

Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix campus)
Public Service and Public Policy (Nonprofit Leadership and Management), BS
Study detals
: Bachelor's degree : Public Service and Public Policy (Nonprofit Leadership and Management), BS PPPANLMBS : Full time : 48 MonthRequirements
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)
Additional information
Program description
The School of Public Affairs offers a BS in public service and public policy with a concentration in nonprofit leadership and management.
The role of the nonprofit organization continues to grow and presents broad policy implications for future public sector professionals. This program empowers students to understand the social, political, economic and philanthropic factors related to the nonprofit sector.
The BS program in public service and public policy includes comprehensive coverage of topics in public policy, public leadership and management. Applications and examples encompass a wide variety of policy topics and management approaches.
This program examines the public sector and addresses the challenges facing the public in a practical way. It particularly enables students to study public service, policy and administration with a focus on professional preparation for a career. The major is also well suited to students interested in pursuing graduate education in law, public administration, public policy, and other areas focused on public affairs and the common good.
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:
- Global Management, MGM
- 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 this program can get practical experience with nonprofits through study abroad programs. Many service-learning and culturally immersive programs offer work with nonprofits, and students can find programs that enable them to visit or work with nongovernmental organizations, charities and local organizations that benefit the public in many different countries.
Career opportunities
The degree in public service and public policy is primarily focused on individuals working in or interested in working in the public sector. The skills and knowledge graduates have acquired allow them to successfully function in many other types of organizations; however, the primary focus is on public organizations.
Graduates are prepared for entry- and midlevel supervisory and managerial positions in city, county, state and federal agencies, for work in nonprofit organizations, and for work 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.