In today's world, there's little difference between the knowledge and skills required to manage nonprofit and government agencies and those necessary to manage private businesses. But the goals are distinct.

Faculty members in DePaul University's Public Services Graduate Program address an organization’s mission and service orientation, in addition to the bottom line.

This fall, the Public Services Program will offer a master’s degree and certificate program at DePaul's new Naperville campus.

"Our alumni tell us that our program is better than an M.B.A. for nonprofit and government organizations because it addresses the unique issues they face," said J. Patrick Murphy, director of the Public Services Graduate Program.

Students in the program work in nonprofit organizations, associations, social service agencies, health care facilities, law enforcement, fire protection and park districts, as well as local, state and federal agencies of government.

The program has been educating nonprofit and government professionals since 1970. Core courses include policy design and analysis, evaluation of organization effectiveness, and research and quantitative methods. The curriculum develops students’ skills in administration, management and policy analysis.

Students may also pursue a certificate in Administrative Foundations in Public Service for course work in a specific area of public service administration.

Students are admitted to the public services program in the fall, and classes meet on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Naperville campus. Call 312/362-8441 for more information.

Prospective students can learn more about these and other academic programs offered at the Naperville Campus by attending one of the university's information sessions or open houses.

Information sessions are being held each Saturday through June 28, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at DePaul’s temporary Naperville location, 1804 Centre Point Drive.

Open houses will be held Saturdays: June 21 and July 19, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, 1837 Centre Point Circle, Naperville. An open house will also be held on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the new Naperville Campus, 150 W. Warrenville Road.

For more information call 312/362-5000.