Public Service and Public Policy (BS)

Are you motivated to drive policy forward and develop active solutions to societal challenges? If so, Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in public service and public policy online may be your ideal degree choice. At the core of this program is a commitment to applying skills in leadership, policy development and management to make the world a better place. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to enable positive change in industries across the private, public and nonprofit sectors.

Quick facts
Next start date: 07/02/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120

Public service and public policy degree courses

Coursework emphasizes policy and leadership. Key topics include persuasive writing for public issues, economics and policy, public service research methods, public management and more. To culminate the program you’ll complete a collaborative capstone project in which you’ll evaluate a case based on a real public problem and make recommendations for solving it.

PAF 200: Public Service and Policy (CIVI)

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PAF 201: Economics and Public Policy (SOBE OR SB)

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PAF 301: Applied Statistics (QTRS OR CS)

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PAF 302: Public Service Research Methods

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PAF 311: Leadership and Change (SOBE OR SB)

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PAF 340: Contemporary Policy Challenges

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PAF 400: Senior Capstone Project

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PAF 460: Public Service Ethics

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What can you do with a public service and public policy degree?

Upon graduation, you’ll have a solid foundation in public policy and transferable leadership, collaboration and management skills. With an understanding of the challenges of public service, you’ll be prepared to develop realistic solutions that contribute to local, national and global community improvements. Jobs you can pursue range from leading local nonprofits or municipal departments to policy consulting at the national level. Additional career path examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Social and Human Service Assistants

Growth: 8.6%
Salary: $38,520

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

Growth: 6.5%
Salary: $47,290

General and Operations Managers

Growth: 4.2%
Salary: $98,100

Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs

Growth: 2.2%
Salary: $49,230

Social Science Research Assistants

Growth: 4.8%
Salary: $50,470

Human Resources Specialists

Growth: 5.9%
Salary: $64,240

Legal Support Workers, All Other

Growth: 0.2%
Salary: $62,340

Political Scientists

Growth: 6.6%
Salary: $128,020

Legislators

Growth: 3.4%
Salary: $48,090

Urban and Regional Planners

Growth: 3.7%
Salary: $79,540