Are you passionate about exploring how government and policy affect your community or the lives of others? In downtown Phoenix, the heart of Arizona's government, you'll gain an excellent foundation in public policy while you enjoy internship opportunities that build expertise for high-demand careers in the public sector.
The BS program in public service and public policy prepares students for work in government at all levels and in nonprofit organizations through comprehensive coverage of topics in public policy, public leadership and management, and urban studies.
Students discover the challenges of management and learn how to lead a public organization and understand the process of policy development. This program examines the public sector and addresses, in a practical way, the challenges facing the public. The program is unique because it enables students to study public service, policy and administration with a professional focus.
Students may select from one of the following concentrations to supplement their core courses:
- Public Service and Public Policy (American Indian Studies)
- Public Service and Public Policy (Business)
- Public Service and Public Policy (Criminology)
- Public Service and Public Policy (Emergency Management and Homeland Security)
- Public Service and Public Policy (Health Policy)
- Public Service and Public Policy (Law and Policy)
- Public Service and Public Policy (Nonprofit Leadership and Management)
- Public Service and Public Policy (Parks and Recreation Management)
- Public Service and Public Policy (Science and Technology Policy)
- Public Service and Public Policy (Social Services Delivery)
- Public Service and Public Policy (Sustainability)
Are you passionate about exploring how government and policy affect your community and the lives of others? Our program is located in downtown Phoenix, the heart of Arizona's government. Here, you will gain an excellent foundation in public policy through our coursework while further gaining applied skills through internship. Both will build your expertise, applicable in high-demand careers in the public sector.
The BS program in public service and public policy prepares students for work in government at all levels and in nonprofit organizations through comprehensive coverage of topics in public policy, public leadership and management, and urban studies.
Students discover the challenges of management and learn how to lead a public organization and understand the process of policy development. This program examines the public sector and addresses, in a practical way, the challenges facing the public. The program is unique because it enables students to study public service, policy and administration with a professional focus.
Students select one of the following concentrations areas to supplement their core courses, including; American Indian studies, business, criminology, emergency management, health policy, law and policy, nonprofit leadership and management, parks and recreation management, public leadership and management, science and technology, social services delivery, sustainability, or urban and metropolitan studies.
At A Glance
Public Service and Public Policy, BS
- Offered by: Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown, Online
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
WUE eligible program
Undergraduate students from western states who enroll in this
program are eligible for a discounted tuition rate.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
This degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills to transform government and policy at all levels.
The public service sector offers sustainable, exciting and fulfilling career options. Upon graduation, students are empowered to use knowledge of the public sector as a catalyst to change the world. By understanding the challenges facing government and being well-versed in the development of multiple, useful and realistic solutions, graduates contribute to the development of local, national and global communities.
The bachelor's degree program in public service and public policy prepares students for entry- and mid-level supervisory and managerial positions in city, county, state and federal agencies. For those who already have work experience, the degree provides further opportunity for promotion.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Social and Human Service Assistants | 16.8% | $35,960 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | 11.7% | $46,770 |
| General and Operations Managers | 5.8% | $103,650 |
| Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs | 3.8% | $47,110 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | 5.8% | $49,210 |
| Human Resources Specialists | 7% | $63,490 |
| Legal Support Workers, All Other | -1.2% | $59,540 |
| Political Scientists | 6.1% | $125,350 |
| Legislators | 6.2% | $33,200 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | 11% | $75,950 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation
What are Accelerated Programs at ASU?
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
What are ASU's Online Programs?
ASU Online offers programs like Public Service and Public Policy in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
More information on the program is available directly from ASU Online.