Program Overview

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Public Affairs: Public Policy Emphasis

Bachelor of Science

Coursework Location(s)

Main/Tucson, Online - Arizona Online

Overview

The Public Affairs: Public Policy Emphasis program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the policy-making process in the U.S. and the role of leadership and ethics in the public sector.

Learning Outcomes

• Policy Creation: Demonstrate a basic understanding of the policy-making process in the U.S.
• Public Organization: Demonstrate a basic understanding of managing public organizations and challenges facing public managers.
• Foundations of Financing: Demonstrate a basic understanding of how governments at all levels are financed, and the role as well as the process of budgeting in the public sector.
• Ethics: Demonstrate a basic understanding of the role of leadership and ethics in the public sector.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrate critical thinking about major policy issues in the US by assessing competing arguments and developing proficiency in communicating arguments in oral and/or written formats.

Program Details

Coursework Location(s)

Main/Tucson, Online - Arizona Online

Level of Math

Moderate Knowledge

The M-strand is for students who require mathematical facility at the level of at least MATH 112 (College Algebra Concepts) or 108 (Modeling with Algebraic and Trigonometric Functions). This strand involves reasonable facility with algebra and algebraic functions, graphs, and simple modeling. Students who choose the M-strand are prepared for further mathematical work. This work may include MATH 107 (Exploring and Understanding Data), MATH 113 (Elements of Calculus), MATH 116 (Calculus Concepts for Business), MATH 119A (Mathematics of Biological Systems: A Calculus Based Approach), or a statistics class from outside the Mathematics Department, such as ISTA 116 (Statistical Foundations for the Information Age) or SBS 200 (Statistics for the Social Sciences).

Level of Second Language

2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

No

This Major's College

College of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

2025, Public Affairs: Public Policy Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework

First Year

1st Semester

• ENGL 101 First-Year Composition (3 credits)
• Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course) (1 credit)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• Foundation Mathematics (MATH 107 recommended) (3 credits)
• First Semester Second Language (4 credits)

2nd Semester

• ENGL 102 First-Year Composition (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• Second Semester Second Language (4 credits)

Second Year

3rd Semester

• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• SBS 200 or MATH 163 (4 credits)
• PA/POL 206 Public Policy and Administration (3 credits)
• POL 201 American National Government (3 credits)

4th Semester

• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 credits)
• General Education Portfolio (Exit Course) (1 credit)
• ECON 200 Basic Economic Issues (3 credits)
• POL 202, 203, 204, or 209 (3 credits)
• Minor Course (3 credits)

Third Year

5th Semester

• Emphasis Core (3 credits)
• Emphasis Elective (3 credits)
• Minor Course (3 credits)
• General Elective (3 credits)

6th Semester

• Emphasis Elective (3 credits)
• Emphasis Elective (3 credits)
• Minor Course (3 credits)
• UD Minor Course (3 credits)
• General Elective (3 credits)

Fourth Year

7th Semester

• PA 330 Ethics for the Public Administrator (3 credits)
• PA 393 Internship (3 credits)
• Emphasis Elective (3 credits)
• UD Minor Course (3 credits)
• General Elective (3 credits)

8th Semester

• PA 410 Introduction to Public and Nonprofit Financial Management (3 credits)
• PA 470 Public Organizational Management (3 credits)
• PA 480 Formation of Public Policy (3 credits)
• UD Minor Course (3 credits)
• General Elective (3 credits)