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.
Quick facts
Next start date: 07/02/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
A degree for those committed to addressing society's grandest challenges
You’re an excellent fit for this program if you aspire to lead and transform community, state, government and nonprofit organizations. This public service and public policy degree provides you with the knowledge to evaluate societal challenges and the practical tools to address them. Courses push the boundaries of theoretical learning and prepare you to improve government and policy at all levels.
You can also elevate your studies by earning a graduate degree. This bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:
- Master of Arts in emergency management and homeland security.
- Master of Public Administration.
- Master of Science in program evaluation and data analytics.
Develop skills that translate to jobs in all sectors
This program offers a professional view of policy, management and leadership. Whether you pursue employment in the public, private or nonprofit sectors, you’ll have a career-ready skillset. This includes analyzing policy and understanding how it’s crafted, developing realistic solutions to problems and leading teams. You’ll also learn how to identify opportunities for positive change and work within the structures and operational rules common to governments and nonprofit organizations.
As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to make an impact in policy analysis, social services, government affairs, budget analysis, city management, policy consulting and more. For those who already work in the public and nonprofit sectors, you can immediately apply your knowledge and skills to your role. Although the curriculum is rooted in public service, the skills you’ll gain are broadly applicable to careers in the private sector as well. For example, you could pursue roles in corporate social responsibility, sustainability, compliance, human resources and market research.
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
Community Specialist
General Manager (GM)
Government Programs Specialist
Human Behavior Researcher
Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist)
Paralegal Assistant
Political Analyst
Politician
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
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
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.
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