Director's Welcome

The School of Public Affairs offers undergraduate students the opportunity to explore a number of contemporary governance, urban, and public leadership topics.  Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the program presents the perfect setting for training future leaders to address the challenges of life in the 21st century. Our undergraduate programs benefit from association with the faculty of the nationally ranked graduate programs in public administration and urban management offered in the School.

Our undergraduate students have the opportunity to examine and engage in contemporary public issues through a multidisciplinary perspective. Through coursework and hands-on internships, they combine scholarship and practice and apply the considerable knowledge they gain in the classroom to enhance the health and well-being of our institutions and communities.

The bachelor’s degree Urban & Metropolitan Studies (UMS) explores a wide range of multidisciplinary issues influencing the quality of urban life. It is an ideal program for students who have a yearning to understand how our cities work and a desire to improve the quality of urban life. 

Our undergraduate degree in Public Service & Public Policy (PSPP) enables students to examine the public sector through multiple lenses and address the challenges it faces in a practical way. It prepares students for work in the public and nonprofit sectors through comprehensive coverage of topics in public policy and public administration

The concentration in Public Administration and Public Management in conjunction with the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree prepares students for citizenship, leadership, and careers in governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations. 

Our three undergraduate certificate programs in Public Administration/Public Management, Leadership and Ethics, and Creative Cities are available to students within our school or those with majors across the university.  They are also ideal for working adults and returning students who may wish to further their education, but are not considering a degree program.

Our graduates work in a wide variety of governmental, private, and not-for-profit fields. They assume roles in municipal, state, or federal agencies, engage in urban and suburban revitalization efforts, or become urban entrepreneurs.  Many pursue advanced degrees in public administration, public policy, urban planning, business, law, sustainability, and other fields.

I am pleased to welcome you to the School of Public Affairs and I invite you to explore the creative and extensive opportunities it offers undergraduate students.

Afsaneh Nahavandi Director, Undergraduate Programs E-mail: anahavandi@asu.edu Phone: 602-496-1158