Program Overview

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Public Service and Public Policy, BS

The Bachelor of Science program in public service and public policy provides comprehensive coverage of topics in public policy, leadership, and management. Students learn how to lead and influence change via public organizations and the policy process. They also gain foundational knowledge about democracy, economics, and the role of government in society. The program is distinct because it balances theoretical knowledge and a professional focus.

Program Description

The program is located in downtown Phoenix, near city, county, and state government offices. The customizable curriculum prepares students for in-demand careers in public policy and the management of public, private, and nonprofit organizations.

Concentration Areas

Students can select one of the following concentration areas to supplement their core courses:

• Business
• Criminology
• Emergency management and homeland security
• Health policy
• Law and policy
• Sustainability

At a Glance

• 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

Curriculum

The curriculum for the program can be viewed online.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination.

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.

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.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU.

Global Opportunities

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.

Career Opportunities

Graduates possess the knowledge and skills to transform government and policy in positions at all levels in city, county, state, and federal agencies. They are prepared for work in nonprofit organizations and in the private sector at the interface of public affairs and private enterprise.

Example Job Titles and Salaries

• Advocate: 6.4% growth, $45,120 median salary
• Community Specialist: 4.6% growth, $54,940 median salary
• General Manager (GM): 4.4% growth, $102,950 median salary
• Government Programs Specialist: 1.0% growth, $51,500 median salary
• Human Behavior Researcher: 4.4% growth, $58,040 median salary
• Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist): 6.2% growth, $72,910 median salary
• Paralegal Assistant: -1.2% growth, $68,760 median salary
• Political Analyst: -3.1% growth, $139,380 median salary
• Politician: 3.4% growth, $44,810 median salary
• Urban Planner: 3.4% growth, $83,720 median salary

Accelerated Master's Programs

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

• Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Biosecurity and Threat Management), MA
• Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Community Resilience), MA
• Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Cybersecurity Policy and Management), MA
• Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Emergency Management), MA
• Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Homeland Security), MA
• Emergency Management and Homeland Security, MA
• Program Evaluation and Data Analytics, MS
• Public Administration (Emergency Management), MPA
• Public Administration (Nonprofit Administration), MPA
• Public Administration (Public Finance), MPA
• Public Administration (Urban Management), MPA
• Public Administration, MPA
• Public Policy (Environmental Policy), MPP
• Public Policy (Policy Informatics), MPP
• Public Policy (Science and Technology Policy), MPP
• Public Policy, MPP

What are Accelerated Programs?

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

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.

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. Students from western states who select this major may be eligible for a reduced nonresident tuition rate of 150 percent of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.