Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix campus)

411 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States Arizona, Phoenix, USA Visit web page

Public Service and Public Policy, BS

Study detals

Course type: Bachelor's degree Degree: Public Service and Public Policy, BS PPPAFBS Study mode: Full time Duration : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

Also available online

Additional information

Program description

The BS program in public service and public policy provides comprehensive coverage of topics in public policy, leadership and management.

Students learn how to lead and influence change via public organizations and the policy process. They also gain foundational knowledge about democracy, economics and the role of government in society. The program is distinct because it balances theoretical knowledge and a professional focus.

Students can select one of the following concentration areas to supplement their core courses. Concentrations must be applied to separately: American Indian studies, business, criminology, emergency management and homeland security, health policy, law and policy, nonprofit leadership and management, parks and recreation management, science and technology policy, social services delivery or sustainability.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Downtown Phoenix campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Biosecurity and Threat Management), MA
Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Community Resilience), MA
Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Cybersecurity Policy and Management), MA
Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Emergency Management), MA
Emergency Management and Homeland Security (Homeland Security), MA
Emergency Management and Homeland Security, MA
Program Evaluation and Data Analytics, MS
Public Administration (Emergency Management), MPA
Public Administration (Nonprofit Administration), MPA
Public Administration (Public Finance), MPA
Public Administration (Urban Management), MPA
Public Administration, MPA
Public Policy (Environmental Policy), MPP
Public Policy (Policy Informatics), MPP
Public Policy (Science and Technology Policy), MPP
Public Policy, MPP

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Students in the public service and public policy program work to create policies that advance the public interest. When studying abroad, students gain a better understanding of how government functions at various levels around the world and an understanding of which public policies are beneficial to society and which policies need to be improved upon. Students increase their knowledge and experiential base through study abroad programs to bring about positive change in their own communities.

Career opportunities

Graduates possess the knowledge and skills to transform government and policy in positions at all levels in city, county, state and federal agencies --- entry, midlevel supervisory and managerial. They are prepared for work in nonprofit organizations and in the private sector at the interface of public affairs and private enterprise. For those who already have work experience, the degree provides further opportunity for promotion.

The public service sector offers sustainable, exciting and fulfilling career options. Graduates 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.

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