Do you have a passion for exploring how government and policy affect your community and the lives of others? In this program, you gain a foundation in public policy, enjoy internship opportunities, and build the expertise required for a career that exercises your leadership skills at all levels.
The minor 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, learn how to lead a public organization, and understand the process of policy development.
The minor allows students enrolled in other undergraduate programs at ASU to broaden their educational experiences. The program has an applied and professional focus which can enhance many other majors, enabling students to be more competitive when seeking a public sector job.
At A Glance
Public Service and Public Policy (Minor)
- Offered by: Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
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Financial Aid
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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.
Program requirements
Degree requirements
The minor in public service and public policy requires 18 credit hours.
Required Courses:
PAF 200 Public Service and Policy in the 21st Century (3)
PAF 300 Public Management and Administration (3)
PAF 340 Contemporary Policy Challenges (3)
Electives: (select three courses from the following list)
PAF 201 Economics and Public Policy, SB (3)
PAF 410 Building Leadership Skills, SB (3)
PAF 420 Public Leadership (3)
PAF 470 Topics in Public Economics and Financial Management (3)
PAF 471 Public Policy Analysis (3)
URB 300 Urban and Metropolitan Studies (3)
URB 305 Urban Governance (3)Other related electives may be selected with advisor approval.
A total of 12 credit hours must be taken in the School of Public Affairs at ASU.
To earn the minor, students must complete all course work in the minor with a minimum grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher.
Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: 2.00
Incompatible Majors: BS in public service and public policy (all concentrations)
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Students interested in pursuing a minor should consult their academic advisor to declare the minor and to ensure that an appropriate set of courses is taken. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and the minor. Students should contact their academic advisor for more information.
Career outlook
Students completing this minor are prepared to pursue a career in a field related to public administration or public policy. This may include opportunities as a policy analyst, entry-level manager or program coordinator in local, state or federal agencies; nonprofit organizations; and private organizations that interface with the public sector.