#10 environmental policy
– U.S. News & World Report 2025
ASU’s School of Public Affairs is nationally acclaimed for preparing a new generation of leaders. We draw inspiration from our place in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions — a community of change agents passionate about making a difference in the world. Our unique strengths in local government, information technology, science and technology policy, environmental policy, urban innovation, civic engagement and new forms of governance have led U.S. News & World Report to rank us — and our specializations — consistently among the top public affairs schools in the nation.
We live the ASU Charter by preparing students and professionals for ethical, inclusive and effective public service; conducting cutting-edge research of value; and engaging locally, nationally and internationally with the communities we serve. Our world-class faculty have spent the majority of their careers challenging the most critical issues of public policy and democracy. At both the graduate and undergraduate levels, we provide hands-on, problem-solving experience in the classroom, internships and capstones.
Bob Ramsey Executive Education
Improving the effectiveness of the people and organizations that serve communities is at the heart of Bob Ramsey Executive Education. Through the center’s programs and seminars, public service professionals can enhance their management and leadership competencies and can earn the Certified Public Manager®, Certified Municipal Clerk or Master Municipal Clerk credential. The center also assists state, local and tribal governments with implementing their staff-development initiatives.
Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security
This university-wide, interdisciplinary hub creates innovative solutions for managing significant incidents or disasters — whether natural or man-made.
Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy
The Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy at Arizona State University aims to foster and support thoughtful, innovative research, policy briefs and forums around the state of American democracy. The two-fold focus is on exploring nonpartisan reforms and redesigns of federal, state and local governance of electoral structures, and a deep-dive examination of the independent voter.
Center for Organization Research and Design
The Center for Organization Research and Design features a multinational roster of participants and affiliates who promote, support and conduct fundamental research on public, nonprofit and hybrid organizations and their design.
Center for Science, Technology and Environmental Policy Studies
The Center for Science, Technology and Environmental Policy Studies conducts research, evaluates policy and develops solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges at the nexus of scientific, societal, technological and environmental change.
Center for Urban Innovation
The Center for Urban Innovation works to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods and cities by engaging in and promoting research advancements in governance, policy and management.
Center on Technology, Data and Society
Helping individuals, governments and nonprofits navigate digital technologies for the public good is the aim of the Center on Technology, Data and Society.
Global Center for Technology Transfer
The Global Center for Technology Transfer unites ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, W.P. Carey School of Business and Thunderbird School of Management with a singular goal to bridge the gap between technology transfer research, managerial practice and public policy.
Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory
The Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory trains students and election professionals in key areas of election administration to increase election integrity, transparency and public trust.
undergraduate students
graduate students
faculty members
alumni worldwide