that need with a new career track in its part-time MBA program for adults interested in business telecommunications management.

The program prepares students to understand and make decisions about a wide variety of telecommunications resources, including computer and telephone systems, voice mail, teleconferencing, local area networks and wide area networks.

"No other technology seems to be experiencing such an explosive evolution at this point as telecommunications technology," said Sasa Dekleva, administrator of the new program. "We believe there will be great demand for people with MBAs who understand these technologies and can manage them professionally."