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Public Service and Public Policy (Criminology) ,BS

Public Service and Public Policy (Criminology), BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Public Service and Public Policy (Criminology)

Administration, Corrections, Criminal Justice, Justice, Justice Studies, Management, State government, Urban Studies, analysis, city, federal government, government, law, prelaw, social

Are you interested in the management of the justice system? Are you eager to explore how policy and government affect the lives of others? This degree program, located in downtown Phoenix, features a curriculum that can prepare you for high-demand careers in public safety and justice administration.

Program description

The School of Public Affairs offers a concentration in criminology as part of the BS in public service and public policy, providing students with more specialized knowledge about the policy implications of criminology-related decisions and actions.

This program introduces students to the foundations of criminal justice and criminology and enhances it with training on how to lead, manage and influence change in the public sector.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Downtown Phoenix campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required to change into this program.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

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.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Students seeking in-depth knowledge of the public sector related to agencies that work with criminal justice systems in various capacities can benefit from studying abroad. Students can observe how public policies in other countries directly impact policing and criminality, thus showing the concepts they have learned through a distinct cultural lens.

Career opportunities

Criminology continues to be a highly sought-after area, but many of the career pathways involve working in or around government. The program is primarily focused on individuals interested in or working in the public sector. The skills and knowledge graduates possess will allow them to successfully function in many types of organizations, though the primary focus is on public organizations.

A bachelor's degree in public service and public policy is preparation for entry- and midlevel supervisory and managerial positions in city, county, state and federal agencies. Graduates 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.

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
CEO
-8.2%
$189,520
-7.5%
$49,610
-2.7%
$63,310
2.7%
$64,990
4.2%
$98,100
2.2%
$49,230
3.1%
$96,290
6.6%
$128,020
3.4%
$48,090
9.1%
$74,240
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information

School of Public Affairs | UCENT 400
spa@asu.edu
602-496-0450

What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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