Online Bachelor of Science in Public Service and Public Policy

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:

Planning to continue your education in public health after earning your degree? Once admitted, connect with your academic advisor to learn about the Accelerated Master of Public Health (MPH) offered through Claremont Graduate University in collaboration with ASU.

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.

Program Field of Study
Bachelor of Science
Program Focus
Public Service and Public Policy
Program Name Abbreviation
Public Service and Public Policy (BS)
Program Category
Degree Image
Students in the public service degree program walk along a street in a parade with a large globe displayed behind them.
Program Description Intro

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.

Plan Code
PPPAFBS
Program code
UGPP
Start Date
Areas of Interest
Courses Summary

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.

Total Classes
40
Total Hours
120
Total Classes Tooltip
Class number may be less for transfer students.
Total Credit Hours
120
Total Hours Tooltip
Required number of credits to complete this degree.
Program Fee Code
Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions - Undergraduate Programs
Courses Section Title
Public service and public policy degree courses
CIP code
44.05
Title
Respected scholars, educators and practitioners in public policy
Description

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.
Accolade title
Nationally recognized public service programs
Accolade Description

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.

Accolade item
Accolades Title
#2
Accolades Description

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

Accolades Title
#2
Accolades Description

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

Accolades Title
Top 5
Accolades Description

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

Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description

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

Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description

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

Accolades Title
Top 10%
Accolades Description

of graduate programs in social work, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Accolades Title
Top 15
Accolades Description

best graduate public affairs programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Admission requirement title
How to apply
Manual Cost
false
Weeks per Class
7.5
Academic Career
Undergraduate
Program fee code for resident
UPO301
Program fee code for non-resident
UPO301
Program Description Title
A degree for those committed to addressing society's grandest challenges
override admission requirement
Off
Apply Now URL
https://webapp4.asu.edu/uga_admissionsapp/?term=2261&session=SESA&campus=ONLNE
Slug
bachelor-science-public-service-and-public-policy
Program Generated Code
UGPP-PPPAFBS
Title
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
Description

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.”

Schedule to talk
Academic Partner
Entity Type
Program Features