Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Public Affairs Program

The Bachelor of Public Affairs offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for immediate entry into meaningful careers in public service. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical experiences, emphasizing policy analysis, data analytics, and organization leadership and management.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured into several components:

• Core Curriculum (42 credit hours): All students pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University must complete the forty-two-hour statewide Core Curriculum.
• Major Coursework (27 credit hours): Required courses in the major include:
  • ECO 304K: Introduction to Microeconomics
  • SDS 320E: Elements of Statistics
  • P A 301: Foundations of Public Affairs
  • P A 305: Analysis of Policy Adoption and Implementation
  • P A 311L: Qualitative Methods for Public Affairs
  • P A 311N: Quantitative Methods for Public Affairs
  • P A 315: Economic Analysis for Public Affairs
  • P A 320: Communication for Public Affairs
  • P A 136: Professional Development
  • P A 137: Leadership Laboratory
  • P A 168: Policy Simulation
• Prescribed Electives (15 credit hours): At least one writing intensive P A 345 seminar and 12 additional hours chosen from the following:
  • P A 325: Topics in Policy
  • P A 345: Advanced Topics in Policy
  • P A 355: Advanced Topics in Policy Analysis Skills and Methods
• Required Minor or Certificate (15 credit hours): Completion of an undergraduate transcript-recognized minor or certificate in a different field.
• Free Electives (30 credit hours): Additional coursework to fulfill all degree requirements and reach a total of 120 semester hours.

Public Affairs Major Coursework

The required courses in the major equip students with the conceptual, analytical, and professional tools to be successful in careers in public affairs. The courses cover:

• Foundations of Public Affairs
• Analysis of Policy Adoption and Implementation
• Introduction to Microeconomics
• Economic Analysis for Public Affairs
• Statistics
• Qualitative and Quantitative Methods for Public Affairs
• Communication for Public Affairs
• Professional Development
• Leadership Laboratory
• Policy Simulation

Sample Curriculum

A sample four-year curriculum is provided, outlining the courses to be taken each semester. The curriculum includes:

• First Year: Foundations of Public Affairs, Microeconomics, American and Texas Government, Rhetoric and Writing, and Undergrad Signature Course
• Second Year: Analysis of Policy Adoption and Implementation, Statistics, Quantitative Methods for Public Affairs, Qualitative Methods for Public Affairs, and Topics in Policy
• Third Year: Economic Analysis for Public Affairs, Advanced Topics in Policy, and Minor/Certificate Requirements
• Fourth Year: Advanced Topics in Policy, Minor/Certificate Requirements, and Free Electives

Conclusion

The Bachelor of Public Affairs program at the University of Texas at Austin provides students with a comprehensive education in public affairs, preparing them for careers in public service. The program's interdisciplinary curriculum and practical experiences equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex societal challenges and make impactful contributions in various public sector and nonprofit roles.