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Public Service and Public Policy (Parks and Recreation Management), BS

Communities need people like you who are passionate about learning to improve public spaces through effective government and policy. This program, located at ASU's Downtown Phoenix campus, features coursework that strategically prepares you for an in-demand leadership career in local and state venues.

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Quick facts

Courses

Math intensity: General program math intensity general
First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
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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.

ASU is no longer accepting new students to this program. Interested students should apply to the Public Service and Public Policy, BS program.

Degree description

The School of Public Affairs offers a Bachelor of Science in public service and public policy with a concentration in parks and recreation management.

Leisure and quality of life are an essential part of U.S. society. This program provides you with a transdisciplinary education in the management of parks, protected areas and community-based recreation services.

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.

In the program, you examine the public sector and addresses the challenges facing the public in a practical way. The program 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

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

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.

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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)


Explore expanded study opportunities

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.

Global experience

Global Education programs at some of the world's most renowned and pristine parks, wildlife reserves, and other recreational facilities like forests, reefs and deserts provide students with insight as to how other countries use policy to manage their natural resources. Studying abroad allows students to tailor their experience to their particular interests and skill sets, with more than 300 programs available.

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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Career opportunities

The degree in public service and public policy is primarily for individuals working in or interested in working in the public sector. The skills and knowledge graduates acquire allow them to successfully function in many other types of organizations; however, the emphasis is on public organizations. They are prepared for work in nonprofit organizations and in the private sector at the interface of public affairs and private enterprise.

Graduates are prepared for entry- and midlevel supervisory and managerial positions in city, county, state and federal agencies. For those who already have work experience, the degree provides further opportunity for promotion.

Number 2 in the U.S. for employability among public universities. ASU ahead of UCLA, University of Michigan and Purdue. Global Employability University Ranking and Survey, 4 years, 2023 to 2026.

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.

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