Online Bachelor of Science in Public Service and Public Policy

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.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 08/21/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Public Service and Public Policy (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

* Indicates a required field

A degree for those committed to addressing society's grandest challenges

cardImage

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

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.


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:

Advocate


Growth: 8.6 %
Salary: $38,520

Community Specialist


Growth: 6.5 %
Salary: $47,290

General Manager (GM)


Growth: 4.2 %
Salary: $98,100

Government Programs Specialist


Growth: 2.2 %
Salary: $49,230

Human Behavior Researcher


Growth: 4.8 %
Salary: $50,470

Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist)


Growth: 5.9 %
Salary: $64,240

Paralegal Assistant


Growth: 0.2 %
Salary: $62,340

Political Analyst


Growth: 6.6 %
Salary: $128,020

Politician


Growth: 3.4 %
Salary: $48,090

Respected scholars, educators and practitioners in public policy

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:

  • Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Respected scholars, educators and practitioners in public policy

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:

  • Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Nationally recognized public service programs

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.

#2


best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#2


in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings.

Top 5


Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report.

Top 10


best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Tuition calculator

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. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

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. Learn more.

You might also be interested in

Community Advocacy and Social Policy (BA)

Undergraduate

Community Advocacy and Social Policy (BA)


Starts 08/21/2025

Learn more
Criminology and Criminal Justice (BS)

Undergraduate

Criminology and Criminal Justice (BS)


Starts 08/21/2025

Learn more
Public Service and Public Policy – Emergency Management and Homeland Security (BS)

Undergraduate

Public Service and Public Policy – Emergency Management and Homeland Security (BS)


Starts 08/21/2025

Learn more
Innovation in Society (BS)

Undergraduate

Innovation in Society (BS)


Starts 08/21/2025

Learn more