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 or focus areas 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)
- Public leadership and management (focus area)
- Public policy (focus area)
- Urban studies (focus area)
Are you passionate about exploring how government and policy affect your community or the lives of others? Gain an excellent foundation in public policy while you enjoy internship opportunities that build the expertise needed in high-demand careers in the public sector. This program is located in downtown Phoenix, near city, county and state governments.
The School of Public Affairs offers a concentration in emergency management and homeland security as part of the BS in public service and public policy.
This concentration program provides students with the skills and knowledge to manage and assume positions of leadership within the field of emergency management and homeland security. Concepts of public policy and management are blended with emergency management principles to enhance and foster critical thinking within the general field of study. More specifically, the program's focus provides the student with a comprehensive perspective, which is critically important for emerging leaders in disaster management.
At A Glance
Public Service and Public Policy (Emergency Management and Homeland Security), 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
The program is primarily focused on providing students with the knowledge and skills required for entry- and mid-level supervisory and managerial positions in the public sector, such as city, county, state and federal agencies, though they would successfully function in many other types of organizations as well. For those who already have work experience, the degree provides further opportunity for promotion. In addition, the program prepares students for future graduate study in law, public policy and public administration.
Retiring baby boomers, along with increasing demand for public services, has resulted in an increase in job opportunities for graduates in the public sector. The federal government is the nation's largest employer with nearly two million people employed across the country, and nearly 85% of those jobs exist outside the Washington, D.C. area. The federal government is anticipated to hire tens of thousands of new employees for mission-critical positions in the next few years. Students with preparation in academic areas related to public service will have an advantage in that market.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | -3.9% | $183,270 |
| Compliance Managers | 8% | $105,610 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | 6.7% | $92,460 |
| Emergency Management Directors | 7.7% | $72,760 |
| General and Operations Managers | 9.1% | $100,410 |
| Investment Fund Managers | 18.7% | $125,080 |
| Legislators | 7.1% | $25,630 |
| Regulatory Affairs Managers | 8% | $105,610 |
| Security Managers | ||
| Social and Community Service Managers | 18% | $64,100 |
* 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 (Emergency Management and Homeland Security) in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
More information on the program is available directly from ASU Online.