Public Service and Public Policy (Sustainability), BS
Are you interested in the environmental health of the planet and its citizens? Explore how government and policy affect the world around us through a curriculum that prepares you for an in-demand leadership career working on solutions to environmental policy and management problems.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Sustainability continues to be a highly sought-after area, and it presents broad policy implications. Through this concentration, you explore the challenges of sustainability and the development of solutions to pressing issues at local and global levels.
The Bachelor of Science 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 distinctly enables you to study public service, policy and administration with a focus on professional preparation for a career. The major is also well suited to you if you are interested in pursuing graduate education in law, public administration, public policy and other areas focused on public affairs and the common good.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| PAF 112 Public Service and American Democracy |
| PAF 160 How to Survive the 21st Century |
| PAF 200 Public Service and Policy |
| PAF 201 Economics and Public Policy |
| PAF 300 Public Management and Administration |
| PAF 301 Applied Statistics |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required for current ASU students to change to this major.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available, public service and public policy students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advocate | 7.4% | $45,930 | Learn more |
| Agricultural Manager | -3.4% | $89,900 | Learn more |
| CEO | 3.2% | $213,990 | Learn more |
| Community Specialist | 5.5% | $56,730 | Learn more |
| Compliance Manager | 4.9% | $141,900 | Learn more |
| Distribution Center Manager | 6.1% | $107,230 | Learn more |
| General Manager (GM) | 5.0% | $105,770 | Learn more |
| Government Programs Specialist | 1.6% | $54,210 | Learn more |
| Social Services Director | 7.2% | $80,390 | Learn more |
| Wind Energy Project Manager | 4.9% | $141,900 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
The degree in public service and public policy is primarily for individuals working or seeking work in the public sector. The skills and knowledge graduates acquire allow them to successfully function in many other types of organizations, though the principal focus is on public organizations.
Graduates are prepared for entry- and midlevel supervisory and managerial positions in city, county, state and federal agencies, and 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.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Public Affairs
|
UCENT 400
spa@asu.edu
602-496-0450
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
