Program Overview

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Public Service and Public Policy (Business), BS

The School of Public Affairs offers a concentration in business as part of the Bachelor of Science program in public service and public policy. This concentration establishes the links among the corporate world and the public sector by blending public policy and business strategy. Students are empowered with a robust skill set essential for leadership roles in today's global landscape. They master economic principles, strategic decision-making, and advanced policy analysis by engaging in practical applications while navigating policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation in governmental agencies.

Program Description

The program prepares students for in-demand leadership careers in government affairs offices and regulation. It is designed for those who are passionate about exploring how government and policy affect communities and the lives of others, and who are interested in using their keen business sense to understand how public policy interacts with the private sector.

At a Glance

• College/school: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

The curriculum for the program can be viewed in the 2025-2026 curriculum archives.

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

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.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

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 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.

Global Opportunities

Students seeking in-depth knowledge of the public sector related to agencies that conduct business in various capacities can benefit from studying abroad. Many programs focus on topics such as urban sustainability, challenges to a country's economy, and governmental issues so students can see the concepts they have learned through a distinct cultural lens.

Career Opportunities

This BS program 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. They have the skills to be entrepreneurs in any sector, with career opportunities as diverse as small towns and Fortune 500 companies. For those who already have work experience, the degree provides further opportunity for promotion.

Example Job Titles and Salaries

• Advocate: 6.4% growth, $45,120 median salary
• Community Specialist: 4.6% growth, $54,940 median salary
• Compliance Manager: 4.5% growth, $136,550 median salary
• Distribution Center Manager: 6.1% growth, $102,010 median salary
• General Manager (GM): 4.4% growth, $102,950 median salary
• Government Programs Specialist: 1.0% growth, $51,500 median salary
• Office Manager: 4.6% growth, $108,390 median salary
• Political Analyst: -3.1% growth, $139,380 median salary
• Politician: 3.4% growth, $44,810 median salary
• Regulatory Affairs Manager: 4.5% growth, $136,550 median salary