Bachelor of Public Affairs (B.P.A.)

The Bachelor of Public Affairs (B.P.A.) degree prepares students for careers in government, in the non-profit sector, for work on political campaigns, lobbying, and other areas of the social sciences and law and for advanced study in public administration.

The program is a structured professional curriculum that builds on the foundation of a general liberal arts education. The curriculum incorporates fundamentals of social science theory and applications of that theory to public management and policy analysis. The B.P.A. provides students with skills needed for working in the city, county, state and national government, in other public and non-profit agencies, and in positions in private enterprises that deal with governmental relations. Internships afford students an opportunity to apply what they have learned in public service settings.

Students can specialize in governance: state and local government relations, lobbying and electoral politics, public management, public policy and analysis or urban policy.

Career insights

This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.