Public Affairs, BA

The major in Public Affairs welcomes students interested in public policy, community planning, civic engagement and advocacy for employment in local, state and federal government or the nonprofit sector.

Coursework in Public Affairs encourages you to explore diverse perspectives, apply problem-solving skills and engage in practical internship experiences where you will analyze and address real-world social problems.

The flexible Public Affairs curriculum allows you to concentrate in a specific area of study. The concentrations build upon the CORE Public Affairs curriculum and prepare you to develop your specific field of interest. You can choose one of the established concentrations or work with your advisor to create your own.

Options include:

• Urban Studies
• Nonprofit Management
• International Development (study abroad options are available)
• Politics and Policy OR design your own concentration

Four-Year Program of Study

Junior Transfer Program of Study

Double Major Pathways

Public affairs majors are in a unique position to complete a double major in public affairs and international studies or environmental studies with a specialization in urban sustainability or politics, policy, and justice.

Students can complete these double majors (and others) in a normal four-year course of study. Please meet with your academic adviser to discuss your academic course plan and the requirements for completing a double major.

• Public Affairs and International Studies Program of Study
• Public Affairs and Environmental Studies Program of Study

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs curriculum is designed so that our students will achieve the following objectives:

• Demonstrate the tools needed for community engagement including the ability to understand diverse persons/people and appreciate different perspectives
• Demonstrate skills and knowledge of management and leadership in public and nonprofit organizations
• Demonstrate competence in working with quantitative data (including the collection, analysis, communication and interpretation) needed for the field of Public Affairs
• Use critical thinking, research skills, and effective writing to analyze public problems and develop plans of action
• Understand the relationship between the government and its constituents through the use of theory and it application to problems in the public sector

The minor in nonprofit and public administration welcomes students interested in pursuing careers working in the nonprofit sector, local, state or federal government. As a nonprofit and public administration minor, you must complete 30 credits with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

The nonprofit and public administration minor is complementary to many majors. If you are interested in pursuing the nonprofit leadership minor, we encourage you to meet with your adviser to discuss your interests and career goals and to plan your course of study.

The Nonprofit and Public Administration Minor curriculum is designed so that our students will achieve the following objectives:

• A working knowledge of the public, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors
• Preparedness to more effectively contribute to society as an active and engaged citizen locally and globally