Public Service and Public Policy ,BS
Advocacy, International Studies, Management, Policy Analyst, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Health, economics, finance, geography, government, history, law, leadership, sociology
Are you passionate about exploring how government and policy can affect your community? This flexible program is located in downtown Phoenix, near city, county and state government offices. The customizable curriculum prepares you for in-demand careers in public policy and the management of public, private and nonprofit organizations.
The Bachelor of Science program in public service and public policy provides comprehensive coverage of topics in public policy, leadership and management.
You learn how to lead and influence change via public organizations and the policy process. You also gain foundational knowledge about democracy, economics and the role of government in society. The program's distinct because it balances theoretical knowledge and a professional focus.
You can select one of the following concentration areas to supplement your core courses. Concentrations must be applied to separately: business, criminology, emergency management and homeland security, health policy, law and policy, or sustainability.
- College/school:
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown Phoenix or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
- Math
intensity: General
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required to change to this program.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Students in the public service and public policy program work to create policies that advance the public interest. When studying abroad, students gain a better understanding of how government functions at various levels around the world and an understanding of which public policies are beneficial to society and which policies need to be improved upon. Students increase their knowledge and experiential base through study abroad programs to bring about positive change in their own communities.
Graduates possess the knowledge and skills to transform government and policy in positions at all levels in city, county, state and federal agencies --- entry, midlevel supervisory and managerial. They are prepared for work in nonprofit organizations and in the private sector at the interface of public affairs and private enterprise. For those who already have work experience, the degree provides further opportunity for promotion.
The public service sector offers sustainable, exciting and fulfilling career options. Graduates are empowered to use knowledge of the public sector as a catalyst to change the world. By understanding the challenges facing government and being well-versed in the development of multiple useful and realistic solutions, graduates contribute to the development of local, national and global communities.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
6.4%
|
$45,930
|
|
|
4.6%
|
$56,730
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$105,770
|
|
|
1.0%
|
$54,210
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$61,990
|
|
|
6.2%
|
$75,940
|
|
|
-1.2%
|
$72,110
|
|
|
-3.1%
|
$142,080
|
|
|
3.4%
|
Not available
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$89,320
|
School of Public Affairs
|
UCENT 400
spa@asu.edu
602-496-0450
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
